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Letter from the President ........ 2

Lone Star Tick Bites ................ 2

Moving Billboards .................... 5

Lawsuits & Bedbugs .................7

Wet Spring Insects .................. 9

Keep in Touch ........................ 10

Clip & Mail: Carpenter Bees .....11

In this Issue

Last summer, Johnston based Preferred Pest Control

stepped into the world of GPS based vehicle management. Always on the lookout for efficiencies and an end to keep costs down, Preferred Pest Control chose Electronic Engineering for their GPS provider. The equipment that was chosen did the traditional locate, time spent, routing, – but in addition, it utilized the ECM port of the vehicle.

Brad Smith, president of Preferred Pest Control, wanted to make sure that his vehicles were being maintained properly, be notified of any engine issues or needed repairs, and provide a good tool for the maintenance records and reminders of the vehicles. By using a GPS product that used the ECM port, this was more easily solved.

Several additional successes came from the GPS system, all secondary reasons that Preferred Pest Control decided to install a system. However, these successes proved to be equally valuable.

The system quickly identified drivers who excessively idled their vehicles when at jobs, other stops, or even outside

the office. It showed drivers who were habitual speeders, which, when driving a billboard of your company around town, did not show the organization in the best light. Preferred Pest control used this as a coaching opportunity with its employees, rather than a disciplinary event. The GPS system has proven to be a cost effective system that provides the best possible service to customers with the most efficient delivery methods.

Additional uses that Preferred liked included the ability to route the vehicle to the next stop with directions. Even if the driver got turned around, dispatch could direct them to the next stop. It also was able to show accurate records that billed time spent on the job, including arrival time and departure times. They were able to prove to

GPS System Brings ROI to Iowa Company

(Continued on page 3)

IPMA Connection • 2nd Quarter, 2013

From the President

2013 Board of Directors

Lone Star Tick Bites Can Cause Meat Allergy

If you love bacon, then you ought to be careful about getting a bite from a lone star tick — unlike other tick bites, which can spread

diseases like Lyme disease. A lone star tick bite can actually make you allergic to red meat.

Thomas Scott, an allergist at Via Christi Clinic in Kansas said he has diagnosed at least seven cases in the past year.

The condition is not an allergy to the tick itself, but the non-primate blood the ticks consume. The reaction is like other food allergies – hives, itching, swelling and possibly dizziness and wheezing, and can require an epinephrine shot.

“Ticks need blood to live, and they feed on cattle,” Scott said. “If they bite a person, they

(Continued on P. 3)

Greetings,For many of us this season

may have started off slow due to the cool and wet spring but summer has finally reared its head. The question many in the industry are asking, will this be a short summer or will it extend into fall to make up for the slow start this year. Mother Nature gave us 18 months of warm weather, abundant pests to kill last year and as usual, what she gives one year, she makes up for this year.

July will be the start of Flea calls with August Crickets and September Asian Beetles and Box Elder Bugs as the occasional invaders make their normal appearance.

As you prepare for these pests, what products do you choose, application rates do you apply and PPE equipment do you need? Are labels up to date? Are long sleeve shirts in order when applying these materials?

The products are too numerous to choose from! A manufacturer’s rep called me the other day to inform how great his product was and mentioned the cost per gallon of mixed spray and how I could save X dollars over brand B. When was the last time you calculated your cost of application? Microcapsule or granule, wettable powder, dust or aerosol, which do you choose? Do you or your employees know why you use one product over another? How long will it last in the environment or in a spot application or general surface treatment?

How many tools are in that tool box you use or are you a one wrench fits all kind of person?

These are just of few of the questions you as an owner or technician may want to ask.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the Fall Conference in November. Of course, remember to get those renewals in today for 2013 – 2014.

If you have a friend in the industry, ask them to join IPMA and point out the benefits you receive. Sincerely,Chuck Summers


(Continued from P. 1)

their customers that time spent on the job was accurate when customers felt that time on the job might not be correct.

