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Contents Craig Heath President of the SC Pest Control Association 1 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010 November/December 2010 Volume 33, No. 7 Dear Fellow PCO’s, The end of 2010 is fast approaching and the SCPCA board has been hard at work for you again this year. Continued website improvements, efforts to improve our verifiable training program, legislative work and another successful horse show were a few of the items taken up by the board and its various committees this year. Amy Chapman continues to work with Jill Gainer of JLG&A Marketing on an ongoing basis and the transition to going electronic has been a successful one. The cost savings along with the convenience of the website as a portal of information for our membership has become invaluable. Go to the website today for event and contact information, scholarship information, service award information and much more. Steve Leidinger has worked tirelessly this year on taking our verifiable training to another level. The steps he has taken will take our training virtual. Implementation of this program will give the program more credibility from the participant tracking aspect and will allow for greater convenience for those taking the test since it will be web based. A presentation of this new member benefit will be made at the upcoming 52nd Annual Winter School in Columbia. Our Legislative watchdog group has also been busy keeping us updated of pending legislation that could have a major impact on our industry in SC. It is a proposed tax on service. SC is one of only a few states left that does not have such a tax. As the new year begins we will have our eyes and ears open to this and will keep you informed. Be ready to help when contacted in the new year if this issue gains weight in the legislature. Wheeler Buff and his team once again were successful in their efforts at the annual Horse Show fundraiser. It was one of the best years ever for show entries and this helped offset some of the lowered Message From President - Craig Heath ....................................... 1 Fred’s Corner - Fred Cliff .................................................................... 2 Palmetto Pestalk General Information ........................................ 2 Urban Entomology Extension & Research - Eric Benson ....... 4 Understanding The Enforcement Matrix - Jim Wright ............ 9 Streamlining and Cutting Back - Lloyd Merritt Smigel ........ 11 Membership / Announcements ................................................... 12 2011 Winter Meeting ......................................................................... 13 Board of Directors & Board Members ........................................ 16 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, continued on page 2

November/December 2010 Volume 33, No. 7 · SC Pest Control Association 1 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010 November/December 2010 Volume 33, No. 7 Dear Fellow PCO’s, The end

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Page 1: November/December 2010 Volume 33, No. 7 · SC Pest Control Association 1 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010 November/December 2010 Volume 33, No. 7 Dear Fellow PCO’s, The end

Cont

ents

Craig Heath

President of theSC Pest Control Association

1 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

November/December 2010Volume 33, No. 7

Dear Fellow PCO’s,

The end of 2010 is fast approaching and the SCPCA board has been hard at work for you again this year. Continued website improvements, efforts to improve our verifiable training program, legislative work and another successful horse show were a few of the items taken up by the board and its various committees this year.

Amy Chapman continues to work with Jill Gainer of JLG&A Marketing on an ongoing basis and the transition to going electronic has been a successful one. The cost savings along with the convenience of the website as a portal of information for our membership has become invaluable. Go to the website today for event and contact information, scholarship information, service award information and much more.

Steve Leidinger has worked tirelessly this year on taking our verifiable training to another level. The steps he has taken will take our training virtual. Implementation of this program will give the program more credibility from the participant tracking aspect and will allow for greater convenience for those taking the test since it will be web based. A presentation of this new member benefit will be made at the upcoming 52nd Annual Winter School in Columbia.

Our Legislative watchdog group has also been busy keeping us updated of pending legislation that could have a major impact on our industry in SC. It is a proposed tax on service. SC is one of only a few states left that does not have such a tax. As the new year begins we will have our eyes and ears open to this and will keep you informed. Be ready to help when contacted in the new year if this issue gains weight in the legislature.

Wheeler Buff and his team once again were successful in their efforts at the annual Horse Show fundraiser. It was one of the best years ever for show entries and this helped offset some of the lowered

Message From President - Craig Heath ....................................... 1

Fred’s Corner - Fred Cliff .................................................................... 2

Palmetto Pestalk General Information ........................................ 2

Urban Entomology Extension & Research - Eric Benson ....... 4

Understanding The Enforcement Matrix - Jim Wright ............ 9

Streamlining and Cutting Back - Lloyd Merritt Smigel ........ 11

Membership / Announcements ................................................... 12

2011 Winter Meeting ......................................................................... 13

Board of Directors & Board Members ........................................ 16

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, continued on page 2

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2 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

Fred’s Corner

It was quite an experience seeing members from as far away as Charleston participating as volunteers in the annual Camp Kemo, Courage and Happy Days Horse Show this past week-end! I think some came just to sample Jared Clark’s chili on Friday evening! There was hardly a dry eye when Wheeler Buff was presented his “Thank you” award commemorating his leadership in the event since 1993! Wheeler spent a few minutes relating the history of the show and thanked all of those who made the event a success. As many of you know, Wheeler is stepping aside as Chairman and will be succeeded by Roy Barnes. Again, Thanks to all those who turned out for all of the 2010 fund raisers across the state!

