What I admire most about the pest control industry is the public service element of our mission. Sure, PMPs are in business to earn a living and support their families, but the vast majority I’ve encountered during my 40-year career also are motivated by a genuine desire to protect the health and property of their customers.
The same is true of product suppliers serving the structural pest control industry, many of whom have the dual responsibilities of ensuring that an ever-growing global population has enough food to eat and water to drink. It’s a daunting corporate imperative, but one which companies like BASF, Syngenta, Bayer, FMC and Corteva Agriscience readily embrace, not only because it is core to their business, but it is core to their mission as a company.
These firms, by and large, are populated by scientists who understand the delicate balance of developing cutting-edge technology that will benefit mankind, but also potentially impact the environment. After all, by their very nature, pesticides are designed to control a target pest. But doing so comes with a certain amount of risk, risk that is mitigated by enhanced formulations, highly efficient active ingredients, proper pesticide application and the use of personal protective equipment. The fact of the matter is, today’s pesticides are more targeted, more efficient and more environmentally sensitive than at any time in our industry’s history. And I’m confident that 20 years from now the same will be true, as industry product suppliers continue to innovate, developing the next generation of pesticides and application equipment designed to kill the bad bugs, while protecting the good bugs.
That’s why we decided to tackle this subject in this month’s special report, which has been six months in the making. In covering this potentially controversial topic, which has gained traction as a result of recent coverage in National Geographic, The New York Times and other mainstream media outlets, we decided to address the issue through a pest control industry lens, reaching out to the wide array of stakeholders whose mission it is to protect the health and property of their constituents — PMPs, extension personnel, urban entomologists, university educators, association officials and industry product suppliers.
The result is “Good Bugs vs. Bad Bugs,” a simple headline addressing a complex topic. We hope our coverage not only provides food for thought as all of us do our best to kill the bad bugs and protect the good bugs, but also reinforces the essential public health role our industry plays. We have a compelling story to tell, so let’s tell it in the most transparent way possible. Anything short of that would be a disservice to our industry, an industry that has not only helped support our families, but more important, has had a positive impact on the quality of our customers’ lives.
The author is publisher of PCT magazine.
In preparing this month’s editorial package, PCT reached out to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) for comment. A copy of their statement follows: “The National Pest Management Association was not involved in any of the research studies that indicate declining insect populations, and is therefore unable to speak to the specifics of the methodology and findings. Some of the published findings did make some sweeping statements that captured the interest of the news media, but were also met with mixed reviews among the entomology community at large. The studies also focused primarily on larger rural insect populations and tropical arthropods. When it comes to structural pest populations and the problematic pests we solve for, we’re actually finding the reverse of declining insect populations to be true. We’re not seeing any decreases in urban pests such as cockroaches, ticks and ants which can survive in diverse habitats and are quite different from the insects being studied here. We’ve also noticed increases in vector-borne diseases and increases in tick and mosquito calls across the industry.”
PODCAST: Eric Paysen Provides Scorpion Management Tips
In Episode 4 of the Syngenta-sponsored podcast series “Pest Expert Chats,” Eric Paysen, technical service manager for Syngenta, reviews best scorpion management practices and provides an overview of Syngenta’s SecureChoice Scorpion Assurance program. Download from the PCT Online homepage or at https://buff.ly/2NpKqin.
Call for Entries for PCT’s 18th Annual Photo Contest
PCT announces the call for entries for our 18th annual Best Pest Photo Contest. The contest is your chance to be recognized alongside your peers for having taken one of the best photographs in the pest control industry. Photos will be judged on the three Cs: color, clarity and content. The winning photographer will receive $500. In addition to the photo, please provide: (1) Identification of the pest; (2) location of where the photo was taken; and (3) anything else unique about the photo or circumstance under which it was taken. Send your entry* via email to photocontest@giemedia.com or mail to: PCT Online, c/o Brad Harbison, 5811 Canal Road, Valley View, OH 44125. Deadline is Dec. 8.
