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Articles by Jamel Sandidge
Offer services to handle the aftermath of a successful bed bug elimination
We often think about the direct task of eliminating bed bugs, but too often, we don’t think much about the aftermath of our success. Bed bugs leave behind distinct odors caused by their decaying bodies, fecal material, dry blood, odor-causing bacteria and other secretions. These strong odors penetrate clothing, bedding, carpets, school backpacks, stuffed animals and other surfaces. They even can linger for months after populations have been eliminated.
Control moisture along the foundation to prevent home-invading ants
The key to controlling nuisance home-invading ants is to control moisture along the foundation of a structure and its adjacent areas. Some moisture sources are obvious, like downspouts that are missing or diverting water toward the foundation. However, other sources may be less evident when you are only present for a short time at a site, such as wet leaves packed into a corner, blocked gutters that overflow, slow-leaking faucets, and thatch or compacted mulch that retains moisture.
Bug Off Pest Control Center: 2024 New York Pest Expo
The theme for this year’s New York Pest Expo, taking place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 8 at the George Washington Bridge Doubletree Hotel in Fort Lee, N.J. is “Natural Intelligence.” Technology is critical for growth, efficiency and productivity – but it is no substitute for the human mind. It is a tool that should assist, not replace, critical thinking. Come sharpen your cognitive skills with key insights from some of the industry’s most outstanding talents.
Nisus Corp.: Nisus Nation Podcast | Pest Management Professional
Introducing the trademarked Nisus Nation Podcast: Join host Jason York as he brings together guests from the pest control world for always insightful — and often humorous — discussions of the challenges, joys and oddities of our industry. Featuring guests from all across the country, Nisus Nation is a place to celebrate all that we can learn from one another about the wild, complex world of pest control. New episodes drop on the 15th of every month.
Why it's important to perform treatment for bat bugs soon after exclusion | Pest Management Professional
Look up! When trying to distinguish between bat bugs and bed bugs without a microscope or hand lens, look up. Bat bugs generally are going to be found in attics and ceiling voids, where they find their way through cracks, crevices and paths created by things such as light fixtures. A quick glance at the glass globe of a ceiling light or examining beds or sofas directly under recessed lights often can provide evidence that the problem you are after is bats (and their bugs), not bed bugs.
Bug Off Pest Control Center: Expo 2024 | Pest Management Professional
The theme for this year’s New York Pest Expo, taking place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 8 at the George Washington Bridge Doubletree Hotel in Fort Lee, N.J. is “Natural Intelligence.” Technology is critical for growth, efficiency and productivity – but it is no substitute for the human mind. It is a tool that should assist, not replace, critical thinking. Come sharpen your cognitive skills with key insights from some of the industry’s most outstanding talents.
Avoid rapid reproduction of fleas and ticks | Pest Management Professional
Recent regulations have limited the number of products that can be used to combat fleas and ticks indoors. There often are limitations on carpet applications or long re-treatment intervals. These regulations can make customers a little nervous, however, because they may continue to find these pests and suffer from bites. The biggest issue with these pests is often the sheer number present, thanks to high reproductive success.
5 tips for odor control to prevent fly infestations | Pest Management Professional
Nisus Sanitation is always at the top of the list for fly control, but there is another highly important factor to consider: odor control. Flies can detect and follow odors over long distances, using chemoreceptors that detect specific volatile aromatic chemicals. These chemical cues include the smells produced by yeast (fermentation), by bacteria or mold breaking down food, or by ripening fruit, among many others.
Rockwell Labs Ltd: EcoVia EC
EcoVia EC emulsifiable concentrate, along with the entire EcoVia product line, represents one of the most advanced and most tested 25(b) exempt formulations on the market today. It is a highly versatile product that delivers quick knockdown/kill and residual repellency protection. The botanical oils used in EcoVia EC were specifically chosen because of their efficacy on a wide range of crawling, flying and sucking insect pests, both indoors and outdoors.