RegardsFred

Fred CliffExecutive Director of the

SC Pest Control Association

Palmetto Pestalk General InformationPalmetto Pestalk is the official publication of the South Carolina Pest Control Association and is currently published seven (7) times annually:

• January • February/ March • April/ May • June

Advertising Rates: Full Page: $195 per issue Half Page: $115 per issue Quarter Page: $85 per issue Business Card Size: $40 per issue

Billing: Fred Cliff 41 Village Farms Road Columbia, SC 29223 803.920.7968

All Ad Copy and Artwork Should Be Submitted To: Jill GainerPestalk, JLG&A Marketing Communications226 Boxwood RoadAiken, SC 29803p: 803.270.2215e: [email protected]

Ad Materials Should Be Provided As:PDF, JPG, TIF or EPS art files

PLEASE NOTE: All articles and artwork must be submitted to Pestalk by the 20th day of the month prior to publication. Due Dates are as follows:

• January Issue: December 20th • February/March Issue: February 20th • April/May Issue : April 20th • June Issue: May 20th • July/August Issue: July 20th • September/October Issue: September 20th • November/December: November 20th

• July/ August • September/ October • November/ December

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from page 1

local advertising / participation that was experienced. I went to the Horse Show this year for the first time and I was extremely impressed. Thank you to all who helped in making this event and the fundraising efforts for it throughout the year a success.

The board had its final meeting with Dr. Eric Benson and Jackie Ellis just a few days ago on final preparations for the 2011 winter school to be held in Columbia again this year. Please make plans to attend this year’s meeting as it promises to be another great networking and educational opportunity. Information on the school will soon be available on our website: scpca.net.

I wish everyone a blessed and safe holiday season.

Craig S. Heath

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3 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

Nonrepellency

Risk

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Alpine foam treatment(s) can be used in addition to full conventional or Exterior Perimeter / Localized Interior treatments performed according to the directions for use on the Termidor labels.

Always read and follow label directions. www.PestControl.basf.us • Alpine and the Alpine logo are trademarks and Termidor is a registered trademark of BASF. Termidor is not labeled for termite use in New York state. © 2009 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

For more details, contact John Loesch, Senior Sales Specialist, at 704-905-3497 or call 1-877-Termidor.

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URBAN ENTOMOLOGY EXTENSION & RESEARCH

Dr. Eric P. Benson

Urban Extension EntomologistDepartment of Entomology, Soils, & Plant Sciences

Clemson UniversityPhone: 864. 656.3111; Fax: 864.656.5065

e-mail: [email protected]

CLEMSON, continued on page 5

Since the last Pestalk, I’ve had a new title bestowed on me: Father of the Bride. In some situations, such a change may be significant, but for me, things are pretty much the same. I think the most significant change may be for my new son-in-law, Will.

A few weeks after the wedding, my daughter Emily and Will were at our house getting some of the things Emily had left behind. It was evening and I was actually making cookies while watching a football game. Will didn’t ask what I was doing and I didn’t think to tell him. But I was not making normal cookies. I was making mealworm cookies for my Entomology class for my lecture on “Insects as Food.”

For proper mealworm cookies, it is necessary to first roast the mealworms before adding them to the dough. During the roasting, I got a little involved watching the game and the worms got a little smoky. Emily asked her mom, “What is burning?” Without missing a beat, Lisa yelled down the hall, “Eric, check your worms!” And seeing Will’s confusion, she added, “They’re for his cookies.”

Emily and Lisa thought nothing of the situation, but poor Will. His blank stare tinged with horror silently relayed: “I’ve married into a family that cooks and eats worms!” Emily matter-of-factly told Will, “That’s how we roll.”

Sometimes in life we are faced with a “new normal” when we were not expecting any change at all. In pest control, ten years ago, bed bug problems were pretty rare. Now bed bugs and treatment programs by many professionals are common. Ten years ago, sealed crawl spaces were rare and controversial and now a fair number of pest control companies are installing sealed crawl spaces. Ten years ago, Asian needle ants were essentially unknown in South Carolina and now they are one of the most common ants we get to identify. And what is unheard of today may be the “new normal” in ten years.

As long as we all keep an open mind, we ultimately learn to live with or even embrace a new development in our regular and professional lives that we might initially have an adverse reaction to. Fortunately, Emily married an open-minded (and very nice) guy who is adaptable to change. Will’s adverse reaction to our worm roasting was short-lived and he now has an amusing story to tell his kids one day. Hmmmm, I wonder what I will be roasting up ten years from now?

Time to Think About the Next SCPCA Winter Meeting

The 52nd Annual South Carolina Pest Control Association Winter Meeting is just around the corner! The dates are February 8 – 10, 2011 and, as in recent years, the meeting will be held in downtown Columbia at the Marriott hotel.

