MAY JUNE 2016
CONTROLLING INTEREST NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW ENGLAND PEST MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. NEONICOTINOID PARTIAL BAN BILL IN MASSACHUSETTS NPMA is working with the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) and State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR) Ted Brayton on a neonic bill in Massachusetts. HB 4187—Protecting Massachusetts Pollinators Act (Neonicotinoid Ban) was introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. The Joint Committee consists of House and Senate members and is comprised of 14 Democrats and 3 Republicans. Neonics as RUP, Ban During Blooming Season, and Notification Requirements This bill classifies neonics as restricted use. As written, only certified or licensed applicators are permitted to use, possess, or purchase neonicotinoid pesticides. This bill would ban neonicotinoid usage for structural use patterns during the “blooming season.” The blooming season typically runs from March to November. Within the hypothetical confines of this bill, a person from our industry who is a certified or licensed applicator may use neonics from December to February. Also in this scenario, when our industry is permitted to use neonics, the applicator is required to go through an arduous notification process prior to application. The applicator would have to provide the property owner with information that: 1. States the risks associated with neonic use 2. A list of alternative non-neonicotinoid products 3. An acknowledgement that the owner has received and understands this information. Agricultural and Horticultural use patterns are exempt from the ban and notification requirements. Neonicotinoid Training Requirements The bill requires that a certified or licensed applicator must complete training on the risks associated with neonicotinoid use and the proper techniques to use in order to minimize
those risks. The neonicotinoid training would be incorporated for new and existing certified and licensed applicators. Special Commission on Pollinators for Study and Evaluation The special commission is comprised of government appointees and various stakeholders. A stakeholder from our industry is NOT present in this section of the bill. The special commission would study some of the following topics: •
Current regulations in Massachusetts, other states, and other countries related to pollinators and pollinator health
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Public education and outreach plans for pollinator health
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Evaluate apiary inspection program with a specific focus on parasitic diseases
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Identify funding efforts to promote and protect pollinator health
•
Identify best management practices
•
The Commission shall make recommendations to the Legislature and State Pesticide Board
NEPMA and NPMA will continue to assess the viability of the bill and provide updates.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TARYN LASCOLA ON HER PROMOTION...BUT HER PHONE AND EMAIL REMAIN OPEN TO MEMBERS OF OUR INDUSTRY For anyone who has attended the NEPMA spring or fall training seminars, Taryn LaScola has come to be known as a great resource to our members in the pest management industry in Massachusetts. Recently, Taryn was promoted to become the new Director of Crop and Pest Services. In this role, she not only oversees the Pesticide Division, but she also oversees the Apiary Program, the Plant Industry Program and she is involved with the State Reclamation Board for Mosquito Control.
CONTROLLING INTEREST
PAGE 2 Taryn has been with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Pesticide Division since 2000. In 2001 she became an inspector in charge of regulating the MA state law (Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act) and the federal law regarding pesticides.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Jeffrey Weisberg, A-1 Exterminators, Inc., Lynn, MA President-elect: Ted Brayton, Griggs & Browne Pest Control, Abington, MA Secretary: Galvin J. Murphy, Yankee Pest Control, Inc., Malden, MA Treasurer: Matt Kreimeyer, Best Pest Control Services, Inc., Somerville, MA Immediate Past President: Ted St. Amand, Atlantic Pest Solutions, Kennebunkport, ME
Directors:
Ted Burgess, Burgess Pest Management, W. Bridgewater, MA Tom Drapeau, Freedom Pest Control, Topsfield, MA Steve Oles, Orkin, Inc., Northwood, NH Mike Peaslee, Modern Pest Services, Brunswick, ME Maria Richmond, Ransford Environmental Solutions, Inc., Worcester, MA Kevin Vaughn, General Environmental Services, Inc. , Malden, MA
