INDUSTRY DIFFERS OVER PROPOSED REGULATION
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — A recent termiticide efficacy standard proposed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) has come under fire by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and state associations in Florida, including the Florida Pest Management Association and the Certified Pest Control Operators (CPCO) Association.
Earlier this year, based on recommendations from DACS, the Florida Legislature approved and Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law legislation requiring the generation of data demonstrating the efficacy of pesticide products labeled for preventive treatments for termites for new construction, better known as pretreats. DACS recently developed and issued a proposed rule for comment.
“We made the recommendation because in looking at the available existing data for termiticide efficacy, it is very clear that there is a great deal of variability in terms of the quality of the data available for making sound decisions in terms of what products are going to perform satisfactorily over time,” said Steve Rutz, director of Agricultural Environmental Services Division, Florida DACS.
“We felt it was important that companies in Florida and the consumers that depend on their services be able to have confidence that the materials and methods being used to protect what is a very large investment on their part — their homes — are performing satisfactorily.”
Several pest control industry associations asked DACS to withdraw its proposed rule and allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the opportunity to establish tough uniform standards for all termite control products. Currently, EPA does not register soil-applied liquid termiticide products unless they demonstrate that they are effective for at least five years. Traditionally, the Agency has relied on data generated by the U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Product Research Lab in Starkville, Miss., to verify efficacy. EPA is currently developing similar efficacy standards for termite baits.
“We believe that DACS’ proposal unnecessarily goes beyond the Department’s statutory obligation, possibly conflicts and interferes with activities taking place at the federal level, and will lead to unintended and unanticipated consequences,” said NPMA’s Bob Rosenberg.
Rutz said DACS is interested in working with the pest control industry and EPA to have national and consistent uniform standards. He said DACS recognizes that it is not in everyone’s best interests to have varying state standards that can increase costs and create complications for registrants.
“We prefer to have a national standard, but if it appears that process is going to be excessively lengthy or if that process is going to result in a deterioration in the performance standards required for termiticides, then we may recommended going with state-supported standards,” Rutz said.
EPA ISSUES GENERAL GUIDANCE ON PESTICIDE SECURITY WASHINGTON, D.C. — In light of recent events throughout the U.S., the Office of Pesticide Programs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has coordinated with other EPA programs in an effort to encourage all pesticide industry organizations and facilities to review existing security measures. As a precaution during this heightened state of alert, EPA is reaching out to those who manufacture, reformulate, sell, distribute, transport, store or apply (aerially or by ground equipment) hazardous pesticides, urging everyone to be especially vigilant regarding the physical security of those pesticides and the equipment used in their application.\
EPA recommends that all pesticide industry establishments review EPA’s Chemical Safety Alert titled “Chemical Accident Prevention: Site Security,” published by EPA in February 2000 and available on the EPA site at www.epa. gov/swercepp/p-small.htm# alerts/. This Safety Alert focuses primarily on the chemical industry; however, it discusses several issues relevant to security in all types of pesticide establishments and facilities. The Office of Pesticide Programs has prepared a summary of the Chemical Safety Alert that has been tailored to the pesticide industry. This document is available on the Web at www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/pest_secu_alert .htm.
The FBI requests that anyone, including pest management professionals, report threats or suspicious behavior to his or her local FBI field office.
INDUSTRY MOURNS CLAY STROOPE AUSTIN, TEXAS — Clay Stroope, owner of Stroope Pest Control of Austin, passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2001. He was 43 years old.
Stroope graduated from Texas A&M University, class of 1980 and was a strong supporter of the Aggies. Stroope later became owner and president of Stroope Pest Control of Austin Inc. He was an active member and supporter of the Texas Pest Control Association and served as president from 1990-91. Stroope was instrumental in establishing the Endowed Chair in Urban Entomology at Texas A&M University. He also served many community associations including Little League, Manor School District and was a board member of the North Park YMCA in Austin.
Stroope and his father, Don Stroope, were PCT/Syngenta Leadership Award Winners in 1992.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, of 24 years; daughter, Emily and fiance, Jimmie Hester; son, Donald Clay Jr.; parents, Joanne and Don Stroope of Waxahachie; and many others.