The theme this year is People, Purpose and Passion: the Pathway to Success. Our keynote speaker will be Bill Sharp who will talk about the changing world of pest management. Bill will also give another presentation on cross selling. From Mississippi, the always popular Dr. Jerome Goddard will attend to speak on a variety of nasty insect diseases. Dr. Mike Potter will also be on the program talking about the latest research on bed bugs and how to apply this new information for effective control. On Wednesday afternoon, Mike will join with Randy Bishop and Michael Weisburger to delve into detail on many aspects of bed bug control including legal and insurance issues. Wednesday’s bed bug workshop should provide plenty of great information.

There will be many other topics beyond bed bugs. Dr. George Rambo is back on this year’s program to talk about termite treatment basics and inspecting for wood infesting organisms. Lee Galloway from the Department of Pesticide Regulation will go over in detail how to effectively do and write-up a SC Wood Infestation Report. We will also have Philip Smith and John Paige to recount the humanitarian trip they made Haiti to help with the severe pest problems plaguing that country.

As in the past, we are excited about the program line-up for this year’s South Carolina Pest Control Association Winter Meeting. Please take time to look at the entire program on

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5 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

CLEMSON, continued on page 6

CLEMSON, continued from page 4

page 13 or online at http://scpca.net/2011WinterMeeting.php. At each location you will find additional details including registration information. In the mail you should soon receive a more detailed program and additional instructions for registration. You can contact Jackie Ellis at 864/656-5048 or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions about registration or the program.  See you in February!

MTT Canceled

For over 20 years, we’ve been offering two Master Termite Technician courses a year. For most of the time, both courses have had full enrollment. Unfortunately, this year, registrations for the MTT programs were very low. Enrollment for the Apprentice Termite Technician (ATT) programs was also down this year. Due to very low enrollment (only 7) we canceled the November 11 -12 MTT program. With 5 instructors involved setting up and conducting the MTT program over two and half days, we need at least 10 participants to make the MTT programs cost and time effective.

We don’t know all of the reasons for the low enrollment, but the difficult economy may be one major factor. Fewer

professionals may be less apt to spend their time and hard earned dollars on training programs. We hope enrollment is better in 2011, though the plan for this coming year is to only offer one ATT and one MTT program.

The Decline of Entomology at Clemson

In June, 2002 I reported that in the previous five years, the Entomology Department had lost six faculty members with no new replacements. This brought the number of full-time faculty in entomology down to 18. By 2003, Entomology was dissolved by Clemson University as a stand-alone department. At the time, we were merged with the Department of Plant Pathology & Physiology and the Department of Crop & Soil Environmental Science. Our new name was the Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences (ESPS).

This past September, with only 6 Entomology faculty members left on campus and overall dwindling faculty and staff positions, we were informed by our administrators that the ESPS department is being dissolved. The remaining faculty and staff from Entomology, Soils, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Biosystems Engineering and Agricultural Mechanization are in the process of being merged

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to locate the original source of the infestation. Check corners, under furniture, in pantry and closet areas. These beetles can wander, so consider sites in addition to where the beetles were found. Have your clients clean or dispose of any infested food, clothing or rugs. Vacuuming areas where beetles are found can provide very good control. Once the beetles are removed, fabrics which contain wool or other animal products should be stored in tightly sealed chests or closets. Also freezing small items that will not be damaged by cold temperatures is another way to kill infesting beetles. Dermestid beetles are not resistant to most common insecticides. Any of your preferred indoor sprays should provide additional control. If you chemically treat, apply your products to cracks and crevices where the beetles, especially the adults, tend to hide. So remember, if you or your client thinks they have bed bugs, but the “bug” is fuzzy and looks like a hairy carrot, you probably have dermestid beetle larvae.

For additional information, check our fact sheet series, especially the pantry pest and carpet beetle sheets under the household and structural section at the following web site: http://bugs.clemson.edu/urban/schools/pcoschool.htm.

Think Like a Real Estate Agent

Location, location, location is the mantra of the real estate industry. Species, species, species should be the mantra for a pest management professional. The identification of an insect or related pest is the first step in determining whether it should be controlled and in obtaining recommended control measures. Many of you send insects directly to me for identification. While I know it can be hard to get good specimens in the field, I often get specimens not properly packaged. Many arrive so damaged or decayed, it is difficult to make a good identification.

To get specimens identified, there are several steps you can take. The easiest may be to bring your specimens to your local county Extension office. For a fee of $10, the agent will submit the sample for you via our Plant Problem Clinic. They will make sure your specimens are properly preserved and packaged before mailing.

