Since PCT launched its Top 100 program more than 20 years ago, it’s been gratifying for the PCT staff to witness companies celebrate this achievement with their teams.

This year, PCT was aware of at least two companies that transferred our May Top 100 cover to sheet cakes: RK Environmental Services (#54), Westwood, N.J., and Green Pest Solutions (#46), West Chester, Pa.

Green Pest Solutions President Matt Jesson wrote, “Over the last eight years this has been the most important recognition we have achieved, since it is a company award and every team member has been responsible for it! This honor acknowledges every team members’ hard work and shows we are building something very special and executing on our Mission: To be the leader in the lawn and pest industry by delivering a superior customer experience!”

Hank Hirsch, president of RK Environmental, shared the following on social media:

Staff celebrated our position at #54 on PCT Top 100 list. To put that in perspective, #54 out of over 20,000 pest mgt. companies in the U.S. #3 in commercial services and #1 in food industry!!

FMC Professional Solutions

FMC Professional Solutions in June launched Scion insecticide with UVX technology. Scion insecticide is immediately available to pest management professionals in 1.33-fluid ounce and 32-fluid ounce containers.

With Scion insecticide, FMC Professional Solutions said it is providing a new high-performance, value-creating solution. “We are excited to introduce this innovative technology to our customers and to the pest management industry as a whole,” said Sam Pass, FMC pest control market manager. “With UVX technology’s multiple component formulation, Scion insecticide sets a new performance standard for perimeter pest control.”

FMC says Scion insecticide is designed to deliver continuous residual control of pests under the harshest environmental conditions. Scion insecticide is an ideal solution for PMPs looking to provide their customers with control of pests over long service intervals, the manufacturer adds.

Scion insecticide with UVX technology is engineered to provide general insect control for PMPs who face the harshest conditions, toughest pests and the longest service intervals, FMC says. Scion insecticide features a broad, flexible label for use in and around residential and commercial structures, including applications to ornamental plants and lawns. Scion insecticide will be included in the recently launched FMC True Champions end-user loyalty program.

Seaira Global

Seaira Global has added two new dehumidifiers to the firm’s WatchDog NXT Series. The new models, which are available now, include the WatchDog NXT120 and the WatchDog NXT120c. The NXT120 and NXT120c are capable of 120 pints per day (80°F, 60 percent), and can handle spaces up to 21,000 cubic feet, the firm says. The dehumidifiers can be ducted on both the inlet and outlet, making them ideal for a variety of applications including whole house, crawlspace or basement, the manufacturer adds. Both units are 16 inches tall. The major difference between the two models is the WatchDog NXT120 utilizes a gravity drain, while the NXT120c features a built-in condensate pump. The heavy-duty pump provides up to 20 feet of lift for the drain tube and is perfect for spaces where a gravity drain is not practical.

Xcluder

Xcluder is expanding its line of rodent-proof products with the launch of new Dock Door Vertical Side Seals, patented Pull Chain Seals and Dock Leveler Seals with new Slide-’n-Seal technology. The firm says its suite of products is designed to safeguard every potential rodent entry point surrounding a loading dock — an area that, left unprotected, provides a popular thoroughfare for rodents and other pests. The Slide-’n-Seal technology allows for easy installation and replacement of existing brush seals, the company says.

Xcluder Dock Door Vertical Side Seals protect the small vertical gap on either side of a loading dock door. They feature a durable rubber gasket lined with Xcluder Rodent Proof Fill Fabric — a patented combination of stainless steel and polyfiber that is impenetrable to rats and mice, the company says. The rubber gasket creates an energy-saving weatherseal and the fill fabric is the only exclusion product on the market proven effective against rodents by the USDA APHIS Lab, the manufacturer reports. Xcluder’s new Slide-’n-Seal technology means the seals fit most standard brush retainers for easy installation — simply slide out the old brush seal and slide in the new Xcluder seal. Should the Xcluder Vertical Side Seal become damaged from a forklift or other equipment use, it slides out easily for replacement.

Xcluder Pull Chain Seals for Dock Levelers protect the often-overlooked opening surrounding the pull chain on a dock leveler. This small opening provides an ideal entry point for rats and mice because the chain creates a natural ladder for them to climb and the opening is spacious enough for them to crawl through. Xcluder Pull Chain Seals are easy to install, feature solid cast aluminum construction and completely cover the chain opening, the company says. Within minutes, this hidden rodent entry point is dependably safeguarded. Available in three diameter sizes to ensure a proper fit, Xcluder Pull Chain Seals sit completely below the dock plate surface and will not interfere with dock and equipment use.

Xcluder Pest Control Dock Leveler Seals feature durable rubber gaskets and Xcluder fill fabric to create an impenetrable barrier against rodents and pests, unlike brush seals that dent and deform over time creating gaps that rodents can exploit. New Slide-’n-Seal technology means Xcluder Dock Leveler Seals fit most standard brush seal retainers.

