GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Across the country, parents have just recently sent their young ones back to school for another school year. For the third year in a row, McCall Service held its Annual Backpack Donation program to prepare students in need of school supplies. Receiving these backpacks this year were the deserving students at an institution in the Alachua County Public School district, with which McCall Service is happily partnered.

In Alachua County alone, around 57,000 people are living in poverty and as of 2012, 21.8% of residents were receiving food stamp benefits. As school supply costs seem to rise every year, it becomes more and more difficult for parents to afford the necessary items to assist their children in securing a brighter educational future.

McCall Service is dedicated to assisting these children in need and offers supplies such as crayons, markers, paper and glue sticks accompanying each backpack. This year, McCall Service donated these backpacks to Norton Elementary in Alachua County and last year, McCall also donated clothes for students in need. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — PCT’s Distance Learning Center continues to expand with the addition of the following label training modules: BASF's Termidor 80 WG Termiticide/Insecticide, pest control uses; Syngenta's Advion Cockroach Gel Bait; and Zoecon's 2625 Premise Spray.

Visit https://training.pctonline.com and get started on the module.This and other label training modules are the centerpiece of PCT’s Distance Learning Center — a FREE service for the professional pest control market provided by PCT.

How it works?
Created by Board Certified Entomologist and consultant Stoy Hedges, the courses use photographs, video clips and reference materials to challenge users’ knowledge, experience and problem-solving skills for a wide range of products and pest problems.

Accessible by PC, tablet or smartphone, Distance Learning Center training is presented in modules designed to take a half-hour to an hour to complete. Their brevity gives individuals the opportunity to fit this education in whenever their schedules allow — even during breaks or lunchtime. And if a user needs to stop while taking a course, no problem: He or she can close the program and pick up at the point left off later.

 

Each label course is designed around reading and interpreting a specific pesticide product label, covering all aspects of the label — from trade name, target pests, hazards and first aid to areas for treatment and directions for use. As the user takes the course, he or she will be required to identify pests or treatment sites by photograph and determine whether such pests or sites are included on the label and/or interpret how that product may be used to treat the pest according to label directions.

Training is divided into sections with three to seven related questions, and upon selecting the correct answer(s), an explanation of the correct answer is provided, sometimes with a tip on where the pest professional can find the answer in the reference materials. These explanations help to improve the user’s understanding of the topic materials.

Visit https://training.pctonline.com to get started, and return frequently as new label training modules are being added monthly.

NEW YORK — The pest control industry mourns the loss of Harry Katz, renowned entomologist and former PCT columnist. Harry passed away on Sunday surrounded by family. He was 101.

Harry was raised in the Western Pennsylvania town of Cannonsburg, and introduced to the pest control industry by family friend, Fred Pollack, a pest control operator and supplier who sparked Harry's interest in the trade during the 1930s.

Harry served our country during WWII, and upon his return took over the Elco Manufacturing Company operation, in Pittsburgh. 

Harry was one of the pest control industry’s leading educators and advocates for association involvement. For example, in 1961, Elco acquired a one-acre site near Pittsburgh where the company built a warehouse, office and training room for PCOs. Harry’s association involvement includes becoming a founder of the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Pest Control Association in 1953. He served continuously as secretary of that association until the 1980s. Harry also held a membership in the Entomological Society of America and was an honorary member of Pi Chi Omega, the pest control industry’s national fraternity.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Harry struck up a friendship with Pittsburgh resident Arnold Mallis, and was instrumental in preserving and archiving much of Mallis’ research. He also authored several chapters in past editions of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control and wrote a monthly column in PCT, Myth Conceptions.

Faygie Katz-Sillman told PCT her grandfather used entomology to connect with her and her siblings. “As a child, he would take me out with a net to catch bugs and put them under the microscope. He taught me and my siblings how to recognize many different insects. He saved every issue of the magazine, and I would read them when I came to visit. “

In addition to his industry involvement, Harry founded the Parkway Jewish Center, which is still in operation, in suburban Pittsburgh. Harry's wife, Ruth, passed away in 2002, and in 2008 he moved to New York from Florida, where he lived across the street from his son Elliot and daughter-in-law Linda. 

Harry is survived by son Elliot (Linda); eight grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson (born last year). His funeral was held on Aug. 29.