If you plan to preserve, package and send specimens on your own, your insects should be preserved as soon as possible after collection. Most specimens can be killed and preserved in small glass or plastic jars containing 70 to 90-percent ethyl or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Do not send insects in water. Large, fragile insects such as butterflies and moths should be killed in a freezer and stored in a crush-proof container without alcohol. Tissue paper gently placed around the specimens will keep them from being damaged in the mail. Pests on plants such as mites, thrips, aphids, scale, and other very fragile

into one “school” which will function as one large department. We don’t have a final name for our new school, but a proposed name is the School of Environment and Sustainable Agriculture. This is essentially the first time since entomology started at Clemson that our discipline will not be recognized as a distinctive unit or as a department. We are now essentially a group of entomologists working at Clemson. This also means that Pat Zungoli will no longer be our department chair. Dr. Patricia Layton from Forestry will be our supervisor and the director of our new school.

For as long as possible, the remaining entomologists at Clemson are dedicated to offering undergraduate courses in entomology and maintaining our graduate programs. In Urban Entomology, we currently have 4 very good graduate students and about 16 other entomology graduate students in other programs. But, the long-range future for entomology at Clemson is not very clear and the “new normal” at Clemson may not have much of an entomological presence.

Bed Bug Wannabes

As the years go by, more and more bed bug specimens are sent to me to identify. Fairly often, people send in insects that they think are bed bugs, but they are not. Interestingly, one of most miss-identified insects I get from both pest control professionals and homeowners are dermestid beetle larvae.

Dermestidae is a large beetle family that includes the black carpet beetle, common carpet beetle, furniture carpet beetle, varied carpet beetle and the hide beetle, just to name a few. While the species are different in appearance, the larvae all tend to be carrot-shaped and look “fuzzy” with long hairs. I’m not sure why people confuse dermestid larvae with bed bugs, but probably their relatively small size and the fact that they can often be found around beds or in bedrooms, may lead folks to think they are bed bugs.

While many dermestids in structures are called carpet beetles, they will actually feed on a wide variety of organic material beyond woolen rugs. For example, they are often found infesting grain food products. While people are (and should be) relieved to learn they do not have bed bugs, dermestid beetles can become a serious infestation if not controlled, especially if valuable woolen rugs or woolen clothing is present.

For dermestid beetle control, you or your client should try

CLEMSON, continued from page 5

CLEMSON, continued on page 7

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7 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

insects should be sent in on the diseased plant. These insects are easily damaged by removal from the plant, and their appearance on the plant as well as damage symptoms may be very important for accurate identification.

With all specimen submissions, the following information should be included for each sample submitted:

• Name of collector• County and nearest town• Date collected• Where found, such as host plant, animal, or location in

a building. If the host was a plant or animal, give the stage of growth. If the specimen was found on a person, provide the person’s name and phone number.

• Degree of infestation (heavy, medium, light) and type of damage

• Insecticide used for control and results if appropriate

Electronic Images

It is becoming more common for individuals with digital cameras to send images of specimens by email. This can greatly speed the process of determining the type of specimen and the appropriate control measures if needed. However, identification of insects and related arthropods from electronic images can be challenging. Being three-dimensional, many important characteristics used to identify insects can be out of focus in an image with limited depth of field. For example, the number of parts on the antennae, placement of hairs and spines on the body, shape of the mouthparts and the number and shape of veins in the wings may all be needed to key an insect to species. It may not be possible to capture all the necessary key characters to fully identify a pest. Fortunately in some situations, the species of a pest may not be necessary to make an appropriate control recommendation.

Before imaging an insect or related arthropod for identification, you should determine the level of identification you feel you need. For example, when concerned about a specific species such as a brown recluse spider or Formosan termite, it may be more efficient to mail the sample by the traditional process so a detailed identification can be made. In addition, you will probably need to mail small arthropods such as mites, larval ticks and minute flies. For more general identifications, large specimens or identifications with pressing time constraints such as structural pests delaying a home sale, digital images may work well.

The following guidelines are designed to help you make decisions about imaging insects, related arthropods and the damage they cause.

• Whenever possible, lay a simple ruler or common item such as a penny so the relative size of the specimen can be determined.

• When possible, take an image of amage or nests. • Use a contrasting background color to the specimen. If in

doubt, default to a light gray background.• Use an intensity of light that best depicts the accurate

color of the specimen.• When many pests are present, take an image of several

specimens in one frame.• Attempt to select the best preserved specimen to

provide a close-up image of the entire top, bottom and head.

Finally, if you collect insect for identification, collect as many as you can to a reasonable number such as 10 or 20. Send half to Clemson for identification and keep half for your own collection. Then when you get a response, you’ll have your own collection with the specimens properly identified. You can use your insects as an additional record for the account in question or for training for new technicians. (Source: Clemson University Insect Information Sheet HS-22.)

