Between the lack of light and the amount of potential clutter, safety glasses are certainly the first thing you think of when assembling your PPE, says Billy Tesh, president of Crawlspace Depot.
1. There is a lot of safety equipment available out there. What one item do you think is the most important?
That’s a good question! While you wouldn’t want to choose just a single safety item in reality, there is one you should put at the top of your list, and that’s safety glasses. It sounds like such a simple thing, but the consequences of not using safety glasses can be permanent and tragic. And when you’re closing crawl spaces, eye protection is absolutely imperative. It’s often hard to see and that makes the chances of running into something that can injure an eye much greater. Also, crawl spaces tend to be messy places with ductwork, nails, insulation and all sorts of other surprises that can cause significant injury. Between the lack of light and the amount of potential clutter, safety glasses are certainly the first thing you think of when assembling your PPE.
2. Do regular glasses offer enough protection?
Unfortunately, no. Safety eyewear conforms to a higher standard of impact resistance. While regular prescription glasses obviously offer a barrier to everyday events in our regular lives, that’s not their purpose. They can’t qualify as occupational “safety glasses” unless they meet the safety eyewear standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI standards are also used by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
3. What kinds of safety glasses are there?
The two kinds of safety glasses are prescription (available from an eye care professional) and non-prescription (“plano”) safety glasses, then there are two classifications of impact resistance: basic and high impact. The choice of impact level depends on your occupation, and some activities require even more protection, such as side shields, goggles or full face protection. Wrap styles are popular for any activity that might need a side shield.
Many styles are available depending on your needs and personal preferences. Options include padding, magnification, over-glasses fitting, anti-reflective (AR) coating, polarized lenses, various patterns and lens tints. Eye professionals can even prescribe bifocals and progressive lenses as well as standard prescriptions.
The lens material is also important. Many people prefer polycarbonate lenses because they weigh less than half than glass and are also more impact resistant. Unfortunately, they’re softer than glass, so they’re more easily scratched. Anyone who wears regular glasses is aware of this problem!
4. What kind of safety glasses should I be looking at for closed crawl space work?
If you choose eyewear protection with the highest impact standard, you can’t go wrong in just about any occupation. For crawl space work, in particular, we also recommend non-polarized glasses because you don’t need polarized lenses in a crawl space as there is no sun to create glare and sun hazes. (You might opt to have anti-reflective lenses to help with glare from the artificial lighting in a closed area, but they aren’t a necessity.) Almost as important as impact resistance for practical working conditions are anti-fog lenses. When you get into a crawl space, you’ll probably find your glasses fog up the minute you put them on! It’s not only frustrating, it’s dangerous.
5. There are thousands of safety glasses out there. What do you recommend?
Because we offer quality materials to close crawl spaces and we felt this issue was so critical, we now offer products from Edge Safety Eyewear. Edge takes pride in merging cutting-edge technology with contemporary fashion, providing the finest safety-rated eyewear on the market. They not only offer the best impact protection, but also premium anti-fog protection with their revolutionary Vapor Shield technology.
Edge’s impact resistance is phenomenal. It’s tested in independent laboratories for compliance with both ANSI Z87.1+2015 and Military Ballistic MCEPS GL-PD 10-12 – in fact Military Ballistic MCEPS safety standards simulate a shotgun blast from 33 feet!
Many Edge Eyewear models feature their unique Vapor Shield Anti-Fog technology. It’s so common to see technicians in a crawl space with glasses so fogged up that they can’t see. No matter how many times they stop to clean them, they just fog up again. So what happens? They remove the glasses and keep working! That’s a critical problem that now has an easy fix. This isn’t your Grandpa’s standard anti-fog. It’s a special application that is absolutely impervious to fog and recommended for “extreme” environments — like a crawl space!
In addition to their superior impact resistance and available Vapor Shield models, Edge has a wide variety of styles to suit individual tastes and fits — everything from lens tints to goggle kits. Edge offers unique features to fit the specific needs of different work environments and various facial structures. Their glasses also provide 99.9% UVA/UVB/UVC protection. We feel that adding quality safety products like Edge Eyewear helps complete our crawl space product line.
These Edge Eyewear models feature Vapor Shield, Edge’s revolutionary military grade anti-fog coating that totally prevents any fogging in any environment. All Edge Eyewear lenses also filter dangerous UVA, UVB and UVC rays for optimal safety.
The Edge Caraz Safety Glasses feature clear lenses for optimal clarity plus an EVA foam gasket ideal when working in environments with high levels of airborne debris, dust or wind. The arms detach so that you can attach an adjustable head band to keep the glasses secured to your head regardless of your orientation.