This first year has been a good success. Preferred Pest Control has been able to show a good ROI, and is glad to have a local company provide the GPS service. Brad Smith says, “Electronic Engineering has done a very good job. Because our customers are local, we always try to buy local. They tailored a bundled package, so we did not have to have any big cash outlay for the products. The system easily pays for itself through our savings and efficiencies each month.” If you would like more information on GPS

technology for your business, contact Deb

Chiafos @ 515-283-1100 or DChiafos@

connectingyou.com

transfer some of the blood of the animal into a human, who forms a response to the animal, usually beef, lamb or pork.”

“This is not an infection,” Scott said. “People often associate ticks and infection.

“The tick is just the taxi driver; the way you were exposed to the meat is what causes an allergic response.”

It’s still too early to know whether or not patients diagnosed with the condition will eventually outgrow it, Scott said.

The unique thing about this condition is the delayed reaction by about three to six hours, Scott said. The reaction also may be volume dependent.

“How much red meat is needed to cause a reaction also varies widely. Some patients react strongly to pork sausage or lamb, but can eat lean roast beef without having symptoms.

Others react even to chicken sausage in pork casing or to marshmallows and gel-cap vitamins, since gelatin is made from animal by-products.

So what are the signs to look for? Researchers say the tick bite that can spread the red meat allergy may occur weeks or even months before a person shows symptoms, which makes it tricky to spot.

There is a 32% higher chance of contracting the allergy and subsequent forced vegetarianism among those living in central or southern portions of the United States.

Researchers believe the tick passes on a kind of carbohydrate called alpha-gal that is present in meat. It is believed that, after a tick encounter, some people’s immune systems begin to treat alpha-gal as an allergen. Hence,

Odd reaction: The increasingly common lone

star tick, named for the spot on the female’s

back, appears to inject a substance when it

bites that causes victims to become allergic to

red meat, sometimes violently

the often serious reactions.The only way to avoid the

allergy is to avoid being bitten by the tick. The CDC recommends staying out of their habitat of dense woods and brushy areas, using insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin, wearing long pants and socks, and performing tick checks and promptly removing ticks after outdoor activity. Always monitor your health after a tick bite.

The lone star tick—which is not named for the state of Texas, but for the single white spot on the backs of females—was once confined to the ‘tick belt’ of the Southeastern U.S., but has increasingly been found further into Western and Northern states.

So now that we know that tick bites that can spread a red meat allergy, which would you rather do: stop eating meat, or better protect yourself against tick bites in general?

(Continued from P. 2)

IPMA Fall ConferenceNov. 14-‐15

Ramada Tropics Resort


BEP_WHT_M3_1106_R1.indd 4-30-2013 5:30 PMSaved at NonePrinted At Client Bayer Env. ProductsMedia Type MagazineLive NoneTrim 7” x 10”Bleed NoneJob Title Temprid Bed Bugs – June/July/August InsertionPubs Iowa PMAAd Code None

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Addl. Notes: Issue Date: June/July/August

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Are your moving billboards working for you? by June Van Klaveren

I was waiting at a stoplight behind a brightly wrapped truck that definitely caught my eye. But what did the company do, I wondered? The name was something like Torcelli Services.

What this company does is a mystery to anyone seeing the truck. And, not knowing what they do, I certainly would not take the time to look them up to see if I needed their services. There was no phone number, no web address or “what we do” statement on the truck, just the name and logo.

Undoubtedly, this company spent considerable money purchasing and wrapping their truck. But they missed out on a marketing opportunity to use it as a marketing tool.

Vehicle design is arguably more important than all the internet and print advertising you might do. After all, your trucks are seen by hundreds on the streets of your town or city every day. So while you’re spending money on your trucks, why not make them into effective marketing tools at the same time.

Turn your trucks into marketing tools• Make the type readable from at least 20 feet

away.• Use a bold, clean lettering style.• Be sure the print is in contrast with the

truck’s body color. Note that green on red or red on green is NOT readable and is almost painful to read. White letters against a dark background or visa versa is best.