*Important note: There is a limit of one photo per entrant.
NOMTRCB’s James Beck won $500 from PCT for his photo of the beetle Strategus aloeus.
SLIDESHOW: PCT’s First-Ever Vehicle Wrap Contest
In September, PCT announced Arrow Exterminating, Lynbrook, N.Y., as the winner of our first-ever Vehicle Wrap Contest with its “Pest Bus” vehicle wrap. PCT received more than 60 entries for the contest, which was sponsored by Oldham Chemicals Company. Visit “online extras” on the PCT Online homepage to view a slideshow of the winning photo, as well as the 10 finalist photos from this year’s contest.
Pictured, from left to right, Rich Records of Agri-Turf Distributing, Aaron Rhoderick of Tri-West Ltd., Kristen Strauch of the American Cancer Society, Allen Gage of Tri-West Ltd., and Lon Records of Agri-Turf Distributing.
Agri-Turf Tournament Raises $75,000 for the American Cancer Society
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. — Agri-Turf Distributing’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised $75,000 for the American Cancer Society. The event was held July 18, at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin, Calif. The full tournament started with a shotgun scramble.
Agri-Turf President Rich Records said, “We appreciate the support from our tournament partner, Tri-West Ltd., our customers and suppliers. It is also important to recognize Tustin Ranch Golf Club for hosting a quality tournament. We truly appreciate everyone’s efforts to make this a successful event.”
During the banquet, the check presentation amounted to $72,000, but donations made post tournament brought the final donation to $75,000.
Kristin Strauch, executive director of the American Cancer Society, said of the donation, “We are so grateful to Agri-Turf Distributing, Tri-West and the participants of this tournament. This is an investment in the American Cancer Society. This donation helps save lives by supporting both cancer research, and by assisting cancer patients along their journey.”
The tournament celebrated its first hole-in-one this year. Rob Van Orsdol of Premium Termite and Pest Control, Lancaster, Calif., shot a hole-in-one on the last hole, winning a $10,000 cash prize (see page 58). Nobody was more surprised than Van Orsdol, who said, “I didn’t know why everybody was yelling. I didn’t realize I was on the contest hole until I looked up and saw the sign!”
All event proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society in its efforts to provide funding for leading cancer research, and patient services. Since the tournament began in 2015, the event has raised over $274,000 for the American Cancer Society. Platinum sponsors of this year’s tournament included: Bell Laboratories, Brandt Consolidated, MetroFlor and Paradigm Flooring.
NPMA’s Mosquito Multiplier Shows Just How Quickly Mosquitoes Multiply
Screen cap from PPMA’s Mosquito Multiplier video.
FAIRFAX, Va. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), released the results of its new video project — Mosquito Multiplier — to show just how quickly mosquitoes are able to multiply right in your customers’ own backyards. By recreating ideal conditions that allow mosquitoes to thrive, researchers were able to capture the true breeding power of mosquitoes, and the results are a must-see.
“The Mosquito Multiplier project is a visual simulation that’s designed to show homeowners exactly how mosquito populations can explode under the right conditions,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association. “Our team of experts took mosquito eggs and hatched them under controlled conditions that mimic those you would find in a typical backyard, and in less than a week, we had over 5,000 mosquitoes.”
As PMPs know, mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet areas and only need as little as half an inch of water to breed, turning seemingly innocent items such as kiddie pools, wheelbarrows and overturned frisbees into potential breeding grounds. “To reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes breeding on your yard, conduct a survey of the property at least once a week and eliminate any areas of standing water,” Fredericks urged consumers.
California Restaurant Dares to Put ‘Rodent’ in its Name
Sea creatures one may encounter at Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub.
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — For most restaurateurs, when it comes to naming their establishment the traditional route is to use terms that have alliteration or perhaps sound appetizing. Restaurateur Davin Waite did just the opposite. He named his popular restaurant Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub.