The Edge Brazeau-Torque, Khor G2 and Dakura Safety Glasses are all designed to fit comfortably with a stylish look. The Brazeau and Khor G2 feature clear lenses with pristine clarity, so they are an excellent safety choice for indoor and low light conditions. The Dakura’s yellow tint provides slightly less light transmission than clear lenses when light is present, but items appear with more clarity. Technicians really like using these in a crawl space environment.
Edge Caraz Safety GlassesEdge Brazeau-TorqueKhor G2Dakura Safety GlassesEdge Kazbek Polarized Aqua Precision Blue Safety Glasses Outside Model (NO VAPOR SHIELD)
5 Questions with Dr. Janis Reed
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Cockroaches and infestations of these insects were the impetus for the birth of the pest management industry. Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Technical Services Manager with Control Solutions, Inc. (CSI) answers some questions on cockroaches and cockroach infestations.
1. What integrated pest management (IPM) techniques are most effective against cockroaches?
Cockroaches need 4 things to survive: food, water, harborage, and procreation. In my opinion, harborage removal/elimination is key for cockroach control. Typically, this means cleaning clutter, and then treating any remaining harborage.
2. Why have baits become the product of choice for managing cockroaches both indoors and outdoors?
Baits are popular because of their simplicity and overall effectiveness. In general, they have been so successful because of three things:
Less preparation is needed — customers no longer must empty their cabinets for a “traditional” chemical treatment.
Baits can be simply placed in cracks and crevices where cockroaches live.
Bait materials are highly attractive and effective against cockroaches.
3. Why are cockroaches so successful as pests?
This can be boiled down to one word: Reproduction. Cockroaches’ ability to reproduce quickly is why they are successful. German cockroach females typically develop in less than three months from egg to adult. This generation time means cockroach populations can build rapidly. Additionally, a single German cockroach female can produce 40+ eggs per ootheca and she can make several of these egg cases in her lifetime.
4. How do cockroaches affect human health?
Cockroaches commonly affect human health in two ways: allergens and spread of bacteria.
Cockroach cast skins (exuviae) and fecal material contain proteins that many people can be allergic to. If exposed for long periods of time or repeatedly, this can cause serious medical conditions, including asthma.
In food-preparation areas, cockroaches can physically move bacteria on their bodies. For example, the cockroach may be spending time in a sewer and then crawl across a clean kitchen counter, bringing dangerous bacteria with them in the process.
5. What would happen if all cockroaches disappeared from the planet?
Cockroaches play a very important role as nutrient recyclers and detritivores (organisms that eat decaying organic material). When cockroaches feed, they help to replenish nitrogen in soil. This, in turn, feeds plants. If we had no more cockroaches, the effects on plants, soil and forests would be disastrous. While cockroaches are not welcome in our structures, they are beneficial insects in the natural world.
Comings & Goings
Departments - Comings & Goings
If your company has added new personnel, send a photo and press release to jdorsch@giemedia.com.
Nisus Corporation announced the appointment of Jamel Sandidge as innovation platform leader of the Nisus R&D team. Sandidge will have direct responsibility for driving growth of the professional pest control product lines, as well as serve as an integral part of the company’s innovation strategy.
Jennifer Gordon, Ph.D., has joined Douglas Products as a field scientist to support pest management companies serving customers with treatments using Vikane and ProFume gas fumigants. She holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Kentucky with a concentration in evolutionary insecticide toxicology, and a master’s degree in entomology from Louisiana State University with a concentration in toxicology.
The Pest Management and Public Health business of Bayer — part of the company’s Environmental Science unit — added three new members to its marketing team: Joaquín Martínez is now serving as product manager, Takisha Truss has assumed the role of customer marketing manager for business assurance, and, as of Oct. 1, Joern Kraegeloh became the head of marketing for pest management and public health.
The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) announced the addition of two new executive committee members: John Myers, president of Rentokil North America, and Matt Stevenson, president, residential services, Terminix International. Sprague Pest Solutions announced that Ross Treleven was promoted to vice president of operations. Treleven’s time at Sprague includes over 20 years of leadership responsibility, from technician to general manager.
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PCO News
Departments - PCO News
Please send press releases about your firm to jdorsch@giemedia.com.
Earlier this year, Truly Nolen International, Orlando, Fla., celebrated the opening of eight new service offices in 2018. “Coming off adding 12 service offices in 2017, the addition of 20 total offices the last two years continues to make this one of the most successful periods in our company’s history in terms of expansion and growth,” said Jose Lutz, CEO of Truly Nolen International. In 2018, Truly Nolen service offices opened in Pnomh Penh, Cambodia; Chiloe, Chile; Milano, Italy; Hamilton, New Zealand; Moscow, Russia; Khamise Mushayt, Saudi Arabia; Chernivitsi and Kiev, Ukraine.