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For more information on the above pest control companies, or other important data, call our office. At your request, we

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CLEMSON, continued from page 6

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8 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

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9 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

to go to our website and review a copy of the enforcement matrix for yourselves. That information can be found at:

http://www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/pesticide_regulation/our_service_areas/pest_management_

professionals/enforcement_matrix.pdf.

The enforcement matrix allows for three categories of enforcements responses resulting from violations. These categories are imprecise which necessitates some degree of judgment on the part of the department. However, the matrix does generally divide the enforcement responses into Category I (major), Category II (moderate) and Category III

(minor). We also consider violations based on the type of inspection which is divided into two groups as either a complaint or compliance inspection. A complaint would be generally considered more serious, and violations resulting from complaints would receive the three warning letters before they were assessed a civil penalty. A compliance inspection is a routine inspection intended to mostly look at treatment standards and is initiated by the department. Compliance inspections that show a structure was not treated correctly would receive the equivalent to 1/3 of a violation (3 compliance inspections with missed standards would equal one complaint).

Category I Major Violations

These violations are those that either result in harm or have the potential to cause

harm to man or the environment such as damage or harm to humans, animals, plants, property or the environment. Some examples of these are misapplications of pesticides that are negligent, intentional or repetitive. Violations that are repetitive or the result of failure to comply with a lawful order are commonly considered serious. Also, those violations resulting from working without a license are major and fall into this category.

Category II Moderate Violations

These violations are of moderate importance and the modified response is detailed in the chart below. The enforcement policy establishes that these moderate violations do not have the same “serious” component as those in Category I. These violations might be significant omissions on

Understanding the Department of Pesticide Regulation Enforcement Matrix

The Department of Pesticide Regulation has always used our regulatory efforts as an opportunity to educate the regulated community as we interact with applicators and businesses across our state. For quite some time we have included a statement on the reverse side of our business cards that says, “Regulation Through Education”. We believe this captures the appropriate tone of the South Carolina pesticide regulatory program, and that attitude is reflected in our enforcement policy. Further, this is one of the main reasons we enjoy a great working relationship with those people that we regulate. In my nearly 30 years, this approach has proven to be very effective, however, we have seen times when it was not as successful and the department had to move to a more traditional regulatory posture.

The purpose of our enforcement policy is to gain compliance without being overly punitive. We have the ability to use many tools to achieve that compliance ranging from an informational letter, to a warning letter, up to civil penalties or license revocation. As I will discuss later, there are times when serious violations occur that warrant the very firm enforcement response, even if it is the first violation. However, we believe the first tool out of the box for us to use should not always be the civil penalty.

As each of you are aware, the Clemson University Depart-ment of Pesticide Regulation is charged with the enforcement of the South Carolina Pesticide Control Act (SCPCA). We believe that the most important elements of these regulatory efforts are intended to ensure compliance with the law and regulations such that your customers, their property and you are protected. When serious or repeated violations occur the SCPCA provides for the Department of Pesticide Regulation to assess civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. However, the department uses the enforcement matrix as a guideline for us to apply reasonable responses that fit the problem. The enforcement matrix has a progressive component that works to ensure the violative behavior is changed. This is to say that if our efforts to educate and gain compliance do not work the response increases to ensure we do gain compliance. Also, consistent with the way we operate, the current matrix is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Pest Control Association and the Department of Pesticide Regulation. I encourage each of you

ENFORCEMENT MATRIX, continued on page 10

Clemson University Depart-ment of Pesticide

Regulation is charged with the enforcement of the South Carolina Pesticide Control Act

(SCPCA). When serious or repeated violations occur

the SCPCA provides for the Department of Pesticide Regulation to assess civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation.

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10 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

Wood Infestation Reports, failure to issue an Official Waiver of Standards, substandard termite treatments, etc. The table below will show the progressive component of the Category II violations.

Enforcement GuidelinesNumber of Offenses Enforcement Response

1 Warning Letter 2 Warning Letter 3 Warning Letter 4 $250 Civil Penalty 5 $250 Civil Penalty 6 $250 Civil Penalty 7 $250 Civil Penalty 8 $500 Civil Penalty 9 $500 Civil Penalty

10 $500 Civil Penalty 11 $500 Civil Penalty 12 $750 Civil Penalty 13 $750 Civil Penalty 14 $750 Civil Penalty 15 $750 Civil Penalty

All Subsequent Offenses $1000 per Offense

It is noteworthy that the enforcement responses apply to both the Applicator’s License and the South Carolina Pest Control Business License. However, the Business License only enters the matrix after there have been 3 Warning Letters issued to one applicator in the Business or 6 Warning Letters to all applicators in the business.