Keys to controlling flies
Control Solutions Inc. Flies are gross. I know — groundbreaking information, right? To be fair, not all flies are gross, but many of the flies we deal with in the pest control industry love to hang out in feces, dirty water, trash and even dead animals. Aside from being foul, many flies are super-annoying and quickly can make our customers crazy, then mad if the problem is not addressed. When it comes to flies, proper identification and finding the breeding sources are the keys to control.
Know which product to use, where to treat
As a pest control business owner in addition to my role at Nature-Cide, I always think in terms of opportunity and risk. Sometimes, risk is opportunity in disguise — and when it comes to vector issues such as mosquitoes, there is plenty of both. For instance, we want to take the opportunity to shut down these biting insects without the risk of hurting people, pets or the environment. My method is to find the sensitive areas on a potential account before servicing it.
Syngenta: SecureChoice Mosquito Assurance Program
Summer is here — bringing not only more sunshine, but also more mosquitoes onto your customers’ properties. The SecureChoice Mosquito Assurance Program from Syngenta can guarantee a reduction in these mosquito populations on a 30- or 60-day treatment cycle, helping you see assured control and reduced technician time.
Reduce harborage to treat mosquitoes
Because of the number of diseases mosquitoes can vector, they’re considered the most dangerous animal on the planet. Therefore, it may not be a surprise that successful mosquito control typically requires several strategies. While challenging, the most important strategy is reducing harborage. For Aedes species, this includes urging property owners to eliminate any container holding stagnant water, from bottle caps to buckets to tires to kiddie pools.
Protect bees, butterflies when applying pesticides
One of the most important aspects of controlling mosquitoes is protecting pollinators. When we see the beautiful riot of colors of flowering perennial and annual blooms, it provides obvious signs to avoid the area because pollinators will be nearby. However, one major factor to remember is that weeds, trees and vines also have flowers that are frequently visited by many different groups of pollinators.
Location determines treatments for stinging insects
Location plays a pivotal role in determining how to effectively manage stinging insect nests. Whether nestled in the ground, mulch, against structures, picnic tables or playground equipment, the nest’s site dictates the approach. First, determine whether your current pest applicator license permits control. Regulations vary across states, with some imposing maximum treatment distances from structures or restricting exterior treatments for indoor pests.
Properly identify stinging insects
Stinging insects such as wasps, hornets and yellowjackets can pose several control challenges because of their painful stings. They build their nests in sheltered areas, which can be especially dangerous for children and those with allergies because they tend to swarm when disturbed. Threat levels from stinging insects vary by species, but control is necessary anytime a hive or nest is near or in outdoor recreational or living areas.
Tabanid flies: Tabanidae
Horse flies and deer flies are pests of both domestic and wild animals — and occasionally of humans. Approximately 335 species occur in North America, while there are about 4,300 species worldwide. Adults range in size from small deer flies (about 0.25 inch in length) to large horse flies (about 1.25 inches in length).
7 ways to prevent swarms of stinging insects
Protecting customers from stinging insects is important, but protecting yourself as you perform services around homes and businesses also is imperative. I can guarantee I am not the only one who has bumped into a bush or applied product to an area, only to be immediately swarmed and stung multiple times before getting away. Here are seven ways to help limit these occurrences — and hopefully avoid them altogether.
Use a combination of strategies for cockroaches
We all have our favorite cockroach tools, but it’s important to remember many control tools are available — each labeled to address different areas and situations. For quick and complete cockroach control, it’s often best to use a combination of strategies. For example, use dusts in voids where cockroaches harbor, and residual applications along their likely travel paths, including cracks and crevices.
