Special Olympics Set for June 27-29

The Special Olympics is a project near and dear to the hearts of OPCA. It gives us the opportunity to give back to the community and to those who have the inspiration to succeed. You won’t need to go to China to volunteer either.  Brian Alonso with Columbus Pest Control is the organizer of this year’s great event and you may contact Brian for more information at 1-800-255-1587 or email him at brianalonso@columbuspestcontrolinc.com.  Please click on the sign up sheet and see where you can help. Right now we really need help on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. You would be helping to pass out drinks and snacks to the event participants and to help cheer them on .  Such an easy  but rewarding duty.

When:  June 27-29
Where: Tent Town-south of the Ohio State Football Stadium
Event: Special Olympics
Deadline: Please RSVP by signing up by June 18.

We will be sending out an email for a reminder and more details in the next few weeks

• Sign up Sheet
  
  

Operating Ratio Survey by NPMA

Dear Ohio Pest Control Association Member:

Every few years, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) does a survey of the financial information of member companies willing to participate called the “Operating Ratio Survey.”  The purpose of the survey is to collect and share financial information to offer insight on how to improve your business by looking at what is happening in the industry.  The present survey is attempting to gather information that will specifically help smaller companies manage growth.  By looking at what others in the industry are doing, you might better answer such important questions as, “When do I add employees?”  “When do I need sales people?”  “If I add an employee, what will be the financial consequences?”  “If my margins drop, how much growth will I need to recover?”

This survey is currently underway and your participation is important and will help the entire industry.  As a participant, you will be able to have the report for half off.  Please join the others to provide the information the survey is collecting and benefit from all we learn.  Thank you.

Please visit www.npmapestworld.org and click on the 2008 Operating Ratio logo on NPMA’s homepage to get started today!

Thank you for your participation.
OPCA


PWIPM Scholarship Deadline May 31, 2008.

With the deadline just around the corner, the National Pest Management Association’s affiliate organization (NPMA), the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) announce the final call for applicants for their third Annual Scholarship.  The PWIPM Annual Scholarship is for women interested in advancing or securing a career in the pest management industry. The recipient(s) may use the scholarship to defer costs related to advancing their education and/or career in the pest management industry.

The scholarship will be a minimum of $1,000 and includes $500 toward travel expenses to attend the National Pest Management Association’s convention and exposition, PestWorld 2008, at the Gaylord National Resort, in the Greater Washington, D.C. Metro area, October 22- 25. The scholarship will be awarded at PestWorld 2008 during the PWIPM reception, Thursday, October 23, 2008. The successful recipient will be notified by August 15, 2008.

To apply or learn more about the PWIPM Scholarship, visit www.npmapestworld.org/pwipm or contact Dominique Stumpf at 703-352-6762 or dstumpf@pestworld.org.  The application deadline is May 31, 2008.

New pesticide law for Ohio schools

http://www.wkyc.com/news/rss_article.aspx?ref=RSS&storyid=88823

Kim Wheeler
UPDATED: Monday, May 05, 2008 8:26:27 PM

SHAKER HEIGHTS -- By June 30, all schools in Ohio, public and private, need to have written plans for safer pest control.

The Ohio Department of Health will require schools to have a policy that concentrates on reducing pests by prevention. The goal is to eliminate toxic pesticides.

Schools can still use pesticides, but they need to be the least toxic kinds. Some chemicals have been linked to asthma and more serious illnesses.

Check with your school to see if a plan is in place.

Supporters of the law say this not only makes the school environment healthier for kids but for nature, too.


National Pest Management Association Announces Dates for the 2008 Academy

Annual Summer Meeting to Be Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences

April 1, 2008 (Fairfax, Virginia) — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is pleased to announce that the 2008 Academy will be held July 17-19 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the Academy is a premier annual event dedicated to motivating and developing the pest management industry’s emerging leaders.

For hotel reservations, call The Phoenician Resort at 480-941-8200 by June 15, 2008 to receive the NPMA group rate of $135 per night. 

To register for the 2008 Academy, visit npmapestworld.org/events.  For more information, contact NPMA at npma@pestworld.org.


Varment Guard Acquires Starbuck Pest Control 

Varment Guard Environmental Services Inc., a premier, Columbus based, pest, wildlife and termite management company is expanding. Jim Vaive, the president of Varment Guard, announced today the acquisition of Starbuck Pest Control.  Starbuck has been serving the northwest portion of Ohio since 1948.