While the name may not make one’s mouth water, it does capture people’s attention. In fact, the restaurant was one of the subjects in “Name of Groans: The Search for the Most Truly Awful Restaurant Name in America,” a 2017 feature that appeared on the popular restaurant industry website Eater.com.
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub faced off against another quirky fish-centric restaurant, A-Fish-o-na-do, in round one of the competition. Here’s how Eater.com described the matchup.
It’s a bold restaurateur who deliberately puts the word “rodent” in the name of his or her restaurant. And yet the grossest thing in the name of Wrench & Rodent is the monstrous portmanteau (portmonstrosity?) “Seabasstropub.” It’s a gastropub? That serves... sea bass? Maybe only sea bass? Hmm. But all I want to know is: Would a true A-Fish-o-na-do actually call themselves that? Winner: A-Fish-o-na-do.
While Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub “lost” that competition, the company is winning over patrons. According to its website, Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub “prides itself on offering locally and responsibly sourced ingredients while taking special care to minimize waste. Menu options range from rolls and nigiri to elaborate sashimi plates and an unconventional omakase.”
It’s proven to be a popular formula. Yelp reviewers have given the restaurant 4.7 out of 5 stars. Here is how one Yelper described their dining experience. “The food here is INSANE! Exciting menu, freshest fish I can imagine and VERY reasonable prices. Our service was phenomenal, extremely friendly staff and the semi punk/alt vibe made for a fun atmosphere.”
So, if you are up for something different try Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, located at 1815 S Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054. — Brad Harbison
Flies are Most-Searched Pest in California Market
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Flies, ants, and mosquitoes caused the most widespread problems among U.S. households, according to a recent study by Organic Lesson.
The three insects were identified as the top-searched pests across 41 states, and they also accounted for 34% of total do-it-yourself pest control searches in the United States.
The study analyzed Google’s search interest data of 30 common household pests and rodents including flies, ants, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas, mice, and cockroaches. The study specifically focused on pest control searches with a DIY intent, such as “bed bug remedies,” “mosquito traps,” and “how to get rid of fruit flies.”
In analyzing data from California, the top searched pest was (insert drum roll)...flies.
Dr. Chow-Yang Lee Joins UC-Riverside Entomology Team
Lee
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Acclaimed entomologist Dr. Chow-Yang Lee recently joined the University of California Riverside Department of Entomology as Endowed Presidential Chair in Urban Entomology. His official start date was July 1.
Lee said he was excited about the opportunity to join the storied department, which rose to prominence under the late urban entomology pioneer Dr. Walter Ebeling, and whose tradition was carried on by Dr. Mike Rust and research associate Don Reierson.
In his position at UCR, Lee serves as a mentor to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers; teaches courses related to urban entomology and insect toxicology; and interacts with pest management professionals and related stakeholders in urban pest management.
“My research direction will continue to center around the behavioral, ecological, and physiological adaptations of urban insect pests, especially understanding how these adaptations help them to thrive in the urban environment and their biological trade-offs,” he said. “I am also interested in the roles of human activities and propagule pressure in invasion history of urban insect pests. Using the research findings obtained, my students and I design, evaluate, and integrate multiple management tactics to provide a system-level approach towards urban pest management.”
Lee added that one of his short-term goals (5-7 years) is to elevate the level of interaction between the UCR urban entomology program with pest management professionals in the U.S. and around the world.
Lee comes to UC-Riverside from the Universiti Sains Malaysia where he performed a broad spectrum of applied research and studied insect toxicology. Lee said his greatest accomplishment at that institution was “helping to train many students who later went on pursuing successful careers in academia, industry or their own pest management companies,” including many that were first-generation college graduates from underprivileged upbringings. He also said he was proud to have been “a driving force who has made an impact on the pest management industry in Southeast Asia through my research findings and training of pest management personnel.”