Category III Minor Violations

Those violations that result in some minor impact would be considered as Category III violations and are not tracked against the applicator or the business. The Category III response from the department allows us to issue an informational letter which details what we found and in some cases may require the applicator to bring something missed into compliance. It should be noted that a failure to bring some minor violation into compliance within 30 days may result in this becoming a Category II violation. Some examples of minor offenses are small amounts of debris not removed, failure to scrape shelter tubes, drill spacing slightly over the minimum spacing, small number of form boards not removed, etc. It does clearly establish that the department understands that not all violations must be dealt with in the same way and that some things have a lesser impact and can be simply corrected.

Enforcement Histories

All Category I and II violations are tracked by the department for a period of five years for the purpose of this enforcement

matrix. This tracking mechanism obviously creates a history with the department which helps determine our response. It is also noteworthy that any 2 year period with no violations resets the applicator and/or business to the entry level in the matrix (e.g., if you had 2 Warning Letters but went two years with no violations a 3rd Warning would then count as the first Warning Letter). Any applicator or business can back up one level in the matrix by attending specific approved training and developing and implementing a Quality Control Program approved and possibly monitored by the department.

PCO Review Committee

The enforcement matrix establishes a Review Committee to review all significant regulatory actions taken by the department including civil penalties and/or license suspension or revocation. This committee may also review warning letters that have been issued and contested in writing. The committee is made up of two regulatory officials (Department Head and Staff Attorney) and two individuals appointed by the Executive Board of the South Carolina Pest Control Association (two alternates are also appointed by the Association in the event of a conflict of interest). This committee meets once a month (in person or by conference call) unless there are no cases to review. The committee reviews all case files and evidence after all identifying information about the applicator, business, or complainant has been removed. The committee hears the department’s proposed action and rationale and votes to either agree with the proposal or votes to change the proposed action. Three of the four committee members would have to vote to change the proposed action before it would be changed and a tie would allow the action to stand as proposed by the department. Members of the committee are not allowed to communicate with anyone the details of the cases reviewed. It is noteworthy that since the implementation of the PCO Review Committee in 1991, there have only been two occasions where a decision was made to change a penalty proposed by the department. In both of those cases the committee voted to increase the proposed penalty amount.

We believe this enforcement matrix is exceedingly successful in allowing the department to take the appropriate action when we encounter situations that require some enforcement response. It provides the necessary flexibility for the department to apply reasonable judgment while ensuring consistent decisions. It provides guidance for us to let the response fit the problem and allows companies to change the way things are done in an effort to be better at what they do each day.

Author: Jim Wright, Regulatory Supervisor, Department of Pesticide Regulation

ENFORCEMENT MATRIX, continued from page 9

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11 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

The smarter companies are now investing in their personnel. Be it promotions, training, etc. Understanding that if we do not put the time and effort into this now – we will not be able to have the Leadership to get us through this.

Some companies are actually cutting back on safety issues. Like holding off on getting new brakes, tires, etc. This is really a bad move. The Courts and Jury’s would get even with you later. Don’t ever cut back on Safety.

Routing should be overhauled once or twice a year now to become more efficient.

Keeping your vehicles longer is a gamble without a very decent maintenance program.

Taking on new services could be a mistake without a really heavy duty business plan. Be careful on this. Too many companies are switching to new services they have never had and are inundating their personnel and customers.

Other companies are ‘waiting this thing out’. I don’t know how long our recession will be in effect, but waiting it out is not a good idea. Especially if your competitors are becoming more proactive. In the end – they will gain a larger market share while you dwindle away and hope to get back on your feet ‘someday’.

It is a time to review your company and make some hard intelligent decisions.

Streamlining and Cutting BackBy Lloyd Merritt Smigel

Place your ad here!For more information call

803.920.7968 or email [email protected]

Where to cut back? Where to invest? Where to streamline? The answers to all these questions are quite complex – especially without my spending time at your company to answer them more intelligently after an evaluation – but I will generalize here.

First off, you must realize that there will be repercussions in any action that you take. Those must be reviewed before you make any decisions.

One of the problems with cutting back is that, if you are talking personnel – that would mean more of a load (driving time, hours, etc.) for others to make it up. Hopefully, this extra load will bring with it more money to the employees.

Most companies I know (including my own) has cut back drastically in the last 3-4 years in the yellow pages and put that money into development of a Sales Management and Sales Programs. Direct Mail has become much more targeted with more specific follow ups.

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12 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

MEMBERSHIP

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Austin, TX – September 29, 2010 – Univar Professional Products & Services, the U.S. leader in the distribution of pest management products, announces that Sean McDonough has accepted the position of Sales Manager in the state of Florida for the Southeast District.

Prior to accepting his new position, McDonough worked for Univar’s Industrial Chemicals division as a sales representative in Pittsburgh. He brings a wealth of sales experience from not only Univar, but globally recognized companies like Leed’s and PPG Industries. McDonough earned his degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

In his new position, he will report to Southeast District Manager Kurt Grade. McDonough will office out of Tampa. He started in this new position on September 27, 2010.