Fighting silverfish in a hoarder’s home
Pests are proficient at taking advantage of us, even when we think we’re being clean and tidy. In a hoarder’s home, the necessities of their “triangle of life” — food, water and shelter — are seemingly infinite. What lurks in those cluttered and undisturbed places? You have some guesses as to the pests that might inhabit a home of endless resources, as did I. I was surprised, but also not surprised, to find out for myself. I recently had the opportunity to clean up a severely cluttered house.
5 Questions with Dr. Paulina Maldonado-Ruiz
This month, we check in with Dr. Paulina Maldonado-Ruiz, who recently accepted the position of assistant professor in medical entomology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., where she plans to continue her research on tickborne disease. She posts updates of her research online at PaulinaMaldonadoRuiz.com. 1.
How to determine the best cockroach bait
When dealing with cockroaches, competitive food sources are one of your biggest nightmares. Cockroaches eat what is available until the supply runs out. Cockroach baits can vary with their attractants: Some have the aroma of meats like beef or chicken. Some incorporate potatoes, flour and other carbohydrates. Some have the sweet scent of molasses, honey, sugar or fruit. Some use long-distance attractants with a pungent odor, such as vinegar, garlic, yeast or other natural attractants.
Nisus hires sales representative for Hawaiian Islands, Pacific
Nisus Corp. hired Sanya Brandow-Kettler as an independent sales representative for the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific. She brings with her decades of experience in the pest control industry, including time spent in sales, distribution, and as the owner/operator of her own pest control business. Brandow-Kettler joined the pest control industry in 1997 working for Hawaii Pest Control.
What the Inflation Reduction Act means to PMPs
The Inflation Reduction Act passed into law last year, and currently is being implemented across the U.S. The hiring of new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents under the Act is likely to have a significant impact on federal tax audits. The IRS has not released any specific plans for how it will use the new funding, but it has stated it plans to increase audit activity. As I write this column in mid-November, the audit rate for individuals is at less than 1 percent.
Argentine black and white tegu: Salvator merianae
Tegus, specifically the Argentine black and white species (Salvator merianae), have been making headlines this year in Florida and Georgia — scaring homeowners by taking up residence under a back porch, for example. These “dog-sized lizards” are desirable pets among reptile enthusiasts, but several established populations are being found in the wild. Tegus mostly feed on the eggs of chicken, quail and turkeys.
Skyhawk: Trapmate
Skyhawk Trapmate is one of the fastest-growing and most advanced electronic remote monitoring (ERM) systems available for rodent control today. The company has made it even easier to add remote monitoring to your arsenal, offering high performance at a low cost of ownership. Using Trapmate, you’ll be able to: Stop checking empty traps. You’ll know which traps need checking and which you can skip. Use the time you save to focus on eliminating the rodent problem, not just the rodents.
Exclusion as a part of residential rodent control
Kids and pets are added factors when you are carrying out rodent control around someone’s home. Exclusion should be a part of your residential rodent control program to help minimize risk and reduce rodent incursions. For small-hole proofing and exclusion work, we recommend using an industry-specific paste compound. It can be easily applied with a caulking gun to fill cracks, gaps and holes up to 2 inches in diameter in wood, brick, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and metal.
Corteva Agriscience sells ActiveSense to a new owner
Corteva Agriscience has sold the ActiveSense electronic remote monitoring system to a new owner. When asked by Pest Management Professional (PMP) for further information, representatives from the Indianapolis, Ind.-based manufacturer confirmed the sale and noted the following: “In line with our strategy to focus and simplify operations, we’ve decided to sell the ActiveSense electronic remote monitoring system to a new owner, effective December 15, 2023.
Reducing hazards when treating rodent infestations
Urine, feces, grease marks, volatile fatty acids, bodily secretions, odors, bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, fleas, ticks, lice and mites — all of these are potential hazards when dealing with rodent infestations. That’s because rodents leave behind a plethora of potentially harmful pathogens, ectoparasites, and many forms of organic filth such as soiled insulation, drywall, carpets and other contaminated materials in their wake.