Rollins has acquired Campbell, Calif.-based SOS Pest Control and Termite. The deal closed on July 15 and terms were not disclosed. SOS was owned and operated by Carol Williams. Williams’ late husband John worked for Orkin in the mid-1970s.
Student scholarship recipients from HACLA with Cindy Ziemke (middle).
American City Pest & Termite provided and presented $4,000 in scholarships to residents of Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). “Many of these students are first in their family to attend college. The stories they told of the obstacles they overcame to get to this point was inspiring,” says Cindy Ziemke, American City president. Greg Bausch, operations manager, added, “It was an honor to be a part of the selection process and the presentation of the awards.”
American Pest, which services Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, acquired Annapolis Pest Control, which was the company’s 10th acquisition. Annapolis Pest Control is headquartered in Anne Arundel County, Md., and has been in business for more than 30 years. The company was led by Jack and Jan Schroeder.
Massey
Massey Services announced that Tony Massey, the company’s president, was honored with the Father of the Year Award from the American Diabetes Association and Father’s Day Council. The recognition is bestowed on Orlando’s most successful businessmen for being great fathers who successfully balance their work and family lives and serve as good role models for their children and the community. “I am honored to be recognized as a Father of the Year. For me personally, it has been extremely rewarding to watch our sons grow into young adults and see all they have accomplished,” said Massey, who is president of Massey Services. “I am proud to accept this tribute and support the American Diabetes Association with their mission of improving lives of people with diabetes.” Massey is the father of four sons – Sean, Colin, Bryan and Aidan. He has been married to Jann for 25 years.
Ray Meyers
Crown Leadership Awards, Sponsored By Syngenta - Crown Leadership Awards
Whether it’s providing manufacturers critical research findings or training technicians, this veteran PMP is committed to advancing the pest management industry.
Ray Meyers, president of RJM Contracting, Lake Mary, Fla., is not unlike a lot of leaders in the pest control industry. While his contributions are numerous and have been critical to the industry’s success, he’s not one to draw attention to himself, but rather he is content to be one of the industry’s ultimate behind-the-scenes contributors. As an independent contractor who works with product manufacturers, he’s become an invaluable resource, helping to bridge the gap between lab research and in-the-field practicality.
“Even though Ray wouldn’t tell you, and he may never agree, he’s had the greatest impact of anyone on research and development for the modern pest management industry,” according to Paul Hardy, owner of J. Paul Hardy Consulting and longtime senior technical services director at Orkin.
As Bob Cartwright, technical manager, Eastern U.S., Syngenta, explains, the depth and breadth of knowledge that Meyers, a former PCO, brings to the table, is invaluable. “He’s helped Syngenta and other chemical manufacturers bring products to market. Having had his own pest control business he understands what ... customers want, but he sees the research side of it too. He is really unique in having the ability to bridge that gap.”
In a career that spans five decades, Meyers has helped advance the pest control industry whether it’s working with manufacturers, training technicians, or the many other ways he’s served as a solutions provider. “Some would probably say I’m an educator, but I don’t think of myself as an educator,” he says. “I share what I did that was successful and present it in a way that somebody else can repeat it and possibly have a good outcome, too.”
In His Blood
Meyers is a second-generation PCO. His dad, Ray Meyers, Sr., owned several pest control companies, including American Pest Control, a large business in Orlando.
“Ray started his career, like many of us working in pest control, from the ground up. So, he’s ‘been there’ and ‘done that,’” said Hardy.
Paul Deets, who retired from Univar Solutions after a 40-plus-year career in pest management, said, “To appreciate working with Ray and his success in the pest management industry, it is very helpful to have known his parents first. In many, very positive ways, Ray is a ‘chip off the ol’ block.”
Deets added, “His dad had quite an entrepreneurial spirit. In the early years of the industry, I watched Ray Sr. build multiple pest control businesses in Florida, sell them, and then do it again. His dad taught him the decisions that had to be made regarding effective pest control; the products to use; calibration rates; dilution rates; and overall application rates for a specific targeted pest.”
Meyers started working for his dad’s lawn care company (which had 15 to 20 routes) when he was a kid. “I’d go down and wash trucks, do office stuff or clean up,” he recalled.
He got more serious about work when his dad started to pay him. “It was about 1967 and I was making around $1.65 an hour.” One of the technicians would pick him up from high school to finish the day’s remaining service calls. “All the service techs liked me, because they’d get some fresh blood on the truck,” said Meyers. When the route was complete, he’d “ride the truck back to the office with the technician, then ride home with my dad.”