For complete loading dock protection, it is recommended that the suite of products be used in tandem to avoid any vulnerable access points. Xcluder is made in America and is safe to use around people, animals and plants and contains no chemicals, the company reports.

Podium

With Teamchat, internal teams can exchange direct messages and group messages, include clickable links, send and receive attachments, and use mentions to help simplify and streamline internal communications. The solution centralizes interactions between team members, as well as between the company and customers.

GreenTech Heat

GreenTech Heat has published three new books on the use of convected heat for pest control. These books provide an overview of the history of heat in the pest control industry as well as keen insights into applying the technology that has been developed and perfected over the past 30 years, the company says.

“Hot House: A Selective History of Convected Heat in the Pest Control and Remediation Industries” provides an introduction to the development of the thermal pest control industry from its beginnings in academia through its modern applications. The book describes the use of heat to kill structural wood-destroying pests, stored food infestations, and household pests including cockroaches and bed bugs.

“Termite and Other Wood-Destroying Organisms Heat Treatment Field Guide” details specific heat treatment techniques for killing termites and other wood-destroying pests with convected heat. The termite field guide is a resource for those interested in the process of conducting successful heat treatments for termites and other wood-destroying insects including powder post beetles and provides instruction for treatments ranging in size from spot isolation treatments to whole-house treatments to multi-unit and commercial structure treatments.

The third book is an expanded edition of the “Bed Bug and General Pest Heat Treatment Field Guide.” This newly revised and expanded book provides detailed training for thermal general pest control including bed bugs and cockroaches. In combination with a classroom and hands-on program, the state of California has approved this Field Guide for up to eight continuing education credits.

All of us have dealt with German cockroaches. And it’s probably safe to say everyone reading this knows the basics of Integrated Pest Management and cockroaches: identification, inspection, sanitation, monitoring, exclusion, treatment and follow-up. But what happens when a really tricky German cockroach situation comes along that is utterly confounding? When these issues arise, it’s helpful to look at the situation through a different lens...a new perspective.

I recently dealt with a German cockroach problem at Facility X. There was so much going on it was hard to know where to even start. Suddenly, my little sister popped into my head. She’s a pest. She’s difficult to deal with. And there’s certainly a lot going on with her! What can be learned from situations with my pesky sister that can be applied to Facility X?

1. Since the problem already has been identified (German cockroach/my little sister), let’s start with food sources. Like my house, which probably has enough food for three months (who can resist the 10-pound bag of chocolates from the big box store?), Facility X had food nearly everywhere. German cockroaches (and my little sister) can find plenty of food resources. It’s not as if all that food in my house can just be thrown away and my cupboards left bare. So how do I deter my sister from popping in and eating my food? Sanitation! Remember though, sanitation is not always about removing all the food — it’s often about making it harder to get to the food. So, locking up the food and containing as much of it as possible in sealed containers is a great option. Facility X’s management installed automatic feeders so a limited amount of food is accessible (instead of having giant piles of food sit out all day). Because of sanitation, my little sister (or German cockroach) has to work extra hard to get at the 10-pound bag of chocolate I just bought, and she will likely go elsewhere away from this site for an easier meal.

 



©sementsova321 | AdobeStock

 

2. Facility X has a lot of open spaces connecting the inside to the outside, so exclusion isn’t much of an option. Like giving my little sister a key to my house, this facility has open doors that provide German cockroaches easy access. Since the access points can’t be eliminated, monitoring when and where they come and go is valuable. I want to know when my little sister is coming so I can prepare for that. And by observing the history of her visits, I can be a little proactive and predict her better. In Facility X, we know there are German cockroaches, but we need to know where they are heaviest, where they are increasing in population size and any new areas they’re inhabiting where they weren’t previously. Monitors also can also point to sanitation issues that might need to be dealt with (e.g., not leaving the chocolate out on the counter) or other conducive conditions that can be remedied or minimized. Businesses like Facility X likely will always have German cockroaches (as I will always have to deal with my sister), but monitoring will allow for earlier responses and help create a more manageable situation.
3. Obviously preventing pests, like my little sister, is the first and best line of defense and treatment is the last step. At last check, there were no EPA-registered pesticides for little sisters. There are, however, a number of treatment options for cockroaches, including liquid residuals, baits, aerosols and IGRs, to name a few. At Facility X, because of the conditions, there is little opportunity to broadcast residuals (just like I can’t spray my sister down!), so heavy use of baits at this site is required. Speaking of bait, my little sister loves chocolate. No matter how much she likes chocolate, if that is the only thing she has to eat for weeks or months, she is going to get sick of it and start avoiding it. Well, the same goes for German cockroaches. That’s why it is essential to rotate baits often so the cockroaches don’t build up a resistance or an aversion.
4. Follow-up often gets overlooked. This is where the data from the monitoring devices will help. Monitoring devices combined with comprehensive documentation provide proof of efficacy and spotting trends and changes in activity. When my mom yells at me that I never let my sister come visit, I can pull out my records and show her exactly how many times she has been there. There may even be a record of how much food (bait) she has consumed (as shown by my grocery bill!) to show an increase or decrease in occurrences. Careful documentation and ongoing communication with customers experiencing these difficult situations, like Facility X, are key. Otherwise, it’s easy for Facility X to say “the cockroaches are getting worse!” And if there’s no documentation to support that claim either way, it will be difficult to argue with them.