• Bright, colorful wraps are great eye-catchers, but don’t let the design disguise your message.

Necessary elements for a pest control truck• Logo• Phone number• Web address• What you do (if it’s not apparent in your

company’s name/logo)• USP (unique selling proposition) or how your

company is different from your competition• On tailgate, include logo, name, phone

number and web site

Using your trucks for maximum marketing value• Where you park matters. When you attend

meetings, always park your vehicle where it will be seen by motorists passing by. That means, if

your meeting is at a restaurant, park near the street, NOT behind the building – even if it’s closer to the restaurant door!

• Keep trucks clean so your message is readable. Keeping vehicles clean and in good repair reflects your professionalism.

• Repair all dents and scratches as soon as possible.

• Do not allow bumper stickers or novelties hanging from the mirror to be used on your vehicle.

Want the appearance of your trucks evaluated for marketing effectiveness? Email two photos of the truck from the side and from the rear and I’ll return a written evaluation for FREE! Send it to [email protected]. June Van Klaveren owns Compelling Communications, a company

specializing in helping pest control companies be more effective

marketers. www.HowToMarketPestControl.com.

Above: Trucks with little contrast between the background and lettering are difficult to read.

Below: Trucks with lots of contrast as shown below are easily readable from a distance.


Experts Warn Recent Lawsuits Are Just the Beginning of What’s to Come in Bed Bug Litigation How PMP’s Can Arm Themselves For This Battle

Experts warn that the recent $800,000 record payout awarded to a Maryland woman is just the beginning of what’s to come in bed bug litigation. There is a certain sense of worry among tenants

and landlords alike as bed bug lawsuits continue to increase. While the Maryland case serves as a catalyst for other consumers to file suit, it is also a wake-up call for landlords and property manager to ensure that their facilities are bed bug free.

Although bed bug lawsuits have increased exponentially over the past few years, who assumes financial responsibility has yet to be decided. Many states however have passed legislation, detailing very specifically that a property manager is financially responsible for correcting a bed bug problem. However, in other states where legislation has not been passed, a variety of problems are occurring.

Specifically, landlords are trying to shift financial responsibility onto the tenant, claiming the unit is bed bug free at the start of the lease. Therein lies a twofold problem, one, there is no way to guarantee an apartment or unit is completely bed bug free upon move in, and two, bed bugs spread very easily from one unit to another, therefore making it very difficult to identify the root of an infestation.

“The passing off of treatment costs from a landlord to a tenant via the lease is a ticking time bomb,” says Technical Director of Bed Bug Central, Jeffrey White. White who also serves as an expert witness in bed bug lawsuits believes the next year or so is going to be a circus when it comes to bed bug litigation and property management. That said, with bed bug lawsuits on the rise, it’s best that PMP’s

arm themselves with the proper knowledge and documentations to avoid a costly situation.

VP of Bed Bug Central, Robert DiJoseph believes education is essential for PMP’s to protect themselves from litigation. “One of the primary objectives when we introduced Bed Bug University Boot Camp was to stress the importance of proper documentation to PMP’s,” said DiJoseph. “Creating awareness helps ensure that PMP’s are taking the necessary steps to protecting themselves, their businesses and their clients from litigation.”

PMP’s who are looking to learn more about educational opportunities through Bed Bug University can visit www.bedbuguniversity.com. While on the site, PMP’s can find more information about Bed Bug Central’s next Boot Camp on August 20-23, 2013.

“Although bed bug lawsuits have

increased exponentially over the past

few years, who assumes financial

responsibility has yet to be decided.”

Remember to pay your IPMA dues promptly!


To learn more about Wasp-X® Wasp & Hornet Spray visit zoecon.com or call 800.248.7763.

