INDIANAPOLIS — Companies performing fumigations have a unique opportunity to market their services. After all, the buildings they fumigate are covered in brightly colored tarps that get the attention of passers-by. The winners of the fourth annual “Fumigation Banner Bonanza Contest” — sponsored by the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) and Dow AgroSciences, the manufacturer of Vikane gas fumigant — are taking advantage of this unique marketing opportunity.
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For the second year in a row, the first-place prize was awarded to Specialty Termite, Pleasanton, Calif. The contest requires that a winner from last year submit a new banner, so Specialty won two years in a row, with two different banners. This year, Specialty banner featured a house with the tag line, “What’s in Your Walls?”
“As all pest management professionals are aware, competition is fierce,” said Mark Kearns, president and owner of Specialty Termite. “Companies have to take advantage of any unique marketing opportunities available and try to stand out from the crowd. Banners have proven a successful means to advertise our company, for a very reasonable cost.”
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Finishing in second place was Omega Termite & Pest Control, Oakland, Calif., with a banner depicting the company logo on a white background with the words “Another Quality Fumigation by Omega Termite & Pest Control.” Taking third was Bullet Pest Control, Bakersfield, whose banner featured the company logo and a profile of a termite asking, “Got Termites?”
Earning honorable mentions in this year’s contest were Clark Pest Control, Stockton, Calif., Ecola Pest Control, Mission Hills, Calif., and Newport Exterminating, Irvine, Calif.
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Fumigation companies were asked to submit color photos of their banners, which were required to feature a distinguishable logo, the business name and phone number, and be visible to passers-by. Banners were judged on not only readability from a distance, but professionalism, visual impact and attractiveness. The first-place winner received a $1,500 gift certificate, while second-and third-place finishers received $1,000 and $500 gift certificates, respectively.
“We’re proud to support this contest each year as a way to help our fumigator partners build their businesses,” said Jason Nelson, Dow AgroSciences marketing manager for Vikane gas fumigant.