In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the Clay Stroope Memorial Fund to establish a Texas A&M Endowed Scholarship, c/o the Texas Pest Control Association, 100 E. Anderson Lane, Suite 325, Austin, TX 78752.
MICRO FLO ACCUSED OF FALSELY LABELING PESTICIDES MEMPHIS, TENN. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accused Micro Flo Co. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF Corp., of illegally marketing millions of pounds of insecticides containing falsely labeled ingredients.
The Agency said in a civil complaint served on Sept. 12 that from 1996 to 1999, Micro Flo imported thousands of drums of insecticide ingredients with false paperwork indicating that the drums came from a manufacturer in India approved by the Agency. In fact, the Agency said, the chemicals came from unapproved manufacturers in several companies.
EPA is seeking $3.7 million in penalties for violations of federal pesticide laws.
Micro Flo President Bryan Wilson issued the following statement in response to EPA’s actions.
“Micro Flo fully intends to appropriately resolve the issues raised by EPA. The law in this area is ambiguous, and responsible pesticide manufacturers sometimes interpret the law differently from EPA,” Wilson said.
“Micro Flo’s products remain registered and effective for their intended uses. Moreover, Micro Flo has already put into place procedures intended to prevent recurrence of the conduct that EPA claims to be a violation,” he added.
The company can seek a settlement or argue its case before an administrative judge.
FMC, ISK PARTNER TO DEVELOP NEW INSECTICIDE PHILADELPHIA, PA. — FMC Corporation announced in October that it has entered into an exclusive agreement to develop, market and distribute a new Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. (ISK) insecticide in the Americas. The new insecticide, coded IKI-220, is a novel insecticide with a unique mode-of-action. This makes IKI-220 especially effective where resistance exists to other chemical classes of insecticides, the company says.
The partnership gives ISK access to these insecticide markets through FMC and adds a complementary insecticide to the FMC Agricultural Products Group portfolio. IKI-220 provides control of a specific group of sucking pests, including aphids, hoppers, whiteflies and other economically damaging insects, particularly those that transmit plant-injurious diseases.
In early testing, the new insecticide has demonstrated outstanding plant safety, selectivity and environmental qualities important to current and future crop and specialty uses including integrated pest management (IPM) programs, according to Jim Collins, general manager for specialty products and insecticides, FMC Agricultural Products Group. It is too early to tell, however, if this new insecticide will have structural pest control market applications.
“This new insecticide has an excellent fit in our major markets including cotton, corn, rice, vegetables, fruits, nuts, citrus and ornamentals,” said Collins. “IKI-220 will be very synergistic to our current product line which is already strong in pyrethroid and carbamate chemistries.”
FMC expects the new insecticide will enter the market in 2004 or 2005 and will generate significant sales at maturity. “IKI-220 will be an important new tool in insecticide cross-resistance management programs,” said Sid McDaniel, director of FMC’s global insecticide business, “and will be compatible with genetically modified (GMO) plant species.”
FMC also gained rights to develop, market and distribute IKI-220 in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. ISK retains rights to IKI-220 in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, where the company has established direct distribution.
ISK was founded in 1920 and is a leading manufacturer of inorganic chemicals with a core business in titanium dioxide pigments. ISK also has an organic chemicals business focused on proprietary agrochemicals and organic intermediates.
BAYER TO AWARD $1 MILLION FOR HISTORIC PREMISE TREATMENT KANSAS CITY, MO. — Bayer Corporation Professional Care is celebrating the 1 millionth American home treated with Premise® Insecticide with a new promotion.
One pest management company will win $1 million in the Premise One In A Million Sweepstakes. The promotion becomes even bigger with 1 million airline miles to be awarded to one homeowner, and another 1 million airline miles for one of the pest management product distributors who are authorized agents for Bayer.