Harry was very close to the Yeshiva (seminary) where his son Elliot was ordained, and any (tax-deductible) contributions could be sent to:

Rabbinical Seminary of America
7601 147th St.
Flushing NY  11367
in memory of Harry Katz

Harry Katz Memories “I met Harry Katz about 30 years ago at a conference. I had read his Myth Conceptions column in PCT and introduced myself. At the time, I was a nobody in the industry but Harry took the time to answer my questions and ask his own to get to know me. After a while, chats at conferences led to sharing ideas over lunch or dinner at various conferences and then to lifetime friendship. Harry was Arnold Mallis’ best friend, so when I took on the duties of Editorial Director for the Mallis Handbook, I looked to Harry for guidance and he expressed confidence that I would do the job well. After the 8th Edition was published, Harry called me to tell me that Arnold would’ve been thrilled with the results and to tell me “good job.” Harry’s approval meant the world to me. Whenever I was in South Florida, I would take time to visit Harry at his apartment in Deerfield Beach, and he was always happy for the visits. We talked regularly on the phone and Harry would send me articles and books that had been owned by Arnold Mallis as he sorted through his cluttered library at his home. Many of the older publications are in German.” — Stoy Hedges, Stoy Pest Consulting “Harry Katz was a legendary figure in the pest management industry who played a pivotal role in its growth and development. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Harry had an incredibly agile mind and an insatiable appetite for knowledge, which manifested itself in his lifelong commitment to industry education. Harry and another industry icon, Arnold Mallis, were the best of friends, who collaborated on many projects together, most notably the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, a book Harry championed throughout his career. They are now reunited in death to regale one another with stories about interesting pest encounters and their latest entomological adventures. For the rest of us, Harry will be missed, but never forgotten.” — PCT Publisher Dan Moreland “I always enjoyed my chats with Harry about everything from termites to bed bugs. One of the very first columns I read each month in PCT was Harry’s. I’ll never forget seeing him at conventions with his trusty backpack vacuum — the first to champion vacuums to our industry. Such a kind and thoughtful person, self-made and self-taught. — University of Kentucky Entomology Professor Dr. Michael Potter "When I think about Harry, words like engaging, thought-provoking, dedicated, knowledgeable, and encouraging come to mind. He truly loved our industry and always wanted to see it move forward. He gave a lot and asked for very little. We will miss this gentleman and this very gentle person." — Gary Bennett, entomology professor, Purdue University "He truly was an encouraging entomologist who cared about the industry. I met him while working at NPMA and he helped me through several projects. He was already in his mid-90s! "— Kathy Heinsohn, American Pest, Fulton, Md. “I met Harry when he was 94 and it was a special evening. His apartment was filled with books and file folders. He could tell you anything about the history of pest management. I wish I had met him sooner, but I always admired his writing. He had this incredible grasp of the industry from the early days that he was able to weave into modern times, and boil it to down to a simple but meaningful message. He had a real art for doing that.” — Dr. Richard Cooper, Cooper Pest Solutions

Baton Rouge has been hit by heavy rains that left behind flooded homes and businesses. As the water recedes and the cleanup efforts begin, one of the many issues that will be encountered are pests who have sought refuge from the floods. The company is offering pest emergency services at no charge for residents affected by flooding.

Massey Services also alerted residents about predominant pest concerns in flood-affected areas.
 
• Ants:  When flooding occurs water wipes out ant nests that are underground.  Ants are known to cluster on top of flood waters until they find a dry structure.  This could mean an onslaught of ants in your home or on your property.
• Rodents: Rats and mice will be seeking refuge from the water and may start to invade your home. They carry many diseases and other insects such as lice and fleas. An invasion of these rodents shouldn’t be taken lightly. Once they are removed from the home, entry points must be eliminated to keep them from returning.
• Mosquitoes: Unfortunately, with all the standing water that is left behind after a flood, it is an ideal environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs so you can expect the mosquito population to grow. Make sure you are taking proper precautions to guard yourself and your family against mosquitoes.
• Cockroaches:  Cockroaches are often seeking water sources, but after a flood they will be looking for a place to stay dry. They will multiply quickly and carry diseases so it is important to eliminate conditions, avenues and sources immediately.
• Termites:  Termites are attracted to moisture and structures that have been flooded are more prone to an infestation.  A thorough inspection of your home is critical to ensure termites have not gained access into your home from underground or through your attic.