“This was an important move” Vaive stated, “which now enables us to service residential and business customers throughout the entire state of Ohio”. He went on to say “We felt the work ethic and culture of Starbuck was a perfect match with ours”. Varment Guard currently has branch offices in the Ashland and Dayton/Springfield areas.

Varment Guard was started in Columbus, by Jim and a partner in 1983. Starting with $25 and a pickup truck, the company now has a fleet of vehicles and over 60 full time employees. “It has been very satisfying to watch the company and its people grow over the years”  Vaive added.

Other divisions of Varment Guard include ProGuard Commercial Pest Solutions and ProGuard Bird Solutions. To learn more about the Varment Guard services, you can visit them on the web at varmentguard.com or proguardcommercial.com.

Ohio House Bill 190

• A Federal Criminal Records Check of an applicant in addition to a State Criminal Records Check, regardless of how long you have resided in the State of Ohio, when renewing or issuing an educator license;
• Permanent Teaching Certificate holders to undergo FBI checks in addition to regular five-year BCII checks.
• School districts, educational service centers, community schools, STEM schools and chartered non-public schools to request Federal and State records checks for all applicants for employment regardless of their proximity to children.
• Private contractors hired by a district or school must request a FBI and BCII records check of all applicants for employment in a position that involves working in a school.
• All school employees, except State Board licensees and School Bus Drivers, to undergo FBI and BCII records checks every five years after they're hired.  State Board Licensees are exempt because they undergo records checks upon renewal of their licenses.  Bus drivers are on a current six year cycle for records checks.

Background checks are done at the applicant's expense.  Check with your local school district regarding location of checks and fees.  Click here for a copy of the notice.

DHS Issues Final Chemical Security Rule

This morning, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its final “Appendix A: DHS Chemicals of Interest” on the Department’s Web site.  The two Department issued documents are the Final Rule and the Final Appendix, which lists chemicals of interest.  Click here to view the Rule or click here to view the Appendix.

Last winter DHS proposed screening threshold quantities of 2,000 lbs. for aluminum and magnesium phosphide and any quantity for sulfuryl fluoride, methyl bromide and chloropicrin. The National Pest Management Association has worked with Department officials to ensure that the Final Rule would not impose an unreasonable burden on PMPs or their customers.  In the final list, DHS has removed methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride and chloropicrin as chemicals of interest.  Aluminum and magnesium phosphide are still on the list, however we need to study the final rule to better understand how those compounds will be regulated.  Stay tuned - we will get back to you when we have more information.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Bob Rosenberg or Gene Harrington.


Sad News for Those Who Love to Bring Wildlife into the Classroom

The Ohio Department of Health has instituted a new law/policy that basically makes it illegal to bring any vector-bearing animal (i.e. raccoons, bats, skunks, fox, coyotes) and unpredictable species (raptors) into the classroom. Reptiles, amphibians, chicks, ducklings and eggs are prohibited in classrooms for children under 5 years of age. This rule is applicable for inside the school only. Outdoor activities are exempt from this section.  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is working on getting an exemption for themselves, schools and organizations that have an educational permit like park districts and SWCDs, but as of right now, it means anyone.  This does not include hides and skulls, etc., only live animals. Following is an excerpt of the law below for your information. The section of law is 3701:54-07 administered by the Ohio Department of Health.

(17) Animal(s) in the building shall be managed in the following ways:

(a) There shall be no excessive accumulation of animal waste in animal containers or cages;
(b) Animal containers or cages shall be equipped with properly fitting lids; 3701-54-07 2
(c) Hand washing facilities shall be available and immediately used when animals are handled;
(d) Animals shall not be permitted to roam in the school building, except for therapy animals or animals that are used for assistance;
(e) Animals shall not be permitted on surfaces where food or drink is prepared or consumed;
(f) The following types of animals shall not be permitted:

(i) Nonhuman primates;
(ii) Rabies vector species, including raccoons, bats, skunks, coyotes, or fox;
(iii) Wolves or wolf-dog hybrids;
(iv) Aggressive or unpredictable animals;
(v) Stray animals with unknown health and vaccination history;
(vi) Venomous or toxin-producing spiders, insects, reptiles, and amphibians;
(vii) Dogs, cats and ferrets under sixteen weeks of age; and
(viii) Dogs, cats and ferrets that are not current on rabies vaccinations.

