“Along with fewer infected mice, we observed a second effect also seen in previous laboratory-based studies,” notes Scott Williams, PhD, Agricultural Scientist at the CAES and a co-author of the study. “The vaccine causes the generation of antibodies in the mice. Previously infected ticks will ingest those antibodies when feeding on mice and be ‘cleared’ of infection. So, feeding ticks are a ‘xenodiagnostic marker’ of vaccine impact.” According to Williams, when non-infected mice consume vaccine-coated pellets, they are protected from infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. “Non-infected ticks, therefore, cannot pass the disease to other animals, including humans” he says.

The vaccine is currently undergoing the USDA regulatory process for commercial licensure. The research program was supported, in part, by U.S. Hatch Act funds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CK000182-03), and US Biologic.

Locust, North Carolina

Administrative Professional of the YearRegana CavinArrow ExterminatorsChina Grove, NC

APOPKA, Fla. – Florida homeowners have some relief from pests this time of year which makes it the perfect time to shop for a pest control service, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts.

“Florida’s pest pressure tends to be higher due to multiple factors including our climate, rainfall and more,” Faith Oi, UF/IFAS Extension entomology and nematology scientist and director of Pest Management University (PMU) said. “Pests enter our homes because we keep areas comfortable for us which means our homes are also comfortable for pests.”

It is important to call a professional before the situation turns into an emergency or any time there is a concern for structural damage or public health issues. Do your homework and choose a pest control provider before you have a problem, she says.

“There are a lot of things homeowners can do to prevent pests,” Oi said “Do not feel pressured to buy pest control services on the spot. Do your homework. Florida has the largest pest control market in the U.S. and at UF/IFAS Extension, we have developed a resource to help select a pest control company that is right for you.”

PMU is a voluntary program for pest control companies that can partially fulfill the 40-hour state initial training requirement for new technicians or for existing employees who seek to advance their skill set, including those who qualify for the state certified operator exam. The companies that attend PMU seek cutting-edge information from UF/IFAS. The training is focused on science and operating in compliance with the law, according to Oi, and UF/IFAS PMU does not develop company policy.

Home and businessowners can find PMU alumni, pest management companies that have gone above and beyond the minimum training required for state licensing, by visiting the PMU alumni locator. “A PMU alumnus represents dedication from the company that supported the training and that they value continued learning to improve the industry,” Joe Jonovich, PMU instructor said.

It is important to hire the right company and to stay engaged in your home pest control plan. Interview three to five pest control companies before deciding on one and make sure to discuss the approach they will use to address the pests in your home, Oi says.

“Data from research conducted across the world for decades has demonstrated IPM’s effectiveness,” Oi said. “In the long-run, an IPM approach is more successful, sustainable and cost-effective for homeowners and the pest control company.”

There are things a homeowner can do that will support an IPM plan.  For example, seal around windows and doors to keep pests out like palmetto bugs and other occasional invaders. Fixing screens during the springtime when windows are open will also prevent pests from coming in. 

PCT magazine is in the process of identifying the largest 100 pest management firms in the U.S., based on 2019 revenues. Please fill out the form and send it back to PCT.

About 400 industry professionals and 38 exhibitors gathered in West Lafayette Jan. 6-8, for the 84th annual Purdue Pest Management conference. During the course of the three-day event, attendees heard from industry experts who presented on a variety of cutting-edge pest management topics. Attendees also had opportunities to network with one another and learn about the latest industry innovations in the exhibit hall. Some of the highlights included:

• On Tuesday evening, Dr. Gary Bennett, who recently retired after having led the Purdue Pest Management Conference for 50 years, was “roasted” by friends and colleagues during a special gathering on his behalf.

• A business session led by David Mueller, founder of Insects Limited. In addition to moderating the workshop, Mueller presented on the topic “Reading the Tea Leaves.” Leading off the workshop was Bob Dold, Jr., president of Rose Pest Solutions, who provided an overview of today’s business climate. Dold said PCOs should be encouraged in 2020 because the nation’s economy “has been firing on cylinders.” He challenged PCOs to think strategically (“Play chess instead of checkers,” he said) and constantly re-examine how they are performing in the following areas: operations, sales, marketing, HR, IT and training. Following Dold was a presentation from Francie Hinrichsen, owner of Simply Integrated, Morton, Ill., who reviewed “4 Smart Habits for a Successful Business.”

• A vector management session created by Rentokil’s Gene White and presented by Stan Cope of AP&G. Cope noted that  although vector management is not all that difficult, there are some landmines, including understanding local regulations; extensive paperwork; and drift concern. Following Cope was Leo Reed from the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. Reed reviewed Indiana’s pollinator protection plan.

– Chi Omega Pi held its annual party at the bowling alley. The brotherhood of pest management used the opportunity to collect a total of $ 160, which was the Ace Campus food pantry, which provides assistance to Purdue students and faculty who may experience food insecurity (lack of food) on a consistent or inconsistent basis.

• Rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan discussed “The Sherlock Holmes Approach to Rodent IPM.” Like the famed fictional detective, pest management professionals have been “trained to see what others overlook” Corrigan said.

• At the Pi Ci Omega member meeting, Pi Chi Omega president Mark Sheperdigian noted that thanks to a recent generous donation to The Norman Ehmann Scholarship Fund, the fraternity will be able to increase scholarship payouts from $9,000 to $11,000 per year. The scholarships are given out annually to five undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in urban and industrial pest management.

• Back by popular demand were the Purdue’s entomology lab tours. Attendees got to see first-hand some of the work being done by Purdue students and researchers. In addition, this year’s conference included presentations on termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, flies, wildlife pests, and more.

PCT will have additional coverage in the coming months. Below is a slideshow of photos taken during the conference.

(Left to right) Bob Dold, Mike Leahy, John Koval and Arnold Ramsey on the Purdue Pest Management Conference exhibit hall.

Francie Hinrichsen, owner of Simply Integrated, Morton, Ill., reviewed “4 Smart Habits for a Successful Business.”

Bobby Corrigan spoke about “The Sherlock Holmes Approach to Rodent IPM.”

Cake on the resignation of Gary Bennett.

Gary Bennett was roasted in celebration of his tenure at Purdue.

Gary Bennett and Bobby Corrigan.

Jeff McGovern reviewed the security considerations PMP.

Participants had the opportunity to spit crickets.

Pi Chi Omega kicked off the conference with a fun night of bowling.

Ray Johnson gave tips on how to make a noob boss.

Collection of spiders on the floor of the exhibition hall.

TJ Neri spoke of the need for PMPs to get down and dirty with the inspections.

Syngenta’s Craig Valentine talks with a conference attendee on the exhibit floor.

A vector management session created by Rentokil’s Gene White was presented by Stan Cope of AP&G.

Mark Vanderwerf also gave tips on how to make a noob boss.

Bob Dold Jr. provided an overview of the nation’s economy and the pest control market.

The participants of the business seminar.

Dave Mueller led a business seminar.