About Univar

Univar Professional Products & Services (PP&S) is the nation’s largest distributor to the pest management industry offering its customers a full portfolio of products. PP&S is a division of Univar, one of the world’s leading independent distributors of industrial and specialty chemicals and related services. Univar PP&S operates a network of approximately 68 distribution facilities throughout the United States and Mexico. In 2009, Univar reported sales of $7.2 billion. For more information, visit: http://www.univarpps.com

Univar Hires a New Sales Manager for the Southeast District

2011 SCPCA Nominating Committee Report

President: Steve Leidinger moves up from his office as Vice President/President electVice Pres: Scott Fortson offers for this job and is nominatedTreasurer: David Clarke offers for this job and is nominated

DIRECTORS:Region 1: Phill Hall still in term Chad Reese offers for and is nominated for 2nd term

Region 2: Drew Wingo offers for and is nominated 2nd term Paul Troublefield still in term

Region 3: Roger Harris offers for and is nominated for seat to replace Tim Harris Scott Dier still in term

Region 4: Roy Barnes offers for and is nominated 2nd term Glen Matthews still in term

Region 4: Trotte Stone still in term Craig Jones offers for and is nominated for 2nd term

As permitted by the By-Laws, Nominations may be made from the floor on February 9th, 2011. For those members who will not be in attendance at the February meeting, a down- loadable “proxy” will be included in the January Pestalk.

52nd Annual South Carolina Pest Control Association Winter MeetingFebruary 8 – 10, 2011 • Columbia SCClick here for details and registration.

Follow us on Facebook. Search for SCPCA or become afriend of Fred Cliff to keep up to date on all

happenings with the SCPCA.

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13 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

It’s time again to make preparations to attend the PMP School. We have been working hard to put together an interesting program.

ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS – Choose between these great topics on Wednesday afternoon at 4:45 for some great discussion time:

• “Bed Bugs” with Dr. Mike Potter, Mr. Randy Bishop and Mr. Michael Weisburger in Carolina A-D.

• “Wood Infestation Inspections and Reports” with Mr. Lee Galloway and Dr. George Rambo in Carolina E-H.

These sessions will wrap up the Managers, GPM and Termite Technicians sessions for the day.

EXHIBITOR AREA - Opens 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 8.To allow the exhibitors plenty of time to set their booths up, no one is allowed in the exhibit area (large area outside of Carolina Ballroom) until the 3:00 pm break on Tuesday, February 8.

Please cooperate with this policy and allow the exhibitors this professional courtesy. Everyone must have a name badge to enter the exhibitor area and attend sessions.

52nd South Carolina Pest Management Professionals School

February 8-10, 2011Columbia Marriott

1200 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC

PARKING - There are plenty of parking garages in downtown Columbia within walking distance to the Columbia Marriott. Parking fees average $10.00 per day. If you like, the Columbia Marriott front desk will add the parking charges to your bill for all overnight guests at check-out. Please note that many garages have height restrictions of 6’10”.

SCHEDULE - Tuesday, February 8 is a Manager/Owner Program only. The Termite and General Pest Management Technicians’ Sessions begin at 8:30 am on Wednesday, February 9, and continue until 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 10.

PROGRAM - Each registrant will receive a CD that will includes the program, abstracts, summaries and handouts of the presentations for each session.

NO SMOKING POLICY - No smoking will be permitted inside the Convention Center. Everyone must go outside for smoke breaks.

“People, Purpose and Passion: The Pathway to Success”

PMP SCHOOL, continued on page 14

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14 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

SPECIAL EVENTS - We are holding Social Hours on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Everyone will receive two drink tickets for the social on Wednesday evening. Cash bars and soft drinks are also available.

You don’t want to miss the Wednesday Honors and Awards Luncheon where we’ll recognize the South Carolina Pest Management Professionals of the Year! Please specify the names of people from your company who are attending the Luncheon on the registration form.

The socials and the Honors and Awards Luncheon are included in the registration fee. However, if you wish to attend the luncheon, you must indicate your intention on the registration form. Admission to the luncheon will be by ticket only. Luncheon and drink tickets will be in your registration packet when you arrive at the school. Luncheon tickets are available for spouses and special guests for $30.00. Indicate the number on the registration form or see Jackie at the registration desk.

RECERTIFICATION CREDITS - As always, (re)certification hours will be issued to anyone who wishes to receive them. The form will be provided during the closing sessions on Thursday. The program has already been forwarded to SC, GA and NC for approval and the number of CEUs is not available at the present time. We often do not receive that information until the last minute. If you would like to receive (re)certification credits for a state other than SC, NC and GA, please call Jackie Ellis at (864) 656-5048. You must provide a telephone number or address of the agency responsible for issuing the credits. This information must be sent 30 days prior to the school, so it may be considered.

If you have any questions call Ms. Jackie Ellis, Schools Coordinator, at 864-656-5048. Make your plans now and please remember to post-mark your

registration before January 31, 2011. See you in Columbia!