(g) In addition to the animals listed in paragraph (A)(18)(f) of this rule, the following animals are not permitted in classrooms with children under five years of age:

(i) Ferrets;
(ii) Reptiles and amphibians; and
(iii) Chicks, ducklings and hatching eggs.

(h) All animal feed shall be in tightly sealed and labeled containers and separate from human food.

If you have questions, address them to Jen Dennison, Wildlife Education Coordinator, ODNR-Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE or 614-265-6316.  Please send out to any of the field personnel that you know who bring animals into classes on a regular basis.


Pound Leaves ODA: Beal Wearing Two Hats

In a move that came as a complete surprise to his colleagues, Dr. Bill Pound recently resigned his position as Agriculture Inspection Manager of ODA’s Plant Industry Division to take some time off and rethink his career objectives. Dr. Pound had been with the Department approximately six years after spending several years on the staff of the Ohio State University. As pesticide and fertilizer inspection manager, he oversaw all licensing, product registration, recertification and enforcement activities for the department’s pesticide and fertilizer programs.

Replacing Dr. Pound will be Matt Beal, 22-year veteran of the Department and certainly no stranger to Ohio’s pest control industry. While Dr. Pound held the Pesticide and Fertilizer Inspection Manager’s position, Matt was Assistant Chief of the Plant Industry Division under Division Chief Dave Schleich.

 As he assumes the pesticide and fertilizer inspection manager’s job, Matt will retain his assistant chief’s title and duties as assigned by the chiefs office, which include liaison with the regulated community and management of certain assigned division’s statutory and administrative code activities.

During his tenure as inspection manager, Dr. Pound impressed many in Ohio’s pest control industry as a highly professional manager who was always willing to listen and take into consideration the industry’s perspective. We wish him well.

 Meanwhile, we also recognize the experience and dedication that Matt Beal brings to his expanded duties and look forward to working with him more directly.

NPMA Announces Tami Burkel as Winner of the PWIPM Annual Scholarship

The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) affiliate organization Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM), is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2007 PWIPM Scholarship, Tami Burkel, owner of Valley Termite & Pest Control in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The PWIPM Scholarship is awarded annually to at least one female interested in advancing or securing a career in pest man agement.

Click here for more information about Tami and PWIPM.

Going Green – Marketing to the 21st Century Customer

April 16, 2007 (Fairfax, VA) - The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking conference, “Going Green – Marketing to the 21st Century Customer.”  Sponsored by Nisus Corporation, this two-day meeting for residential and commercial pest management companies will take a critical look at green marketing trends in the United States and how to create a green IPM offering to  position your company for profitability and growth in the green market segment.

Discussing a recent cover story for Newsweek, “The Greening of America,” Rob Lederer, executive vice president for NPMA, explained why the pest management industry should proactively be addressing this important market segment.  “To grow our industry overall, we need to cater to the Americans’ appetite for more environmentally friendly pest management practices,” Lederer explained.  “IPM strategies, less invasive products and environmentally friendly services are being demanded by some customers and potential customers. This conference will provide an opportunity for you to consider strategies to address this critical market segment.”

A recent consumer attitudes survey conducted on behalf of NPMA pointed out that those households who do not use professional pest control services are more likely to hire a “green” pest management company.  Kevin L. Kirkland, president of Nisus Corporation said, “The consumer trends are overwhelming, and the amazing thing is that most consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic and green services.  Anytime you can connect your business to these consumer shifts, you can create new areas of growth and profitability.”

This conference will be held at the Westin Tabor Center in Denver, Colorado, November 28-30, 2007.  For more information, visit www.npmapestworld.org or call 703-352-6762.

Control Bed Bugs with NPMA Support
National Pest Management Association Offers New Bed Bug Resources

In response to the increasing bed bug problem throughout the U.S., the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has created specialized resource materials to educate pest management professional about these problem causing pests. Individuals can purchase the new all inclusive bed bug bundles complete with a 24”x 36” wall poster, instructional DVD, and professional brochures. These items will explain the habits of bed bugs, how to identify an infested area, damage caused, and also depict color photos for identification of bed bugs and bites inflicted on humans by these tiny bloodsuckers.

