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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Hundreds of attendees traveled to Purdue University to hear from top industry educators, learn about the latest product innovations and network with one another.
The 69th Purdue Pest Management Conference kicked off Tuesday with a speaker lineup that covered a diverse collection of progressive pest management topics.
Eric Ham, Midwest regional manager of Forshaw Distributors, began the conference by reviewing new and innovative product introductions. In his presentations, Ham advised attendees not to fall in love with all new product introductions, urging them to consult with other PCOs, read product reviews in trade magazines and consult with their distributor and/or manufacturer reps prior to making a purchase
“There are good products out there but they may not be a good fit for your business,” Ham said. “You have to ask yourself, ‘Can this new product be profitable for my business?’”
In addition to industry staples such as ant, roach and termite control, Ham says he’s observed fly control growing in popularity among PCOs. He also urged attendees to expand their service offerings to take advantage of business opportunities that have resulted from recent public health threats (e.g., West Nile virus, mold, etc.).
Purdue dedicated this year’s conference to Charles and James Haggerty of American Pest Control, Peoria, Ill., long-time attendees (43 years each) of the conference and supporters of the pest management industry.
Austin Frishman, a longtime favorite speaker at Purdue, gave a presentation titled “IPM — Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Headed.” Frishman reviewed how the pest control industry has evolved from the days of chlordane and DDT, to modern day pest control in which pest management professionals must practice their craft in what Frishman calls the “age of environmental awareness and concern.” Frishman says it's important to look back at these old issues as a reminder not to get too comfortable with certain products and unwilling to try new products and application techniques.
“There was a time when industry was concerned that chlordane was so good that it would put us all out of business,” Frishman recalls. “That’s an example that ‘no matter how good a product looks today, it won’t look so good in the future.’”
Tuesday afternoon’s sessions also included a focus on IPM in schools. Representatives from many of the entities involved in this line of work were represented. Jon Hockenyos of Sentinel Pest Control; Sue Kamuda, a school administrator; attorney Jim Betts and Purdue researcher Al Fournier, all gave their unique perspective on this topic.
Pi Chi Omega, the pest control industry’s national fraternity, met on Tuesday and announced it awarded scholarships to: James Austin (University of Arkansas); Laura Krueger (Yale University); Erick Paysen (Clemson University) and Joseph Smith (University of Florida). Pi Chi Omega executive president Vern Toblan said the fraternity is seeking to locate all past scholarship winners. If you are a past winner or know the whereabouts of other past winners contact Toblan at Toblan@msn.com or 610/932-4856.
Another highlight of the Purdue Pest Control Conference was the exhibit floor, where leading suppliers gave attendees a glimpse at many of the newest and most innovative products.
Event sponsors of this year’s Purdue conference include Univar, BASF Professional Pest Control, Syngenta Professional Products, Bayer Environmental Science, Ensystex, FMC Corp., the Indiana Pest Management Association, PCT magazine, Pest Control magazine, and Zoecon Professional Products.
The Purdue conference runs through Friday. Next year’s conference is scheduled for Jan. 9-13.