Understanding birds to prevent them returning
Many pest management professionals (PMPs) become frustrated when putting a lot of labor into cleaning, only to have birds return. But the hard truth is that bird droppings need more than bleach, power sprayers and elbow grease. Knowledge and expertise also are needed in the following: Understand how bird biology drives nesting behaviors in human structures. Realize that generational offspring always will try to return to their nesting sites.
A Look Back: Photos from 1982
In 1982, then-Pest Control magazine reported on Dr. Joyce Brothers addressing more than 300 women at the Ladies Luncheon during the then-National Pest Control Association’s (NPCA’s) 49th annual convention in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Next month, Pest Management Professional will report on the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Networking Breakfast, sponsored by FieldRoutes, during the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) PestWorld 2023 convention in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Using disinfectants, sanitizers for bird control
Disinfectants, sanitizers and virucides can be of tremendous help when nuisance birds infest an area. Nuisance birds can carry a host of diseases that are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted to humans. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungal pathogens often are associated with surface contamination from bird droppings and fecal dust. They also can be present in secretions, food contamination and the debris birds gather and use for nesting materials.
Tips to control spiders
Most spiders are harmless and play an important role in controlling the insect population. However, they can be a nuisance pest, reproducing quickly and leaving cobwebs in hard-to-reach areas. They also might cause anxiety for homeowners, leading to calls and complaints. Most spider species prefer to live outdoors and feast on insects. When they make their way indoors, they are typically looking for prey or coming inside for warmth when the temperature drops outside.
Perimeter treatments for arthropods
Pyrethroid product labels have evolved to effectively restrict the total application volume that may be used to treat the exterior of a structure. A brief review of common label language will act as a reminder of the methods that may be employed for perimeter treatments. Applications may be made to the side of a building up to a maximum height of 3 feet above grade.
Excessive moisture attracts arthropods
One thing that all arthropod pests have in common is their constant quest for water. While some pest species meet their moisture requirements from the food they consume or hosts they feed upon, most arthropod pests depend on moisture gradients and microclimates to survive. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices directed toward reducing conducive conditions, modifying the environment, and eliminating moist microclimates can greatly improve your success.
PMP Gallery: Legislative Day - Pest Management Professional
1. BACK ON THE HILL The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) CEO Dominique Stumpf, CAE, welcomed attendees to Legislative Day and stressed the importance of person-to-person meetings with representatives. 2. LIVELY DEBATE NPMA Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs J.D. Darr, center, moderated a lively debate with conservative Los Angeles Times Columnist Jonah Goldberg, left, and NPR National Political Correspondent Mara Liasson, right, during the keynote lunch on March 22. 3.
Quick Takes from the 2023 PMP Growth Summit - Pest Management Professional
Partner company representatives addressed attendees during Boardroom Presentations the first day of the PMP Growth Summit. Pest management professionals (PMPs) received a quick, seven-minute briefing for each company, along with its products and services, to prepare them for the one-on-one meetings held over the next two days. Aprehend Aprehend.com Aprehend is a biopesticide for the elimination and prevention of bed bugs.
Treat mosquitoes with insect growth regulator - Pest Management Professional
Retention and small landscape ponds often are overlooked as overwintering and breeding sites for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will overwinter in their larval stage most commonly in muddy areas to increase their chances of survival and prevent freezing. Considering this, one of the most effective treatments for mosquitoes in and near small ponds is with an insect growth regulator (IGR). Often in granular presentations, these products inhibit mosquitoes from developing further.
SiteOne: Mosquito Free Line - Pest Management Professional
Mosquito season is here and so is Mosquito Free — now available in a convenient, 2.5-gallon concentrate size. Tested with a 100 percent takedown rate when mixed and applied according to the manufacturer’s label, Mosquito Free can be used on both residential and commercial properties. Mosquito Free by NAPROCO LLC/dba Garden Girls Repellents is offered exclusively through SiteOne Landscape Supply. Call your local branch today and ask for it. Professional use only. GardenGirlsRepellents.com
Using excitorepellents to treat mosquitoes - Pest Management Professional
Mosquitoes are by far one of the most difficult insects to control. Large populations, rapid reproduction, and the wide variety of species and habitat requirements are just a few of the issues we face. One of the most important aspects of control is understanding how pesticides work to repel these disease-harboring insects.