“With the upcoming treatment of the millionth home with Premise, we wanted to mark this extraordinary milestone by doing something unprecedented in this industry,” said Jeff Vannoy, Bayer pest management market manager. “At the same time, we wanted to do it in a way that demonstrates our appreciation to everyone who has helped to make Premise the No. 1 liquid termiticide.”
Premise backs its claim for proven performance with nearly 1 million American homes treated and seven years of protection in Experimental Use Permit sites, the company says.
The more Premise pest management professional purchase, the more times they will be automatically entered in the One In A Million Sweepstakes. Once enrolled in the sweepstakes, PCOs receive eight automatic entries for purchases of Premise Max 75 WP, two entries for Premise Pre-Construction and one entry per case of Premise 75 WP, four Premise Singles, 12 containers of Premise 2F or one jug of Premise .5 SC.
“One of the most exciting things about this sweepstakes is that by involving homeowners, all pest management professionals who enter can walk away as winners,” Vannoy said. “Pest management professionals can leverage this contest with their customers, along with the proven performance of Premise, to build sales for their business.”
Bayer will help peak consumer interest in the sweepstakes with a national public relations campaign and an online media campaign through a homeowner Web site, www.homestore.com. As an added value, Bayer will drive homeowners to pest management professionals with its consumer Web site www.nobugs.com. This Web site contains a pest management professional locator that directs homeowners to a local pest management company that they can call for a free termite inspection and to enter the consumer sweepstakes.
All pest management professionals who enter the sweepstakes will be rotated into the pest management professional locator.
Bayer will provide pest management professionals who enter the Premise One In A Million Sweepstakes with marketing materials to promote the contest in their local area.
No purchase is necessary to enter. Purchases from Nov. 1, 2001, to May 31, 2002, qualify for entry into the Premise One In A Million Sweepstakes. For complete rules, or to enter online, go to www.BayerProCentral.com. PCOs can also call the Customer Care Center at 800/842-8020 or contact their field sales representative for more information.
VALENT REVISES ORTHENE LABELING AFTER FQPA REVIEW WALNUT CREEK, CALIF. — After a review of Orthene related to FQPA, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced that all agricultural Orthene products are acceptable for continued use. In addition, all Orthene products sold by Valent’s Professional Products Group (PPG) will remain available.
However, Valent has agreed to modify Orthene product labeling to withdraw the following in the professional products market: 1) PCO use inside residential buildings, including homes and apartments and 2) certain residential turf uses. Valent retains the uses of Orthene for golf courses, sod farms and spot or mound treatment for fire and harvester ant control.
Orthene can still be used for all agricultural, nursery and greenhouse uses, as well as for PCO use inside commercial, institutional and industrial buildings (such as restaurants, warehouses, stores, hospitals, manufacturing plants and ships), and for use on golf courses, sod farms and by spot or mound treatments for fire and harvester ant control.
All inventories of Orthene products remain legal to purchase and use according to label directions, the company says.
“Valent sincerely regrets any inconvenience this may cause to those customers who have come to rely on Orthene for these uses,” said Valent President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Borel. “The EPA is allowing for an orderly transition to new labels reflecting Valent’s use withdrawals.”
This review of Orthene took place as a result of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), enacted by Congress in 1996, which strengthened the EPA’s ability to review and regulate existing pesticide products, particularly those used for food production. The active ingredient in Orthene is in the organophosphate class of chemicals, which were among the first to undergo the intensive safety review of all registered pesticides required by the FQPA.
PURDUE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN JANUARY WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. — The 66th Annual Purdue Pest Control Conference is just two months away but speakers and attendees are already making preparations.
This year’s conference, which runs from Jan. 7-11, will be held at the Stewart Center on Purdue’s conference. Here’s just a brief summary of who’s scheduled to attend and their presentation topics:
• Jeff Tucker, Entomology Associates:
Site Awareness – What to look for on
each job
• Mark Lacey, National Pest Manage-
ment Association: New technologies in pest management
• Fred Whitford, Purdue Pesticide Programs: Risk Reduction
– The importance of knowing your chemicals
• Rick Cooper, Cooper Pest Control: An exterior approach to
carpenter ant control
• Bobby Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting: Trap
checkers or pest professionals? – Situation analysis in food
facilities
• Austin Frishman, AMF Pest Management: Clues to predict-
ing pest behavior
Pest management professionals can register for the conference by contacting Susan Umberger, 800/359-2968, ext. 92U.
