Liphatech: NoTox Product Line

IMAGE: LIPHATECH

Liphatech’s NoTox brand is now a family of products featuring NoTox Soft Bait Attractant, formerly known as Liphatech Rat & Mouse Attractant. Along with NoTox Monitoring Blocks, non-toxic NoTox Soft Bait Attractant is highly attractive to rodents, nuisance animals and pests, even when competing food is available, the company says. NoTox Soft Bait Attractant can be used with or without the paper wrapper on snap traps and glue boards, and in bait stations and live-catch traps. Targeted pests include, but are not limited to, house mice, Norway rats, roof rats, raccoons, chipmunks and squirrels. NoTox Soft Bait Attractant is available in new packaging from distributors in cases containing eight 1-pound labeled bags of 10-gram pouches, labeled for sale by the case or 1-pound bag.

Liphatech.com

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Waltham Pest Service launches Green Home Care Plan

With branches throughout New England, Waltham Pest Services has launched the Green Home Care Plan as an eco-friendly extension of its Home Care Plan.

The new service focuses on integrated pest management (IPM) solutions, which Waltham Pest Services notes in a news release that it has been practicing for years.

The company has used its knowledge to keep pests out of customer’s homes, and this new program takes it a step further. The Green Home Care Plan will utilize the better and more effective green products that are available.

Chris Weppert, region manager at Waltham Pest Services, said in the news release that at a time when the protection of the environment is of critical importance, it was time to find a more sustainable way to treat for pests.

“The Green Home Care Plan allows us to utilize specialized skills and training to provide pest protection in a sustainable way that removes the worry about the effect on children, pets, water supplies, and all other environmental concerns,” Weppert said.

Hope Bowman, board certified entomologist at Waltham Pest Services, said the number of treatments will go from three to four times a year so that the company can ensure the green products will keep working throughout the year.

Other recent innovations from Waltham Pest Services includes harnessing new technology. like its MyPestData Customer Portal; new services, like its professional disinfectant treatment, UltiClean; and its new educational program, Waltham Services Academy.

The Green Home Care Plan is offered to all homeowners and will help handle 15 common household pests including carpenter ants, cockroaches, mice and rats. It is also available now as a choice for more environmentally minded commercial customers.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/07/waltham-pest-service-launches-green-home-care-plan/

PelGar: Soft bait selections

IMAGE: PELGAR

Don’t suffer from bait freeze this winter! It’s the lard in PelGar’s Brigand and Monark soft baits that keeps it pliable in sub-zero temperatures. Combined with PelGar’s other food-grade ingredients, it’s also the lard that makes it highly attractive to rodents, even against competing food sources, the company says. Use Brigand to get on top of infestations quickly and easily. Use Monark, with its lower LD50, around homes where non-targets are a concern. Supplied in 16-pound pails, Brigand and Monark soft bait sachets are easily skewered on to a bait station rod or spike for security.

PelGar.co.uk/usa

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Validate your wildlife knowledge

PHOTO: GALINAST/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

 

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New Flat Rate integrates with Housecall Pro

The New Flat Rate, the menu-pricing system for home service contractors, announced a new integration with Housecall Pro, a software platform for home service professionals.

The integration will benefit both companies’ customers by eliminating manual data entry and seamlessly passing information between the two apps with the click of a button.

The New Flat Rate system allows field service technicians to have instant access to a variety of price books that provide pricing for repairs and gives customers multiple service options. The result is an increase in the average service ticket and in customer satisfaction.

HouseCall Pro is an all-in-one business solution that helps home service professionals streamline their operations, scale their businesses and impress their customers. With east-to-use tools for scheduling, dispatching, payments and more, Housecall Pros helps save time and cut the stress of paperwork.

“We’re excited this integration with The New Flat Rate is now live,” said Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro. “By simplifying the customer interaction via The New Flat Rate’s app and menu pricing, pros will be able to not only increase their close rate and ticket size, but also offer a better customer experience resulting in 5-star reviews across the board.”

About The New Flat Rate

The New Flat Rate is a menu pricing system for in-home service providers, which the company has said has doubled and tripled the average service ticket for contractors across the United States and Canada.