After graduating from North Carolina State University in 1970, Ray Jr., began working full-time for his dad. In 1978, Ray Sr., decided to expand his lawn service company to include general pest control. “We decided we needed some pest control training, so my dad, a couple service technicians and I got in the car and drove north to the Purdue Pest Management Conference,” recalls Meyers. After about three days they decided, “That’s plenty of training. We’re just going into business. I’m not sure how much we actually learned while we were there, but man, we decided that we definitely belong in the South!” Meyers said, reacting to the cold Indiana weather they experienced during the conference.
Years later, Meyers’ career evolved from attending the Purdue conference to learn about pest management to speaking at the conference.
Construction Interest Pays Off
Had it not been for his father being in the pest control industry, Meyers said it’s doubtful he would have followed the same career path.
“You know, I always had an interest in insects and things, but I’m not sure I would have gone into pest control. I really thought I had more of an aptitude for construction,” explained Meyers. “If I had it all to do over again, I probably would have gone into construction. I don’t mean to be boring, but I sit around and look at construction magazines.”
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cook Photography
His construction interests range from commercial to residential, especially slabs and crawlspace-type construction, “the kind that most pest control guys are dealing with to treat for termites.”
He’s been able to meld his interest in construction with his passion for pest control, leading to a specialization in termite work. He was interested in teaching technicians “what a footer actually looks like.” He wanted to know “how to go about accessing critical areas, treat a footer and be certain of where the materials go.”
Meyers added, “I had a little talent at understanding construction methods, and I was able to share that knowledge with some PMPs, so it helped them with difficult termite treatments,” said Meyers.
But it’s not just the construction part of pest control that Meyers found to his liking. “I enjoy some aspects of the work more than others. I kind of like the whole process; however, I found inspections to be incredibly interesting and rewarding.”
In the end, Meyers’ greatest reward in working in the pest management industry is simply to be helpful.
“When I go to a person’s home — let’s just use a lady who has ants in her home, as an example. She’s been dealing with the ant problem for a long time and tried some remedies on her own, but the ants are still there,” explained Meyers. “My satisfaction comes from being able to go in there, assess the situation, make a thorough inspection and figure out where the ants are coming from or what the circumstances are surrounding the infestation, then fix it. That’s very rewarding.”
Meyers understands the importance of addressing peoples’ emotions, which often accompany pest problems.
“People either have a lot of fear, shame, animosity or whatever you want to call it, with regards to insects. There are a lot of feelings associated with having an infestation of ants or any other pest,” Meyers added. “Maybe a friend comes over, they see ants all over the kitchen and the homeowner is embarrassed. There’s also the potential for economic damage or aesthetic issues with infestations.
“It’s heartwarming when you’re able to help someone that’s having that kind of problem; otherwise, the issue may not have been solved,” he says. “I take it kind of personally and I think people appreciate that. I enjoy it because of the rewards. You get rid of the bugs and everybody is happy.”
Success as a Distributor Rep
Meyers’ pest control path shifted to distribution in the 1980s, first as a sales representative for Southern Mill Creek Products and later for Cypress Sales & Marketing. At the time, termites were the industry’s bread and butter, so Meyers’ construction knowledge came in handy.
“Termites became my focus as a pest control distributor salesman around the early 1980s in Norfolk, Va., because there was a lot of difficulty in the industry at the time controlling termites due to ineffective control materials and lack of technical knowledge,” explained Meyers. “Some of it had to do with techniques for termite work. A lot of it had to do with construction. Because I had a pretty good understanding of construction, I understood how to treat for termites. I was pretty good at putting those two things together — pest control and construction — and I solved a lot of termite issues PMPs were having.”
In the mid 90s, foaming was a new methodology for applying termiticides in which Meyers made significant contributions. “We used foam to reach areas of houses and buildings that, prior to that, weren’t accessible,” said Meyers. This demonstrated to technicians how to use foaming for treating with contact termiticides. “I think foaming as a method of treatment is something very useful to the industry that I have helped with.”
Whether termite control or general pest control, there’s one consistent thread throughout Meyers’ career: the satisfaction he receives from pursuing and achieving his goals. “I’ve worked for large pest control companies, owned a pest control business and I’ve been a consultant,” said Meyers. “Of all the things I’ve done in the industry, I really enjoy managing a portion of a business, being in charge of a company, division or branch, or being able to lead a team toward success.
“I think it’s about accomplishing a goal — succeeding at something. I just enjoy that sort of thing. I like being challenged. I like succeeding. And I’ve had plenty of opportunities to do that. I enjoy being in charge, being successful in growing a business, making money, as well as having satisfied customers. There’s a lot of pleasure in all of that.”