Facility X (like my little sister) is a challenging situation because there is a lot of basic IPM (mainly sanitation and exclusion) that is just not possible. While totally eliminating German cockroaches at this site is not likely, minimizing the impact of them is. It will just require thinking about the problem a little differently; a little outside the box. Sometimes, relating a challenging scenario with a different problem can lead to creative thinking and problem solving.

Full disclaimer: I do have a little sister and she is very nice and I swear I like her!

The author is Rollins’ technical services manager.

Pest control service kits have come a long way over the years. But even with all the different brands and new products they hold, some things stay true. Using an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) service kit helps you remain professional, saves time and keeps your customers safe. I call these devices “technician tool belts” as they allow us to go into any situation and be fully prepared to do the job. Whether walking into an apartment or a commercial kitchen, it is inevitable that in order to perform the job adequately, the technician is going to need many different items.

For example, different inspection tools, such as a flashlight, scraper or mirror are necessary. Multiple different treatment devices and products such as glueboards, insect monitors, gel baits, aerosols, etc., can also be used at each stop. Some kits even include a sprayer or foamer. Typically, you see these tools carried in the worst invention for a pest control technician — cargo pants. With different tools and products poking out of all 32 pockets, it is a hazard to complete an inspection or even to just sit down!

Utilizing any type of service kit will help you remain professional and avoid the cargo pants dilemma. Consider many other service industries. From plumbers and electricians, to roofers and other contractors, most will carry a plethora of tools around their belt. By keeping everything necessary in one area, you elicit the professional image that you are well-prepared and organized. It is a fact that you are considered to be “on stage” the minute you step out of your service vehicle. It is important to keep all of your materials and products neat and orderly in your service kit.

TYPES OF KITS. There are many types of service kits that you can use. The two primary types are bags or belts. Even a Husky tool bag is considered to be an IPM service kit as it helps you carry any material or product you might need while keeping the items out of your pockets. B&G Equipment offers an IPM Case that is carried over the shoulder and contains ample space for more than half a dozen aerosol cans and other materials. Two pouches on the side allow for the technician to carry an Accuspray device (mini sprayer), as well as an Aerosol Delivery Unit.

There are also “tool belt” style kits such as the Whitmire System III or, my favorite, the Airofog Technician Service Belt. This system comes with an over-the-shoulder strap that helps keep the belt in place and allows you to distribute the weight of the belt more evenly across the body. This system comes with a pouch to hold several items, as well as enough belt space to carry a gel bait applicator, a puff duster, a mini sprayer and an aerosol delivery unit. There are also smaller belt systems that allow you to add and customize the specific pockets you prefer to wear on the belt. Even adding a simple pouch for a gel bait gun or aerosol can will help you stay more organized and professional. You also may choose to customize your bag by adding your company logo to increase your brand awareness.

Another reason to use an IPM service kit is to save time. Think about the following potential scenario. You go into an apartment prepared to do a cockroach clean out. Glueboards are in one pocket, aerosol can in another and the cockroach gel bait gun tucked into yet another pocket. You begin service and the customer asks, “Can you treat some ants in my master bathroom as well?” You are forced to explain that you don’t have those materials on you, and you will need to run down to your vehicle. Meanwhile, your truck is parked six buildings down the block. Consider all the time wasted by not having all possible materials at your disposal. By carrying in several different applications, inspection and treatment methods and tools, you can ensure that you will be ready for whatever concerns the customer may have. With an IPM kit, every technician is prepared with all the tools necessary to complete the job.

Finally, using a service kit keeps the customers, their property and their pets safe from our tools and materials. While kneeling or crawling around equipment, your tools or products in your pockets may scratch a cabinet or other object. Even service bags that are meant to be placed down on the ground should have all of the products in a Velcro or zippered pocket. This provides one additional step or precaution to keep children and pets away from your materials. The service bags do allow more freedom of movement, but require more attention when moving from one area to another.

Overall, when it comes to an IPM service kit, the best choice is the choice to use any kit, period. Choose the kit that is most appropriate for your daily routine, and then customize that kit to what you are doing each day. Are you servicing all apartments, commercial kitchens or just residential stops? No matter what the situation requires, you can be assured that using the service kit will make you look more professional when “on stage,” will save you time by having all of your materials ready, and will help keep your customer’s family and pets safe.

Goeltzenleuchter, a member of the Copesan Technical Committee, serves as the technical director for McCall Service, Gainesville, Fla. He has a bachelor’s degree in entomology from the University of Florida.

Copesan is an alliance of pest management companies with locations throughout North America. To learn more, visit www.copesan.com.