About Housecall Pro

Founded in 2013, HouseCall Pro is a business solution that helps home service professionals save time, sell bigger jobs and provide best-in-class service. With tools for scheduling, dispatching, payments and more, HouseCall Pro is designed for owners to manage every aspect of their businesses in one place.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/06/new-flat-rate-integrates-with-housecall-pro/

Aptive Environmental wins Best in Biz Awards

IMAGE: APTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL

Aptive Environmental has been named a Gold winner in the Company of the Year – Business to Consumer by Best in Biz Awards.

Best in Biz Awards is the only independent business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reported from top-tier publications in North America. This year marks the first time Aptive Environmental won a Best in Biz Award.

In the September issue of Pest Management Professional magazine, Aptive Environmental co-founders David Royce and Vess Pearson discussed how they were able to fine-tune the sales process to attract and retain employees.

Founded in 2015, Aptive Environmental is a pest control company in North America with a direct-to-home sales strategy powered by proprietary software, coupled with a personal growth-driven corporate culture. As a result during its first five years in business, Aptive Environmental has generated over $745 million in revenue. The company has also serviced over 1.6 million customers and continues to expand to help more consumers enjoy their homes.

“Aptive views our customers as neighbors and we are proud to help make their homes more enjoyable through our pest control services. The prestigious Best in Biz Awards Business to Consumer recognition reflects how our focus on elevating experiences for our customers are at the forefront of everything we do,” said Vess Pearson, CEO and co-founder of Aptive Environmental.

This is the 11^th annual Best in Biz program and had more than 700 entries from public and private companies of all sizes in the U.S. and Canada, ranging from some of the best-known global brands to the most innovative start-ups and local companies.

According to a news release, the judges were impressed with the winning companies’ resilience and adaptability that allowed them to turn the challenges of the past 20 months into remarkable growth numbers, their dedication to their customers in matters and efforts to maintain and deepen their commitment to the environment and local communities.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/06/aptive-environmental-wins-best-in-biz-awards/

PCI: TearGuard Insulation Vacuum Bags

IMAGE: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

Pest Control Insulation’s (PCI’s) large, durable, tear-resistant and disposable insulation vacuum bags are almost twice the weight of lighter weight bags, the company says. The bag’s material acts as a filter to keep dust and material inside for a cleaner and healthier worksite. Boasting an economical price, the bag works best when attached to the end of a 5- to 10-foot hose that has been affixed to the exit port of a high-output vacuum or Krendl Vacuum Defender.

TAPInsulation.com

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Target Specialty Products announces next webinar

Target Specialty Products has announced the latest installment of its Business Growth webinar series. Titled “iQ Products: Pulse Baiting Tips and Trapping Solutions for Every Account,” the free webinar will take place Thursday, Dec. 16, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.

Patrick Lynch, ACE, senior vice president of sales and general manager of Bell Sensing Technologies, will discuss the biology of rodents, including different species and how they respond to control techniques; rodenticide stewardship; pulse baiting; and trapping do’s and don’ts.

Attendees will be able to ask questions at the conclusion of the webinar. All webinar attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Bell Laboratories-branded Nike polo shirt.

Registration for the webinar is now available.

After completing his master degree in business administration from the New York Institute of Technology in 2006, Lynch gained his expertise in the rodent control industry working as a Bell Laboratories technical representative for the New York and New Jersey region. Lynch is also general manager of Bell Laboratories’ newest division, Bell Sensing Technologies. He currently serves on the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Workforce Development Committee and the NPMA Leadership Networking Council.

About Target Specialty Products

For over 80 years, Target Specialty Products has been a provider of pest control, vector and turf and ornamental solutions, application and aquatic equipment, supplies and education and training program. The company serves markets in 44 locations across the United States and Canada.

About Bell Laboratories

Founded in 1974 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Malcom Stack (Class of 2004), Bell Labs is an exclusive manufacturer of rodent control products for the pest control and agricultural industries on six continents. Bell has developed a complete line of products — rodenticides, tamper-resistant bait stations, non-poisonous glue boards, mechanical traps and attractants — to control rodents in any situation. Through its Bell Sensing Technologies division, it develops and supports a technology platform for iQ products. This technology is built around a proprietary app and portal that communicates with iQ products by gathering, storing and reporting on the rodent activity occurring at an account.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/03/target-specialty-products-announces-next-webinar/

Turner Pest Control acquires Perschel & Meyer

Turner Pest Control, an Anticimex company, acquired Perschel & Meyer Pest Management.