ESA TO HOLD MEETING DEC. 9-12 SAN DIEGO, CALIF. — Each year more than 2,600 entomologists and professionals in related disciplines from around the world gather to exchange scientific information at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). These scientists make significant contributions in such diverse fields as agriculture, biology, chemistry, ecology, genetics, medicine, pest control and more.
This year’s ESA annual meeting will be held on Dec. 9-12 at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego. A searchable database of the research to be presented at the meeting can be found at esa.confex.com/esa/2001/techprogram/programs.htm. Details on the meeting and housing can be found at www.entsoc.org/annual_meeting/.
The latest findings in insect research will be presented in the following areas:
• Insects that carry disease-causing agents, including food-
borne pathogens
• Predicting vector-borne diseases
• The use of public health insecticides
• Managing insecticide resistance in medically important in-
sects
• Insects as carriers of bacteria and other microorganisms in
livestock, poultry and swine
• The latest research on the biology and control of household
and urban insect pests
• Integrated pest management in schools and urban areas
• Restricted and/or banned pesticides and how they impact
homeowners
NEW LIPHATECH SITE OFFERS INTERACTIVE SOLUTIONS MILWAUKEE — Liphatech’s new Web site, www.rodent-control.com has interactive features to help pest professionals choose the right rodent control product for their individual needs. By clicking on application information, PCOs are led to optimal solutions. Users are asked to specify pest, environment (indoors, outdoors or both), application site (residential, industrial, agricultural, institutional etc.) and state. A program then analyzes the information and recommends products.
Users also can look up the latest and most complete rodent facts. The site offers in-depth discussion of the species most commonly associated with infestations and the best ways to combat them, helping pest management professionals choose the right product for the job. Detailed product information is offered for Generation, MAKI and Rozol® rodenticides, and Aegis products.
Links lead users to other pages of interest, including site map, frequently asked questions, distributors, partners, press room, job openings, company background, contact information, ISO certification, material safety data sheets and a veterinary guide.
FREE E-MARKETING TIPS AVAILABLE ST. LOUIS, MO. — Free biweekly “e-MarketingTips” are now available from Compelling Communications. “Each issue is delivered via e-mail and contains several marketing ideas that are selected especially for the pest management industry,” says owner June Van Klaveren.
Interested pest management professionals can sign up for this free service through www.compelcom.com by clicking on “Contact Us” and completing the form with the words “Subscribe” in the comments box.
PCT MEDIA GROUP INTRODUCES ANT I.D. FLASH CARDS CLEVELAND — The PCT Media Group recently introduced the PCT Ant I.D. Flash Card set, sponsored by Bayer Corporation Professional Care. This innovative new training tool is designed to aid pest management professionals in the identification and control of the industry’s top pest — ants. Each flash card in the 23-card set features a full-color, up-close photo of a structural pest ant.
The back of the card features the ant’s common and scientific name, as well as important identification tips. Cards can be used for technician training, in-vehicle reference or customer education.
To order PCT Ant I.D. Flash Cards, visit the PCT Media Group Web site, www.pctonline.com or call Lori Skala at 800/456-0707. The cost is $14.95 per set, with discounts for higher quantities.
Comings and Goings
Jonathan Larsen is the new communications director for the National Pest Management Association.
Chris Wooley has been named marketing manager for turf and ornamental insecticides at Dow AgroSciences LLC.
Gov. Mike Easley has appointed Phillip G. Clegg of Durham, N.C., to the North Carolina Structural Pest Control Committee.
Walter Kaihatu has been named vice president of sales for Streamlight Inc.