In 2018, Lee was one of three editors — along with Dr. Dini Miller and Dr. Stephen Doggett — of “Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs,” which is a comprehensive scholarly examination of bed bugs. — Brad Harbison
UCR Researchers Report Progress Controlling Mosquitoes with Bacteria
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a neurotoxin that isn’t harmful to any living thing except Anopheles mosquitoes. They plan to use it in developing a bacteria-based Anopheles insecticide.
About 30 years ago, scientists identified a strain of bacteria that kills Anopheles. Since the bacteria’s method of attack was not understood, it couldn’t be replicated or used as an alternative to chemical insecticides — until now.
It took the team, led by Sarjeet Gill, a professor of molecular, cell and systems biology at UC Riverside, 10 years to achieve a breakthrough in understanding the bacteria. Gill attributes the success to modern gene sequencing techniques. The team hit the bacteria with radiation, creating mutant bacterial strains that could not produce the toxin. By comparing the nontoxic strain to the one that kills Anopheles, they found proteins in the bacteria that are the keys to toxin production. The work is detailed in a paper published in Nature Communications.
“Identifying the mechanisms by which the bacteria targets Anopheles has not been easy,” Gill said. “We were excited not only to find the neurotoxin, called PMP1, but also several proteins that likely protect PMP1 as it’s being absorbed in the mosquito’s gut.”
Members of Gill’s team include postdoctoral scholars Estefania Contreras, Jianwu Chen, Harpal Dhillon and Nadia Qureshi, as well as graduate students from UC Riverside and other institutions. Their work was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
The researchers have applied for a patent on this discovery, and now hope to find partners that will help them develop their bacteria-based Anopheles insecticide.
Visit Pi Chi Omega at PestWorld
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Pi Chi Omega, the pest control industry’s national fraternity, will be exhibiting at NPMA PestWorld (booth #1051), Stop by and take the Pi Chi Omega Ultimate Insect ID Challenge! Bring your insect identification skills and your bravery — in addition to naming several different species of insects, you may opt to go for the bonus round and blindly stick your hand in a box to identify the insect inside. “If you loved the Pi Chi Omega Ultimate Insect ID Challenge at PestWorld 2018, wait until you see what we have in store for you this year,” said Pi Chi Omega.
California Rat Population Exploding, New Report Claims
SAN DIEGO — A report released in July by Reform California, the political action committee of former San Diego Councilman Carl DeMaio, says a survey of 23 rodent control companies across the state shows sharp increases in rat populations everywhere.
According to the report, more than 78 percent of the companies reported an increase of at least 50 percent, and 43.6 percent reported an increase ranging from 76 percent to more than 100 percent. No companies reported decreases.
In the Reform California report, the panel of experts said the spikes they have seen in rat populations are likely related to increased homelessness, because storing food and going to the bathroom outdoors helps rats flourish.
PCOC Announces Fumigation Website Contest Winners
Convention Extra - Association News
Best Rate Termite won for its online promotion of structural fumigation.
Best Rate Termite won the first-ever website contest for fumigation companies, sponsored by PCOC and Douglas Products.
est Control Operators of California (PCOC) announced the winners of its first website contest, sponsored by PCOC and Douglas Products. The contest recognized participating PCOC member companies for educating consumers about using structural fumigation to eliminate drywood termites from their homes.
Taking first place was Best Rate Termite Company, based in Spring, Valley, Calif. Proven Termite Solutions, based in San Jose, Calif., received second place, and Thrasher Termite and Pest Control, based in Los Gatos, Calif., was awarded third. Major League Pest, based in Vista, Calif., received an honorable mention.
Proven Termite Solutions was an award winner in the fumigation website competition.
To enter the contest, companies submitted screenshots of their website pages promoting structural fumigation. A panel of communication professionals judged entries based on how easy it is to navigate through information, the visual and video content, and the depth and quality of the information provided.