Turner Pest Control provides comprehensive pest control services to residential and commercial clients in Florida and South Georgia. The deal is part of Turner Pest Control’s planned growth strategy and marks its eighth acquisition this year.

Perschel & Meyer Pest Management has served Jacksonville, Fla., and the Jacksonville beaches since 1989 and provides pest control, termite control and lawn care services.

The company provides these services to residential commercial clients, including some of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Perschel & Meyer Pest Management is a member of the Florida Pest Management Association and the National Pest Management Association.

Perschel & Meyer Pest Management built a reputation for excellence over the last 30 years with more than 80 percent of its new business gained through new referrals from existing customers.

“We recognize the inestimable value of a pest control company’s good reputation and know how much a company’s growth depends on it,” Turner Pest Control President Bill Talon said. “We’re proud to be associated with Perschel & Meyer and look forward to carrying on the standards it has set.”

Perschel & Meyer Pest Management President and Owner Bob Meyer added, “We both started out as small, local businesses with a focus on building long-term relationships with our customers and our communities. Joining forces with Turner allows us to continue to establish and cement new relationships in the area by bringing innovative new services to homeowners and business owners.”

About Turner Pest Control

Turner Pest Control was founded in 1971 and serves customers throughout Florida and South Georgia. The Anticimex company is a member of the National Pest Management Association and is Quality Pro-Certified.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/03/turner-pest-control-acquires-perschel-meyer/

Abell Pest donates gives back with 12 Days of Giving

Abell Pest Control is in the midst of giving back to the communities it serves through the 12 Days of Giving. PHOTO: ABELL PEST CONTROL

Based in Toronto, Ontario, with branches throughout North America, Abell Pest Control is in the midst of giving back to the communities it serves through the 12 Days of Giving, which started on Giving Tuesday.

Starting on Nov. 30, the company donated $10,000 to food banks serving the local communities when it operates across North America. The donation, on behalf of Abell employees, kicks off a series of giving to employees in appreciation of their ongoing efforts.

“Abell’s strength is its people who despite the trying times, have been resilient and committed to caring for our customers,” said John Abell, Abell Pest Control president. “Warm and fuzzy is not what comes to mind when you think about pests, but that’s who we are as a company. We recognize and appreciate each member of the Abell family and the communities we serve.”

During the 12 Days of Giving, Abell Pest Control employees will be surprised each day with a holiday email letting them know what they are getting that day or how the company is giving to various charities.

The donation from Abell Pest Control on Giving Tuesday will allow food banks to continue to purchase good and other necessities to support vulnerable populations in communities where the company is present across the U.S. and Canada.

This is the second year Abell Pest Control has donated to food banks across North America.

“We are all about people helping people,” Abell said.

About Abell Pest Control

Founded in 1924, Abell Pest Control is a North American provider in pest control, hygiene and disinfecting services and offers businesses and homeowners effective, safe and dependable solutions.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/03/abell-pest-donates-gives-back-with-12-days-of-giving/

GPCA promotes new executive director

Kelly McLendon, executive director, Georgia Pest Control Association

The Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA) announced Kelly McLendon, CAE, as its new executive director.

McLendon has more than 20 years of experience in association management. Before coming to GPCA, she worked for the Georgia Economic Developers Association, Georgia Pharmacy Association and the International Flight Services Association. She has held a variety of positions within associations. In a news release, she said she is proudest of her successful membership campaigns, continuing education programs and fundraising.

“I am looking forward to this new opportunity to serve the members of the Georgia Pest Control Association,” McLendon said. “I believe my experience in association management will be an asset to the board, and I am anticipating learning more about the pest control industry in the coming years.”

GPCA President Brantley Russell said her experience at other companies will help GPCA build on what the last three executive directors have done over the last 70 years.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Georgia Pest Control Association is excited to have Kelly as our new Executive Director,” Russell said.