Ray Meyers relaxing and warming his neck with dachsund Daisy, the family’s pet.
Photo Courtesy of Scott Cook Photography
A Consulting Business is Born
In 1998, after having worked in the pest control industry in so many capacities, the natural progression for Meyers was to launch his own consulting business. RJM Contracting was founded in 1998, as a resource for providing real-world, in-field testing of products, services and equipment.
“I don’t do lab work. I conduct field research for large industry manufacturers. If they have a new compound, they want to know if it’s effective. I try it out in the field. That’s the sort of research I do,” said Meyers.
Meyers continues to be a research consultant to many manufacturers in the pest control industry. He has served as a consultant to Syngenta, BASF, Bayer and DuPont (Syngenta acquired DuPont’s Insecticide Business in 2012), among others, conducting numerous experimental use permit (EUP) evaluations based on the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and good laboratory practice (GLP). He provides manufacturers the data necessary to support EPA registration and labeling.
Hardy shared just some of the R&D Meyers has worked on: “Field testing new service procedures; pesticide development; outdoor and indoor service techniques; the use of borates to treat for structure-infesting insects; flow meters; using foam for pest management; field studies of baits for all pests; modern treatment equipment and technologies, such as infrared cameras, resistor graph, x-ray, moisture meters, and acoustic emission sensors.”
According to John Paige, III, Ph.D., principal scientist, Bayer Pest Management and Public Health, “Ray’s brought a lot of technology to the industry and taught people how to use that technology. Most of the products on the market today, especially ones that have been registered in the last 10-15 years, Ray worked on through his consulting business. He’s worked directly on those products. The work he did was submitted to the EPA for registration for a lot of companies.”
Syngenta is another manufacturer that has benefited from Meyers’ experience. Syngenta’s Cartwright cited as an example Meyers’ assistance when the company was developing Optigard for drywood termites. “Ray was instrumental in that he has always been at the forefront of using detection technology and equipment and adapting it to uses in our industry,” Cartwright said. “This is a good example of us going to him knowing he can help us on some of the things we don’t know that much about, like how to use infrared and sound detection.”
Meyers says he’s enjoyed working with Paige, Cartwright and Tom Nishimura (now-retired BASF rep) and he has learned from them as well.
Giving Back as a Trainer
One constant throughout Meyers’ career is that he has always given back to the industry in the form of training others, whether it’s giving individual or small group presentations, or speaking in front of large crowds at industry events. He said it’s the one industry contribution for which he hopes he is remembered. “I hope [others] would say I tried to share what I learned and that at my presentations or training programs I was able to clearly explain what needed to be done and that they enjoyed the session.”
Conference attendees like Meyers because of his approachability, Paige said. “People love to work with him. It seems like he knows the folks in the audience and how to connect with them. Nobody hesitates to come up to him with a question. Helping people is just in his DNA.”
Meyers said he enjoys the interaction at industry conferences and the many perspectives pest management professionals bring from across the country.
Said Deets,“Ray has an engaging personality. He’s fun to be around and you can be assured there’ll be lots of laughter no matter what the task at hand may be. Ray never met a stranger.”
Added Paige,“Ray has taught untold thousands of pest control operators all over the country on every subject from how to detect termites and how to control them, and every subject in the middle.”
What’s Next?
One thing unique about Meyers is that after finding success as a consultant, he returned to his roots, purchasing a pest control business — Pro-Line Professional Service, in DeLand, Fla., in 1998. “I kept it for nine years, then sold the pest control portion of the business,” said Meyers. “I kept the fire ant part of the business. I want to stay active. It’s kind of physical and it keeps me on the move. I think I can do the work for a long time — as long as I’m physically capable. I also have the research consulting work. That’s what I’m doing these days.”
Meyers — an avid fisherman and hunter, particularly duck hunting — continues to work for another very personal reason, “I like to get a new shotgun every year and that’s where the money is going to come from,” said Meyers.
He added, “My retirement goal will be to spend more time enjoying life, seeing the country and spending time with my grandchildren.”
Meyers said he has “put a pin in the wall” that he’ll retire around 75. “I’m in pretty good physical shape, so as long as I can get out there and keep working, I want to do it. But I don’t want to wait too long to retire. The kind of work I’m doing now, there are pretty long stretches when I’m not involved in a project. So, I might be able to pull off 30-day RV trips.”
While “headed down the road toward retirement,” Meyers remains a vibrant presence in the industry, looking forward to the day when Carol, Daisy and he can spend more time RVing throughout the country.