The new wall poster visibly displays information and photos that are extremely useful to professionals. This all-encompassing resource allows you to refer to important information you will need to know when controlling bed bugs. A twenty-five minute video will walk you through a hotel room inspection and give you a first-hand look at where infestations can occur. Through the use of commercial and consumer focused brochures you can educate your current and potential customers on bed bugs and reasons to hire a professional.

Visit the NPMA Bugstore at www.npmapestworld.org/store and get the materials you need today so you can start fighting bed bugs tomorrow.  For more information, contact NPMA at 703.352.6762.

PPMA Announces New Web Features for Consumers and the Media

Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) continues to add new features on its updated public National Pest Management Association (NPMA) consumer and media Web areas, www.pestworld.org, delivering the most up-to-date pest management information to consumers and the media.

New features include pest e-lerts directed to consumers regionally on their specific pest issues and a searchable pest database with information ranging from insect biology to fun facts. The site also delivers immediate answers to consumer questions via a new “Ask the Pro” section on the site.

“Our goal is to provide the most current and credible information available to the public— customers and potential customers,” said Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA.  “With the addition of information updates and new features, we will stay connected to our customers in the residential and commercial markets.”

Prior renovations included a redesigned message board, an increased prominence in pest alert opt-ins, and expanded image, article, and fact sheet galleries, just to name a few. “We recognize the importance of keeping our Web site fresh with new content and features that offer convenience, functionality, and a wealth of information for our users,” said Mannes. “The pest industry is constantly evolving and our goal is to keep our site on the same track.”

PPMA reports a 145 percent increase in unique users in 2006 compared to 2005 and it is the top ranking Web site consumers visit to locate a pest professional.

Stinging Insects 101: A Lesson in Prevention and Treatment

It’s that time of year again—unwelcome pests are putting a stinger in everyone’s fun.  Stinging insects are most active in the summer and early fall when their nest populations exceed 60,000.  Some 500,000 people are sent to the hospital emergency room every year due to stings from insects such as yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants. 

“Stinging insects pose a major health concern for families around the country, and these are the months when you are at the greatest risk,” says Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association.  “It is important to take certain precautions to ensure that you are not their next victim.”

Experts at NPMA offer numerous tips for preventing stinging insects and treating stings:

• Hire a trained pest professional to destroy hives and nests around the home.
• Eliminate standing water and other sources of moisture in or around the home.
• Keep trashcans covered and sealed.
• When dining outside, keep food covered until ready to eat.
• If approached by a stinging insect, remain calm and quiet.  Avoid swaying or swinging, as this may provoke an attack.
• Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.

Mannes advises, “A licensed pest professional will be able to use an integrated pest management approach around the home to inspect, treat and keep stinging insects at bay while giving homeowners the piece of mind they need to enjoy their backyards while the warmer temperatures stick around.”

NPMA Presents School Support Packages

All inclusive resource bundles provide PMPs the tools for going into classrooms

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is pleased to announce the creation of two, all inclusive resource packages to help pest management professionals “jump start” classroom presentations.  Resources are intended to educate students, provide accurate information about the pest management industry and to use as leave behinds for students to refer to in the future.

April is National Pest Management Month and many PMPs visit schools in an effort to familiarize students with the benefits of hiring a professional. Companies reach out to their communities by providing classrooms with hands on materials and unique gifts. To help professionals, NPMA has created two packages available for purchase through the Bug Store.  

The first package is designed for elementary schools, offering a variety of fun and educational merchandise including the NPMA Fun & Activity Book, the PestWorld for Kids CD, and Folkmanis pest puppets, complete with descriptions. The second package, geared towards secondary schools and older students includes consumer brochures, the Pest Control in our World video, and detailed pest posters.

“NPMA continues to provide PMP’s with resources that can help them with their day to day activities. These two packages offer a one-stop shopping option to individuals, providing them with the resources necessary to deliver an intelligent and effective presentation,” commented Andy Architect., NPMA resource manager.

For additional information or to place an order for the all inclusive school packages, visit the Bug Store at www.npmapestworld.org/store.

Professional Pest Management Alliance Debuts Half a Decade of Consumer Research

Material Available to PPMA Contributors on One Compact Disc

The Professional Pest Management Alliance has announced the availability of four in-depth consumer research studies on one user-friendly compact disc.  Created to help industry professionals understand consumer attitudes toward pests and the pest control industry, the research provides a peak into the lives of current, former and never-users of professional pest control.