McLendon and her husband, Joel, have two children, Sophia and Alice. They currently reside in Snellville, Ga.

About Georgia Pest Control Association

Founded in 1950, the Georgia Pest Control Association’s mission is to promote the standards and ethics of the pest control industry and provide ongoing education to those in the industry. This includes the advancement of research and to cooperate with the National Pest Management Association, government authorities and education institutions for the good of the community and the pest control industry.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/03/gpca-promotes-new-executive-director/

Trécé: CIDETRAK IMM MEC

IMAGE: TRÉCÉ INC.

CIDETRAK IMM MEC is a highly sophisticated, microencapsulated (MEC), controlled-release mating disruption product for Indianmeal moth (IMM) and other labeled species. It can be used in raw commodity facilities, food-processing, retail and more, with low labor requirements and flexibility in treatment intervals. No shutdown, no downtime. Plus, it’s easy to use: Shake, tip and pour for singular spray or tank mix.

Trece.com

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PWIPM of New England to host January webinar

Heather Alonso, BCE, Target Specialty Products.

The Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) of New England will be hosting its next webinar on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern on Zoom.

The webinar is titled “How to Deal with Difficult Conversations” with Heather Alonso, BCE, technical training manager for Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based Target Specialty Products.

Alonso is a board-certified entomologist with Target Specialty Products. She graduated from Clemson University in 2004 with a degree in agronomic systems. She has been in the industry for over 15 years in various roles that focus on technical training. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, AJ, and three children: Grace, Aiden and Zoey.

Due to the generosity of the New England Pest Management association, the event is free to all attendees.

According to a news release about the webinar, the discussion will focus on how “we can all be terrible communicators at times. But having awkward or difficult conversations is part of being a professional…not to mention it’s essential for getting what you want out of work and life. We will dive into what makes these conversations so ‘difficult,’ and review best practices for handling these situations with tact and professionalism.”

Registration for the free webinar is now open.

About PWIPM

The Professional Women in Pest Management, of which PWIPM of New England is a chapter, is an affiliate group of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) whose mission is to attract, develop and support women in the pest management industry through educational programs, resources and peer networking.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/02/pwipm-of-new-england-to-host-january-webinar/

Rentokil acquires Oklahoma-based Arrow Exterminators

Reading, Pa.-based Rentokil North America announced the acquisition of Arrow Exterminators, based in Broken Arrow, Okla. The acquisition was finalized in October.

Arrow Exterminators was founded in 1952 and serves the communities of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tulsa, Muskogee and surrounding areas.

The QualityPro-certified company offers several services in both the commercial and residential sectors, including Sentricon, pretreats and liquid treatments for termites; thermal remediation for bed bugs; home inspections; and general pest control service via one-time, annual, exterior-only or custom maintenance programs.

The Potomac Company acted as the financial advisor to Arrow Exterminators.

In November, Rentokil North America announced the acquisition of Delta Pest Control, which is based in Russellville, Ark. The acquisition was finalized in September.

In October, Rentokil also announced three other acquisitions, which included Aberdeen Exterminating, Inman-Murphy Termite and Pest Control, Arrow Exterminating Co. and Aanteater Pest Control and Wildlife Services.

About Rentokil

Rentokil is part of Rentokil North America, which provides commercial and residential pest control to customers in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The comprehensive pest management solutions include general pest control, mosquito, termite and bed bug inspections and service, vegetation management and bird management. In addition, Rentokil North America operates business services companies.

About The Potomac Company

Since 2003, The Potomac Co. has closed more than $4.2 billion in transaction volume as sell-side advisors. The Pest Control Group is a division of The Potomac Co.’s Industrial Services group. Led by Managing Director Paul Giannamore, Potomac has offices in Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and Switzerland. Giannamore and Patrick Baldwin, The Potomac Co.’s Pest Control Group’s director of business development, also co-host “The Boardroom Buzz.” The bi-weekly podcast focuses on strategy, valuation and mergers and acquisitions in the pest control industry.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/02/rentokil-acquires-oklahoma-based-arrow-exterminators/

Control Solutions Inc.: Precision Delivery System

IMAGE: CONTROL SOLUTIONS INC.