“WE CONVERTED OUR ENTIRE TEAM FROM WHAT WE WERE USING TO WASP-X® AND HAVE BEEN USING IT EVER SINCE.”Patrick Boland Technical Director, ScherZinger Termite and Pest Control

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Wet Spring InsectsBy Donald Lewis and Laura Jesse, ISU Extension Entomologists

As Gilda Radner used to say, “It’s always something.” For Iowans, if it’s not drought (2012) it’s excess rains and floods (2013). It keeps you wondering what pests will be abundant next! Here

are some observations on wet spring pests.

SowbugsWow! There have been more Sowbugs this year than I can ever recall. Other names for Sowbugs are roly-polys and pillbugs. They quickly gather up under anything left sitting outdoors such as potted plants. Sowbugs live in any damp location including mulch, dead leaves, rocks, boards, grass clippings, and other debris on the ground. They are crustaceans (not insects). I once had someone tell me when boiled they turn red like shrimp, but please don’t try this. (And if you do, don’t admit it in public!.)

Sowbugs eat decaying leaf litter and vegetable matter and are beneficial as one of nature’s “recyclers.” They break up decaying plant matter and help speed the return of the nutrients to the ecosystem. Damage to tender or succulent plants is possible but they catch attention as accidental invaders.

Sowbugs are annoying when they crawl indoors and wander briefly through the basement, first floor level or garage. They are harmless, however. They do not bite, sting or carry diseases nor do they damage structures, fabrics or household possessions. They are simply a nuisance because of their presence.

Those unfortunates that do wander into homes usually die in a few days unless they find a moist place near a leaky pipe or in a damp basement, bathroom or laundry room. They do not thrive or reproduce indoors unless a long-standing moisture problem with decaying organic matter is allowed to continue.

What homeowners can doInvaders can be vacuumed or swept up and discarded.• Outside, remove hiding places such as piles of

leaves, grass clippings, fallen fruit, pet droppings, boxes, boards, stones and other debris from against the foundation.

• Repair and seal cracks and openings in the foundation wall, around doors, and around basement windows.

• Perimeter sprays are possible but marginally useful, especially if wet weather continues.

GnatsOnce again we have had reports of large populations of annoying “gnats,” primarily from eastern Iowa. Common names are tough because the term gnat is used by people to describe any small fly that bothers them. Several different species of fly are probably involved, but like typical flies, maggots developed in damp areas where they feed on fungi and decaying organic matter. “Damp, decaying organic matter” describes much of the state this spring!

The most common springtime gnats are harmless though they can’t bite or sting but do not carry diseases. They do not attack crops, garden plants, trees, shrubs or flowers, and they do not attack the house, its contents or occupants. They are annoying in large numbers as they swarm around your face. Some gnats do bite, but not the common ones that occur in wet springs.

The “cure” for the gnat problem is to wait and they will all disappear.

Vacuum or sweep up those that have invaded the house and discard. Exterior insecticide applications will have little if any benefit.

There is no scientific research or even good anecdotal evidence to show that any of the interesting things that people do to repel gnats is effective. This year, dryer sheets pinned to clothing are a popular choice. Rubbing the skin with vanilla is one that I have heard about which sounds a bit expensive, but you would smell very nice.

Sowbugs are elongate-oval in shape and up to 3/4 inch in length and are

brownish, slate gray or almost black. Their distinctive appearance comes

from the hard, armor-like, overlapping, plates on the top of each body

segment that make them vaguely resemble little armadillos.

Sowbugs are annoy-

ing when they crawl

indoors and wander

briefly through the

basement, first floor

level or garage. They

are harmless, how-

ever.


Your Partner in Pest Management.

One Source. Countless Resources.™

Univar services your entire state. Please contact us at (800) 888-4897 or go to PestWeb.com.

© 2013. Univar USA Inc. All rights reserved. UNIVAR, the hexagon, and other identified trademarks are the property of Univar Inc., Univar USA Inc. or affiliated companies.

• Send a handwritten note. This is rarely done, so most people appreciate it!

• Send an informative postcard. Be sure the card contains valuable information – not just advertising copy!

• Email a newsletter. Let us know if you’d like details on an e-letter creation.