Awards included $2,500 toward a paid Google Ads campaign for first place and $1,500 toward a paid Google Ads campaign for second place. In addition, first, second and third place winners received two co-branded Vikane literature pieces from Douglas Products. All four winners were awarded co-branded fumigation facts business cards.
“A company’s website may be the deciding factor whether or not the consumer contacts the company,” said Hannah Strasser, marketing manager for Douglas Products. “The PCOC website contest recognizes California companies that are doing an outstanding job of presenting information about their professional structural fumigation services.”
Thrasher Termite and Pest Control was an award winner in the fumigation website competition.
Payne Pest Management: A San Diego Success Story
Convention Extra - PCO Profile
Family-owned and -operated firm started from scratch and has grown into a major Southern California player.
Payne Pest Management celebrated the milestone of making the PCT Top 100 list, at the 2016 Top 100 event in San Diego. From left to right are Manuel Aguilar, Lupita Aguilar, Jason Payne, Kathy Payne, Willie Payne, Stacy Salange and Pete Salange.
by Brad Harbison
n 2006, Willie Payne found himself at the crossroads. After nearly 30 years as a top-performing sales professional/sales supervisor at Terminix, Payne was plotting his next career move.
“I was 55 and I was at a point in my life when I didn’t want to leave Southern California. I went as high as I could go [in sales], so the only thing left for me to do was work for myself,” he recalls.
After talking things over with wife Kathy and reviewing their finances, the couple took a huge leap of faith and launched Payne Pest Management.
In just 13 years, Payne Pest Management has gone from a start-up company looking to find its way, to a major player in Southern California. By 2018, the company had grown to include three offices, 50 employees and in 2018 it generated $6.4 million in revenue to rank #91 on PCT’s most recent Top 100 list.
HOW THEY DID IT. Willie Payne’s early life experiences included a stint in the U.S. Army where one of his experiences was serving as a guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
After leaving the Army he worked for a grocery store, and then learned of an opportunity at Terminix (July 1977). One of his earliest mentors at Terminix was Bob Wilcox, who was the regional training specialist. Other early influencers from Terminix included Harvey Massey, Norm Goldenberg, Steve Good, Wayne Golden and Stoy Hedges, as well as Ernie Richetti and the late Carlos Cantu, whom he considers his mentors. Richetti was his first manager at Terminix, and Cantu was CEO of Terminix’s parent company, ServiceMaster, from 1994 to 1999, a period of time in which Terminix underwent tremendous growth.
Payne excelled as a service professional at Terminix, and by 1989 he entered Terminix’s management training program. Payne would go on to become Terminix’s top-performing sales supervisor in the Los Angeles region. “If there was a $10,000 or more job to close, they would call me to help close the deal.”
As part of Payne’s pest control industry sales journey, he had joined several local community organizations/associations to raise his visibility. These networking experiences would later prove valuable.
A BUSINESS IS BORN. With a confidence in his own sales ability and having networked with many professionals in common industries (e.g., property managers), Payne believed the foundation was in place for a successful business.
Payne’s next step was to build his team, which started with wife, Kathy, who was well suited to handle financials and administrative responsibilities. She owned a business as a bookkeeper for eight entrepreneurs.
“I’m terrible at paperwork and she is terrible at selling. We stay in our lanes. Some days we might only say 15 to 20 words to each other in the office. That is how we make it work,” Willie Payne said.
Payne also turned to Abbas Rad, a 19-year colleague of his at Terminix, to help with operations. At Terminix, Rad performed termite inspections, gave the fumigation preparation meetings, and ran all aspects of termite work for Payne. Rad is currently regional vice president for Payne Pest Management.
Payne Pest fumigated Marina Pacifica HOA in Long Beach, Calif.