For pest management professionals everywhere, finding the right product to solve common pest problems can be a challenge. CSI has found a solution: the Precision Delivery System (PDS). With a revolutionary design, this handheld micro-duster allows PMPs to deliver precise amounts of dry flowable formulations of Doxem Precise deep into cracks, crevices, and harborages — getting product exactly where it’s needed. With its sleek, state-of-the-art look, the PDS raises the level of professionalism in the pest control industry. Although, in the pest control industry, image is nothing without results! Doxem Precise, powered by indoxacarb, is fast-acting, long-lasting, and has a high efficacy for common pests such as ants, cockroaches, silverfish, stored product pests, and other listed pests. Control Solutions Inc. has a broad range of products for PMPs that are formulated and packaged in a modern production facility in Pasadena, Texas.
.

CSI-PDS.com

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2021 Texas Rodent Academy to be held Dec. 14-15

Jose Dolagaray of Arrow Exterminators (left) and Larry King of MosquitoNix Pest Control search a drainage pipe for signs of rodent pests during a past Texas Rodent Academy at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas. (Photo: Gabe Saldana, Texas A&M AgriLife)

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research Center will host two educational opportunities in December.

Texas Rodent Academy

The 2021 Texas Rodent Academy hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will take place Dec. 14-15 in Dallas, Texas.

The two-day course is designed for integrated pest management (IPM) professionals and those who handle pest management in their work for municipalities, universities, public schools and food safety personnel.

The cost is $200, and the academy is limited to 50 participants, according to a news release. Tuition for the academy covers course materials and meals.

Registration is now open.

The event will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center.

There will be a certificate of academy completion available for student who pass a final exam as well as Structural Pest Control credits for participants who request them and fulfill the necessary criteria.

“We are so pleased to be able to welcome IPM professionals to this in-person and hands-on rodent management workshop,” said Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension IPM specialist in Dallas, Texas. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen buildings and businesses closed for periods of time. Combine that with changing behavior patterns and alternate food sources for rats, and we’ve witnessed problems and issues we hadn’t experienced before.”

Hurley said in a news release that the goal of the Texas Rodent Academy is to provide a highly focused and standardized approach to managing rodent populations through IPM. After completing the course, participants will be able to manage rodent populations more efficiently due to an improved understanding of the biology, behavior and habitat of rodents.

Participants will also learn about contributing factors to infestation, effective ways of evaluating site-specific responses and strategies, and effective communication strategies with the public to achieve lasting change and improvements.

“We’re excited to be able to present so many leaders in the IPM field to discuss these issues and the latest technology, studies and solutions related to pest management,” Hurley said in a news release.

In addition to Hurley, urban rodentology speakers will include Niamh Quinn, Ph.D., human-wildlife interactions advisor, South Coast Research and Extension Center, University of California, Irvine; Claudia Riegel, Ph.D., City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent Control Board director; and City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent Control Board member Timmy Madre.

Topics covered at the Texas Rodent Academy include:

• Health significance of rodents.
• Rodents and allergens.
• Biology and behavior of rodents.
• Overview of IPM.
• Pesticide labels and federal regulations.
• Exterior bait boxes – what, where and how?
• Alternative tools & techniques for rat control.
• Mouse Integrated pest management in apartment/private homes.
• Rodent control.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress for being outdoors. Participants will be broken up into smaller groups for outdoor learning, which includes:

• What to look for at site-specific inspections.
• Bait station, snap traps, exclusion.

Pests of Concern seminar

A training on pests of concern will cover cockroaches and other nuisance insects and rodent on Dec. 16 in Dallas. PHOTO: TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

The Pests of Concern seminar will cover some of the most common pest problems institutions and foo processing facilities encounter.

The seminar will be on Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research Center in Dallas, Texas.

Preregistration is required and is now open.

The cost for the seminar is $50, which includes training materials, refreshment, a continental breakfast and lunch.