PMP SCHOOL, continued from page 13

FEES - There is a tiered pricing structure for those companies who send five or more technicians. See the registration form for the breakdown on registration fees. Please note that there is an Early Bird Registration price if you register BEFORE JANUARY 15. All other

registration materials must be postmarked on or before the deadline of January 31, 2011. Make all checks payable to the SC Pest Control Association and mail to: South Carolina Pest Control Association, PO Box 24768, Columbia, SC 29224

Cancellation Policy - Should you pre-register and then be unable to attend, you may request that your registration fees be returned by writing or calling Mr. Fred Cliff at 803-920-7968 and explaining the circumstances of your cancellation. Because of the costs involved in pre-registration, the SCPCA must charge a handling fee of $35.00 per person for any returned fees. The deadline for returned fees is February 28, 2011.

Columbia Marriott RATES AND RESERVATIONS - To be assured of a room, you should call the Columbia Marriott and either pre-pay or guarantee your first night’s reservation. Rates are $119.00 per night single and double occupancy. When you make your reservation, please tell them you are with the 52nd PMP School.

Make your reservation as soon as possible. The cut-off for room reservations is January 8, 2011 or until the room block is full. Call the Columbia Marriott reservation desk at 803-771-7000. When you check-in, let the front desk know you would like to add the parking fee to your bill.

52nd South Carolina Pest Management Professionals School

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

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15 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

Serving the Pest Control Industry Since 1989 Let Us Earn Your Business

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We have you COVERED!

UMBRELLAPROPERTY GENERAL LIABILITY COMMERCIAL AUTO WORKERS COMPENSATION

WORKSITE POLLUTION CARE, CUSTODY & CONTROL WDO/WDI INSPECTION TRANSIT POLLUTION ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN UP PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

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16 Palmetto Pestalk November/December 2010

Our Board of DirectorsPresident:Craig Heath, Aiken Pest ControlP.O. Drawer U, Aiken, SC [email protected]: 803.649.9803; Fax: 803.643.0525

Vice President-President ElectSteve Leidinger, Home Pest ControlP.O. Box 2269, West Columbia SC [email protected] Phone: 803.794.8078; Fax: 803.794.1956

Secretary-Treasurer:Scott Fortson, Terminix Service, Inc.P.O. Box 2627, Columbia, SC [email protected]: 803.772.1783; Fax: 803.772.1845

Immediate Past President:Robert “Bobby” Townsend, Atlantic Pest ManagementP.O. Drawer 12760, Charleston, SC [email protected]: 843.795.4010; Fax: 843.795.4498

Executive DirectorFred CliffP.O. Box 24768, Columbia, SC [email protected]: 803.920.7968; Fax: 803.736.6237

Board MembersRegion 1 (Piedmont)Phil Hall, Gregory Pest Solutions | Term expires: 2/12PO Box 6713, Greenville, SC [email protected] Phone: 864 505 9801

Chad Reese, American Termapest | Term expires 2/11P.O. Box 50267, Greenwood, SC [email protected]: 864.229.3014; Fax: 864.229.9299

Region II (Piedmont-Upper Midlands)Drew Wingo, Allstate Exterminating | Term expires: 2/11P.O. Box 4096, Spartanburg, SC [email protected]: 864.503.0608

Paul Troublefield, Dixie Exterminating | Term expires: 2/12PO Box 27, Rock Hill, SC 29731Phone: 803.327.4724

Region III (Pee Dee – North Coast)Scott Dier, Strand Termite & Pest Control | Term expires 2/12P.O. Box 3328, North Myrtle Beach, SC [email protected]: 843.249.2619

Tim Harris, Harris Pest Control | Term expires: 2/11P.O. Box 12299, Florence, SC [email protected]: 843.665.4325; Fax: 843.665.4328

IV (Midlands-CSRA)Roy Barnes, Allstate Co. | Term expires: 2/12301 Oak Drive, Lexington, SC [email protected]: 803.794.7083; Fax: 803.359.1448

Glenn Matthews, Modern Exterminating | Term expires: 2/11119 Gadsden Street, Columbia SC [email protected] 803.796.2315; Fax: 803.252.5134

Region V (Low Country)Trotte Stone, Palmetto Exterminators | Term expires: 2/12P.O. Box 3032, Charleston, SC [email protected] Phone: 843.766.9701; Fax: 843.766.5012

Craig Jones, Jones Consulting & Pest Control | Term expires: 2/11 P.O. Box 2462, Beaufort, SC [email protected]: 843.522.1598; Fax: 843.522.8127

Allied RepresentativeBrad Filson, Nisus Corp. | Term expires: 2/114523 Dewfield Drive, Wilson NC, [email protected]: 704.942.4038

(803) 920-7968www.scpca.net