The CD includes four separate research studies in Microsoft Powerpoint files. Research studies conducted since 2001 include: How American Consumers View Household Pests (2001), Views on Common Pests (2003), Protectors of Health and Property (2004), and Pest Control Attitudes and Usage (2005). “After conducting four separate research studies since 2001, we wanted to provide a premiere educational resource for industry professionals with the information they need to understand current users as well as non-users of professional pest control,” said Cindy Mannes, Executive Director of PPMA.

Although all four studies researched consumer attitudes toward pests and professional pest control, they each provide unique findings and together cover a wide variety of topics and issues related to the pest control industry. Also included on each CD are marketing tips that pest professionals can use within their own business to better market their services and reach out to current and potential customers.    

A few of many interesting findings that can be found on the CD are:

• Less than 10% of total homeowners had a negative feeling towards professional pest control. (2005)
• Respondents concern about certain pests rose significantly higher when associated with a health threat. (2004) 
• 72% of homeowners believe that professional pest control services are more effective than store bought home remedies. (2003)
• Termites are the most likely pest to inspire Americans to call a pest control professional if they were bothered by them in their home. (2001)

PPMA contributors help fund these extensive research studies each year and will receive the research series CD free of charge. “Purchasing the CD qualifies you as a PPMA contributor and entitles you to all benefits that come with that attribution,” noted Mannes. “PPMA contributors have access to the acclaimed Pride & Professionalism video series, reduced pricing for consumer brochures and billstuffers, and more.”

The CD is available for purchase for a minimum $250 donation and can be obtained by contacting PPMA Executive Director, Cindy Mannes, at cmannes@pestworld.org or at 703-352.6762. Proceeds collected from sales of the research CD will help fund future marketing initiatives on behalf of the pest control industry.

PPMA Unveils Consumer Attitude and Usage Study

The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) unveiled today a new Consumer Attitude and Usage Study on the professional pest control industry.  The study, fully funded by PPMA provided detailed information on general concerns regarding the presence of pests in and around the home; attitudes towards pests and pest control companies; decisions regarding usage of professional pest control services; their views on do-it-yourself pest control and much more.  This is the first industry-wide study where users and non-users of our services participated. 

Some of the key findings included: 

• Pest control is largely perceived as providing a valuable service even among non users
• More than half of homeowners and a vast majority of users agree pest control services protects their home and property
• Almost half of homeowners agree that pest control protects their family’s health
  

For more information, contact Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA at cmannes@pestworld.org

NPMA Membership News: HUD Reauthorizes NPCA-99a and NPCA-99b Forms Until 2008

The Federal Housing Administration of the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that the pretreat forms, the NPCA-99a and the NPCA-99b, have been reauthorized by the federal government.

All forms required by the government have expiration dates and the NPCA-99a and NPCA-99b authorization expired on October 31 of this year. Other than the new expiration date of November 30, 2008, no content changes have been made to the format of the pretreat forms and this is good news for the pest management industry.

The new forms are still called "NPCA" forms and NPMA recommends its members use their current stock until supplies are depleted - HUD will not exchange unused stock for new forms. Some loan processors and underwriters may require the use of the new form when they become available.

The forms with the new expiration date may be purchased through NPMA's Resource Center by calling 703-352-6762 or emailing Andy Architect at aarchitect@pestworld.org. Questions about the reauthorization may be directed to Greg Baumann at gbaumann@pestworld.org.


EPA Issues PR Notice
The EPA has issued a long-awaited Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice relating to labeling of products used for control of adult mosquitoes. A PR Notice contains recommendations to pesticide manufacturers on labeling of new and existing products. The PR Notice applies only to products labeled for wide-area application as Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprays or fogs, and not to home and garden use products which list mosquitoes on the label, or to coarse non-ULV sprays intended for residual treatment of vegetation or other surfaces. Control of mosquito larvae in water is a wholly different use pattern from adult mosquito control, and are not included in the scope of this Notice.

Advertising Opportunities
The OPCA News affords advertising opportunities to industry participants. Insertions are accepted on a per issue or annual basis. The OPCA News is published on a quarterly basis with Winter (February), Spring (May), Summer (August) and Fall (November) issues produced. More than 240 industry professionals and representatives receive the newsletter each quarter.
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