Participants will receive six hours of educational instruction and continuing education units (CEUs) for Texas registered sanitarians, code enforcement officers, animal control officers ad Texas Department of Agriculture public health vector control category license holders. While license numbers must be provided to receive CEU, this event is open to anyone wanting to learn more about his topic.

“Many insects, other arthropods and certain rodents can impair the health and quality of life of people living in and visiting Texas,” Hurley said in a news release. “To create effective and safe control programs for these pests, it is important to understand their biology and their roles in causing and transmitting diseases.”

The training is designed for public health officials, code enforcement officers and those who work in and around public places. The integrated pest management, IPM, workshop includes lectures and hands-on activities to help participants better understand rodent, cockroach and fly ecology, and what to look for on public health inspections.

Hurley said in a news release that participants will have a chance to look at insect specimens under microscopes and there will be time to meet with some pest control vendors to see what types of products are available for use and what they should be used for.

The training will cover a wide-range of pest-related topics, which will be presented by leaders in their field. At the conclusion of the speakers, participants will have the opportunity to walk over to the center’s IPM House to learn what to look for in homes and businesses.

A detailed schedule of the training is available online.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/01/2021-texas-rodent-academy-to-be-held-dec-14-15/

Keep your Christmas tree bug free

Photo: Tom Merton/OJO Images/Getty Images

One of the most exciting parts about the holiday season is putting up a freshly-cut Christmas tree. Keep your customers aware of the pests that they can find in their tree and how to keep it bug-free as possible so that they don’t stay their home after the holidays.

There are several different types of bugs that could be hiding in your Christmas tree, according to Dr. Chad Gore, an entomologist and market technical director with Ehrlich Pest Control.

Here are some common pests to keep an eye out for while decorating your tree:

1. Aphids. Similar to ticks but have six legs and are typically a few millimeters in length. They are often black or brown but can also be red or green, and some may also develop wings.
2. Adelgids. These insects are tiny with a wool-like wax coating that can produce what looks like a light dusting of snow on your tree. The dusting is usually found around the buds, candles or needle bases of the tree. Adelgids can also be yellow or purple.
3. Pine needle scale. The eggs of these insects look like little white specs on the tree’s needles, similar to flecks of white paint. These infested needles often drop early. If they hatch, small red bugs will appear.
4. Spiders. These predatory feeders are looking to feast on insects living in the tree, Gore said.
5. Bark beetles. These bugs are about the size of a grain of rice and have red, brown or black coloring. Bark beetles feed on stressed trees, so it is possible the bugs colonized before the tree was harvested. They prefer moist wood so they won’t pose a threat to structures in your home, like furniture.
6. Psocids. Little winged insects, also known as bark lice or booklice, like to eat mold or fungi that might be on the tree. The bugs are typically brown or gray in color and die quickly in homes due to low humidity. Despite their name, the bugs are not like typical lice and do not bite or feed on humans.
7. Praying mantis. In some areas of the country, it is possible for praying mantises to be in the tree, Gore said. Egg cases can be attached to the branches, which are large and brown. In this case, take that part of the branch outdoors to keep it from hatching inside.

Additionally, if there is a bird’s nest in a tree you are interested in, choose another one. Bird’s nest can contain mites and other parasites.

Where to find the bugs in the tree depends on the type of bug.

“Scale insects and aphids are sap-feeding insects that can be found on the trunk, limbs and the woody parts of the tree. This is also where you’ll find bark beetles and psocids,” Gore said.

Adelgid are more likely to be found on the limbs or green parts of the tree and can lay eggs that are white and sac-like with wispy webbing around it. These eggs can be seen easily against the green of the tree limbs. Spiders can appear anywhere in a tree from hiding in the trunk or within the boughs of the tree.

Gore said there is no reason to panic if you find pests in your Christmas tree. Most of them prefer to eat plants, so they won’t create much of an issue. While uncommon, some spiders can bite so it’s best to wear gloves when handling your tree and setting it up inside.

The best way to get rid of any bugs is to vacuum them up and then empty the canister or remove the vacuum cleaner bag. Gore said to empty the vacuum into a larger trash bag, seal it and take it to an outdoor trash can or dumpster.

Gore said not to use an over-the-counter insecticide on or around a Christmas tree since many are flammable, and the heat of Christmas tree lights could be a problem.