There have been several announcements at Massey Services recently:
Mickey O’ Brien has been appointed to division manager for the company’s GreenUP Division. Ed Dougherty has been named regional manager for the company’s South Florida Region. Tom Jarzynka has been named division manager for the Massey Services’ PrevenTech Commercial Pest Prevention Division. David Mougeot has been appointed to director of sales for all residential segments of Massey’s business.
Nov. 20: FirstLine Termite Defense Business Management Workshop, Rancho Cordova, Calif. Contact: Maria Miller, 800/456-0707.
Nov. 27: FirstLine Termite Defense Business Management Workshop, Irvine, Calif. Contact: See Nov. 20.
Nov. 27-28: Tennessee Annual Winter Pest Management Conference, Knoxville, Tenn. Contact: Vince Palmere, 865/671-0124.
Nov. 29: FirstLine Termite Defense Business Management Workshop, Fresno, Calif. Contact: See Nov. 20.
Nov. 29: Georgia Pest Control Association mini conference, Kennesaw, Ga. Contact: GPCA, 770/417-1881.
Nov. 29: New York State Pest Management Alliance and Professional Certified Applicators Association Chapter Workshop, Elmsford, N.Y. Contact: 212/385-2406.
Dec. 2-5: Ohio Pest Control Association 55th annual meeting, Wyndham Hotel, Dublin, Ohio. Contact: April Snyder, 614/221-1900.
Dec. 9-13: Entomological Society of America annual meeting, San Diego, Calif. Contact: Judy Miller, meet@entsoc.org or 301/731-4535.
Jan. 3-5: NPMA’s Pestech2002.com conference, Disney Yacht & Beach Club, Orlando, Fla. Contact: NPMA, 800/678-6722.
Jan. 7-11: 66th Annual Purdue Pest Control Conference, West Lafayette, Ind. Contact: Susan Umberger, 800/359-2968, ext. 92U.
Jan. 9-11: 56th Texas A&M University PCO Pest Management Conference, Bryan/College Station. Contact: 979/845-5855.
Jan. 15-17: Georgia Pest Control Association Winter Conference, Athens, Ga. Contact: GPCA, 770/417-1881.
Jan. 17-18: 10th Annual Urban pest Management Conference, Nebraska State Pest Control Association, Holiday Inn, Lincoln, Neb. Contact: 402/476-1259.
Jan. 21-23: Mid-Atlantic Mosquito Control Association annual educational conference, Baltimore, Md. Contact: Dennis Salmen, 704/336-5554.
Jan. 24-26: NPMA Eastern Conference, Trump Marina Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. Contact: NPMA, 800/678-6722.
Jan. 23-24: FPMA Management Workshop, Adam’s Mark Hotel at the Florida Mall, Orlando. Contact: FPMA, 407/293-8627.
Jan. 31-Feb. 1: NPMA Southwestern Conference, Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, Albuquerque, N.M. Contact: NPMA, 800/678-6722.
Jan. 31-Feb. 1: 16th Annual Michigan Mosquito Control Association Conference, Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, Mich. Contact: 989/672-3748 or www.mimosq.org.
Feb. 4-6: W.C.T. Seventh Annual Seminar, Imperial Palace, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact: 815/286-3039.
Feb. 7-8: NPMA Southern Conference, Grand Veranda Hotel, Tunica, Miss. Contact: NPMA, 800/678-6722.
Feb. 24-26: NPMA Legislative Day, Marriott Gateway Hotel, Arlington, Va. Contact: NPMA, 800/678-6722.
Feb. 28-Mar. 2: NPMA , Canada/Pacific NW Conference, Vancouver, British Columbia. Contact: NPMA, 800/678-6722.
Mar. 13-15: PCT/Bell Laboratories Rodent Summit, Chicago, Ill. Contact: Maria Miller, 800/456-0707.
June 18-20: FPMA Annual Convention and Exposition, Coronado Springs Hotel, Orlando. Contact: FPMA, 407/293-8627.
July 7-10: 4th International Conference on Urban Pests, Charleston, S.C. Contact: Richard Cooper, 609/799-1300.
July 8-12: International Conference on Pesticide Exposure and Health, Bethesda, Md. Contact: 703/556-9222.
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