Don’t let customers tamper with evidence - Pest Management Professional
Proper identification is the cornerstone of any pest control program, and nothing beats having a physical sample in hand to give you total confidence in your identification. But how many times have you shown up at a client’s house to troubleshoot an issue, only to be left empty-handed when you ask to see the pest or pest evidence? All too often, your client’s first response to seeing pest activity is to clean and sanitize the area before you arrive.
Nisus receives Responsible Care certification - Pest Management Professional
Nisus Corp. announced that it has earned its Responsible Care certification though the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
Nisus, Noble Pine Products announce Sterifab agreement - Pest Management Professional
Nisus Corp. announced that it reached an agreement with Noble Pine Products Co. to handle the sales, marketing and distribution of Sterifab to the professional pest market. “As a soft surface sanitizer, insecticide, viricide, Sterifab is a vital product in the pest control industry. It is a perfect complement to our disinfectant and bio-sanitation line and will be another way that we can provide support to our customers,” Lee Barrett, president of Nisus Corp., said in the news release.
Develop structured treatment program - Pest Management Professional
There are many effective tools for cockroach control available. It’s best to use an integrated approach and adapt the tools you use to the situation. As with small flies in a commercial food establishment, look for “mystery voids” that may be a potential harborage for a persistent infestation. Commercial kitchens often have several such void areas that may provide warmth, moisture, food or all three. Inspect the account in a systematic way, looking for clues that might point to a hidden void.
Rodent Tales: A.J. Quick - Pest Management Professional
Question: What’s one of the largest rodent infestations you’ve battled, and how did you win? QUICK: I come from the horticulture industry, and honestly I interviewed for the pest control job just for the interview experience. However, taking this job was the best decision I’ve ever made. I love the work, especially solving problems for customers.
Treating cockroaches in bars - Pest Management Professional
When servicing older facilities, especially those with bar areas, keep in mind American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are highly attracted to malt beverages like beer — particularly the hops, yeast and sugars. The drains in a bar area seldom get cleaned as frequently as other drains; therefore, they tend to dry up more often. Because American cockroaches commonly enter via dry drains, this makes bar areas more susceptible.
Eliminating cockroaches for good - Pest Management Professional
Cockroaches are a public health pest known to spread diseases and introduce allergens into their environment. When we think of eradicating severe infestations of these pests, we usually gravitate toward eliminating live cockroaches, removing conducive conditions and correcting sanitation practices to prevent future issues. However, there are additional opportunities to clear the carnage, disinfect and sanitize surfaces, and remove the stains and odors that are often overlooked.
The myth of dirty bait stations - Pest Management Professional
Editor’s Note: The “Question of the Month” in our February issue (p. 10) inspired Shep, an Editorial Advisory Board member, to not only provide an answer for the page but to expound on the truth behind another myth. A common thought is that not all the droppings should be cleaned out of traps or bait stations because they’ll attract more mice. It sounds reasonable, but does it hold up to a closer look?
January 2023 - Pest Management Professional
https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=780004
Try ‘the rule of 23’ in 2023 - Pest Management Professional
Before writing this column in early December, I sat down with my CFO to discuss our anticipated year-end numbers. We have survived the pandemic, and 2022 in general. What does 2023 look like? We agreed there’s a lot of uncertainty. I’m concerned, but I’m not losing sleep. I think 2023 is going to be a sluggish year. Still, we’re better off than we were in the Great Recession years of 2008 and 2009. The fundamentals of the economy back then were not nearly as good as they are now.
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