To prevent any pest issues overall, shine a light into the truck of the tree at several points while picking it out to look for insects or eggs. Gore recommends giving your tree a “vigorous shake or two” before putting it in the car or house.

To avoid an infestation and prevent concern about pests in your tree all together, it’s best to get an artificial tree.

Do you get an artificial or real tree for Christmas? Have you experienced pest infestations on a tree before? Comment below or send us an email at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

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source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/01/keep-your-christmas-tree-bug-free/

Senske hosts annual holiday light show; completes acquisition

Some of the lights from annual Senske Services Annual Charity Holiday Light Show. PHOTO: SENSKE SERVICES

The 19th Annual Charity Holiday Light Show held at Senske Services headquarters in Kennewick, Wash., to benefit 2nd Harvest will run nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight throughout December.

The show consists of more than 500,000 holiday lights in a choreographed, animated display.

“Each year, this event brings cheer to the community, and we are excited to debut new LED animated trees,” said Becca Presley, director of marketing and communications for Senske Services.

Visitors can walk around the event site and fully immerse themselves in the show, according to a news release. There will be selfie stations to take photos, and letters to Santa can be mailed in an official North Pole mailbox.

Attendees can also remain in their vehicles and tune radio stations to 90.3 FM to enjoy the display.

Pavement Service Control has donated larger reader board to assist with traffic flow.

Donation drop boxes are available to collect non-perishable food items and cash or checks for 2nd Harvest. Each year this event raises enough cash and food to provide over 3,000 meals.

Custom Insect & Weed Control acquisition

Senske Services announce the acquisition of Custom Insect & Weed Control, which is based in Gig Harbor, Wash.

Founded in 1978 by Larry Morrison, Custom Insect & Weed Control provides quality lawn care and pest control. Morrison looked for a partner that shared his values. He found that partner in the 75-year-old Senske Services.

Custom Insect & Weed Control customers will now be serviced by Washington Tree & Lawn Care, a division of Senske Services. Existing services will continue uninterrupted from the Lakewood, Wash., location, and customers can take advantage of the expanded service offerings.

Senske Services’ COO Tim Ehrhart said in a news release that Custom Insect & Weed Control made perfect strategic sense.

“Our expansion and growth strategy focuses on companies with similar service lines and quality employees that can join our team. We look forward to providing fantastic service to our new customers.”

This acquisition represents the sixth completed by Senske in the last 13 months.

The post Senske hosts annual holiday light show; completes acquisition appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/01/senske-hosts-annual-holiday-light-show-completes-acquisition/

Watch: How the ActiveSense® system delivers data-driven insights

 

[SPONSORED CONTENT] See how the ActiveSense® system keeps you a step ahead of pests through around-the-clock monitoring, even when you are remote. The system provides real-time alerts and precise data, so you know exactly where and when pest activity happens. Plus, when technicians know exactly where and when activity is happening, they can prepare a plan of action before arriving on-site, provide a quicker response and be more strategic with their service.

By removing the need to check empty traps, technicians can spend more time on strategic inspections, leaving the client better protected and increasing revenue. Plus, the ActiveSense system works with the equipment you already have, integrating with most multicatch traps and rodent bait stations.

This video is sponsored content by Corteva Agriscience

The post Watch: How the ActiveSense® system delivers data-driven insights appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/01/watch-how-the-activesense-system-delivers-data-driven-insights/

Neogen: SureKill Rodenticide Rebate

IMAGE: NEOGEN

With rodent season in full swing, now more than ever is the time to replenish your stock of rodenticides. Whether it’s adding a new active into your rotation or trying out a new bait matrix, Neogen’s SureKill line has you covered this season. Formulated with grains, seeds, and other food-grade quality ingredients, this powerful combination creates an irresistible formulation for effective control in most environments. Now through Dec. 31, 2021, receive a $10 rebate for every pail of SureKill Command, Assault or Guardian purchased.

Neogen.com/special-offers/surekill-fall-rebate

The post Neogen: SureKill Rodenticide Rebate appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

source https://www.mypmp.net/2021/12/01/neogen-corp-surekill-rebate/