• Send an article of interest with a handwritten note. This involves really getting to know your customers – but any seasonal issue would work here.

• Send a thank you note after service or sale. (See #1.)

• Place a follow-up phone call after service or sale. Few companies take the time to call customers, so this will help you stand out in your customers’ minds.

• Offer a referral incentive if someone they refer becomes your customer. Suggestions: tickets, gift cards, cash.

• “Friend” your customers on Facebook and post information your friends would find of interest or humorous.

• Send greeting cards on minor holidays (4th of July, Presidents’ day, etc.)

• Do a random act of kindness for a customer each week. (Send a book, gift card, etc.)

June Van Klaveren owns Compelling Communications and

specializes in helping pest control companies grow their

businesses. She produces bimonthly webinars for the pest control

industry. More information at www.HowToMarketPestControl.com.

by June Van Klaveren

• Clip & Distribute • Clip & Distribute • Clip & Distribute •NOTE: This page is formatted for you to stamp your company’s name on it, copy and hand or mail it

out to your customers.

Your company name goes here.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are large black and yellow bees that infest wood

facia, decks, trees, and other wood outdoors. Although stings are rare, the sheer size and erratic hovering while guarding their nest entrances can be a disturbing and scary experience. The bees seen guarding the nest entrance are stingerless males. In the late-spring and early summer, homeowners often notice large, black bees hovering around the outside of their homes. These are probably carpenter bees searching for mates and favorable sites to construct their nests. The males are quite harmless, however, since they lack stingers. Female carpenter bees can inflict a painful sting but seldom sting unless they are handled or molested.

Carpenter bees do not eat wood but bore 1/

2” sized holes in outdoor

wood surfaces for a few inches then make a 90 degree turn and bore along the grain for up to several feet, laying eggs in cells along their tunnels. Damage can also occur as woodpeckers hunt for carpenter bee larvae.

Adult Carpenter bees spend the winter dormant in their nest and usually emerge during late spring. The bees then collect pollen for food which they line the tunnels with for their soon-to-be-hatched young. Eggs hatch in late summer

and early autumn. Their boring also leaves unsightly yellow stains of chewed wood pulp outside their entrance holes.

Look similar to Bumble BeesCarpenter bees resemble bumble bees, but the upper surface of their abdomen is bare and shiny black; bumble bees have a hairy abdomen with at least some yellow markings.

Despite their similar appearance, the nesting habits of the two types of bees are quite different. Bumble bees usually nest in the ground whereas carpenter bees tunnel into wood to lay their eggs. Bare, unpainted or weathered softwoods are preferred, especially redwood, cedar, cypress and pine. Common nesting sites include eaves, window trim, facia boards, siding, wooden shakes, decks and outdoor furniture.

PreventionWhen it comes to carpenter bees, your best defense is a good offense. Carpenter bees prefer to excavate untreated, unfinished wood. You can discourage, if not prevent,

carpenter bees from nesting in a wood structure by painting or varnishing the lumber.

DamageTypically, carpenter bees do not cause serious structural damage to wood unless large numbers of bees are allowed to drill many tunnels over successive years. The bees often eliminate their wastes before entering the tunnel.

Yellowish-brown staining from voided fecal matter may be visible on the wood beneath the hole.

In the case of thin wood, such as siding, this damage can be severe. Holes on exposed surfaces may lead to damage by wood-decaying fungi or attack by other insects, such as carpenter ants.

Your Company

Name, Logo & Phone

Number Go Here.

PO Box 3334

Des Moines, IA 50316

IOWA PESTMANAGEMENTASSOCIATION

10) Skilled personnel. 9) College scholarships funded for

use by industry students. 8) Supports State & National

Associations. 7) Unparalleled customer service.

6) Knowledgeable personnel.

5) 251 years combined experience.

4) Quality products in stock. 3) All products ship same day from

one location. 2) Receive one invoice per order.

1) LOOKING OUT FOR THE

HEALTH OF YOUR BUSINESS!

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