Payne’s business plan included targeting multi-family housing. “We started by going after apartments, and then to Navy housing, and it has grown from there,” said Payne. Today, Payne Pest Management services a wide variety of accounts, including HOAs, condominiums, military housing and public utilities. Payne Pest Management has targeted these type of accounts because of their potential to lead to other opportunities. With condos, for example, Payne said, “If you can get one manager under your belt you might be able to get 5-9 different condo complexes in your portfolio. It’s like fishing. Do you want to go after the 10-pound bass or the 400-pound tuna.”
MORE GROWTH. The last piece of the puzzle at Payne Management was the addition of Willie and Kathy’s son, Jason, who joined the company after working in pharmaceutical sales.
“I grew up vacuuming and emptying trash at the Terminix office, so it was in my blood,” said Jason Payne, who took a break from pest control to attend Boise State University on a football scholarship.
After graduating from Boise State, Jason signed up for Terminix’s management training program in San Diego (1998). After completing the year-long program, he became sales manager at Terminix’s Escondido, Calif., office.
In 2000, Jason’s wife, Misty, took a job offer to work in Nike's corporate office in Beaverton, Ore. Because there were no Terminix management positions available in Beaverton, Jason went to work in pharmaceutical sales.
After having done this job for five years, Jason got the itch to start up his own pest control business, and his original plan was to open a business in the Beaverton area. As Willie Payne recalled, “I told him, ‘Why do that when I need help here?”
Together, the father-son team have proved formidable. While Willie has built the business by selling contracts to his property management contacts, Jason Payne has helped the company fine-tune its operations by adopting technology (e.g., handhelds, use of apps, GPS in vehicles, etc.) and improving its social media presence. Jason also took it upon himself to explore the Arizona market. Jason has also been instrumental in helping Payne Pest Management get its foot in the door to help land contracts with the San Diego County Water Authority; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; AT&T; Honda America; 20th Century Fox, and recently Disney.
While both father and son have different personalities, they share the same management philosophy. “The goal is to bring people on board who do their job better than you do your job,” Willie Payne said. “Give them the tools to succeed and stay out of the way.” An example of this philosophy is scheduling. Payne Pest Management service professionals have the autonomy to set up their own daily schedules.
Added Jason Payne, “The secret to winning is hiring a good team. We still have 90 percent of the people we have hired on our team.” Jason said the company pays competitively and works hard to maintain its family culture.
GIVING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD. Once Willie Payne decided to launch Payne Pest Management, he knew that an important part of the foundation on which the company would be built was giving back to the community. Throughout the years, the Paynes have been active in the communities they serve.
One example of this involvement is Willie Payne chairing the Permission to Talk Foundation, which educates men on health issues such as the importance of getting screened for diabetes and checked for prostate cancer.
Another example is Willie Payne supporting the philanthropic efforts of Tayari Howard, owner of radio station KKSD. Howard teaches radio classes to underprivileged, minority children and also serves as a mentor. Payne financed studio equipment for the classes and has helped with other financial considerations.
Other charities and organizations the Paynes support include: Jackie Robinson Foundation; Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation; Amvets; The Trinity House; Christian Record Service; Turning Point; The Nestor Torres Foundation; Lincoln Charities; Susan G. Komen; The Monarch School; U.C. Riverside Foundation; Mothers Against Drunk Driving; San Diego Regional Minority Supplier Diversity Council; and B.B. Jazz.
“We do [outreach] from a distance,” Willie Payne said. “We don’t do it for recognition. We like to give back. We have been blessed with great opportunities, and we feel we should take those blessings and pass them along to others.”
In recent years, Willie says he’s “taken a few more vacations” and spent more time on his charitable endeavors. And that is intentional.
“I made a conscious decision to no longer be the face of the company,” he said.
That role has been passed along to Jason Payne, and the elder Payne is enjoying watching his son take the reins at Payne Pest Management and lead with a style all his own.
The author is Internet editor/managing editor of PCT and can be contacted at bharbison@gie.net.
Dan Moreland