COMMITTEE CHAIRS Audit: Bob Leon, General Environmental Services, Inc., Malden, MA Awards: Maria Richmond, Ransford Environmental Solutions, Inc., Worcester, MA By-laws: Dave Penttila, Dave’s Pest Control, Inc., Sturbridge, MA Controlling Interest: Tom Drapeau, Freedom Pest Control Co., Inc., Topsfield, MA Education/WDI Program: Galvin C. Murphy, Yankee Pest Control, Inc., Malden, MA Fundraising: Marillian Missiti, Buono Pest Control Co., Inc., Belmont, MA Government Affairs: Ted Burgess, Burgess Pest Management, W. Bridgewater, MA NPMA/QualityPro: Bill Siegel, Orkin, Inc., Ipswich, MA Membership: Tom Drapeau, Freedom Pest Control Co., Inc., Topsfield, MA Products & Services: Dave Penttila, Dave’s Pest Control, Inc., Sturbridge, MA Public Relations: George Williams, Univar, Woburn, MA Scholarship: Matt Kreimeyer, Best Pest Control Services, Inc., Somerville, MA Vendor Relations: Sheila Haddad, Bell Laboratories, Inc., Southington, CT Website: Kevin Vaughn, General Environmental Services, Inc., Malden, MA Executive Director: Walter Perry (wperry@cornerstoneam.com)
CONTROLLING INTEREST Controlling Interest is published six (6) times per year by the New England Pest Management Association and is distributed free to its members. Readers are encouraged to submit articles, announcements, reviews of products, or letters. To submit articles or to inquire about advertising rates and information, contact NEPMA at 53 Regional Drive, Suite 1, Concord, NH 03301, call toll-free at (866) 386-3762, or email info@nepma.org. The New England Pest Management Association believes that the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date but is not responsible for inadvertent errors. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the editor.
www.NEPMA.org
She is planning to continue to attend and teach at NEPMA training seminars but she may not be able to attend as many as she once had. Even though she is in a new position, Taryn really wants our members to know that they can still call/email her with questions and/or concerns. Since her move, there has been some movement within the pesticide enforcement staff as well. Michael McClean is the new Chief Pesticide Inspector and Clayton Edwards is the new Rights of Way Coordinator.
BED BUG BILL BECOMES LAW IN CONNECTICUT Governor Malloy signed Connecticut’s Bed Bug bill (HB 5335). This is a positive development. In most cases, the landlord is required by law to pay PMPs (certified applicators) to treat and inspect for bed bug infestations. Even if the landlord attempts to “selftreat” the bed bug infestation, the law mandates that a “qualified inspector” (most likely a PMP) would have to inspect the residential unit to verify that the landlord eliminated an infestation. Tenant/Landlord-Bed Bug Treatment legislation recently passed in Connecticut. If a tenant reports a bed bug infestation in a residential rental property or a public housing unit, then actions must be taken for treatment. This is important because pest management companies will play a major role in the implementation of this law. If a tenant reports that they know or suspect their unit is infested with bed bugs to the landlord, then the landlord is required to inspect or hire a thirdparty inspector (certified applicator, certified canine detection team, or health department official) to assess whether there is an infestation. The bill requires landlords to hire and pay a pest control agent to treat bed bug infestations if they are unable to successfully treat the infestation themselves. If a landlord treats the infestation him or herself, a thirdparty inspector (likely to be a certified applicator) must confirm the treatment’s success. However, the
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bill makes tenants financially responsible for subsequent NEW MEMBERS THIS QUARTER treatment costs for their unit and contiguous units if they We welcome the following companies to membership in knowingly and unreasonably fail to comply with treatment NEPMA (and to NPMA): measures. It also prohibits landlords from renting units that • EAKO Pest Control, Wayne Eklund, President, Walpole, they know or suspect are infested with bed bugs. MA, 508-801-2003, www.easkopest.com Detached single-family homes are exempt from this bill. The bill creates separate duties and responsibilities for landlords • All-Star Pest Services, Kristopher Romero, Salem, NH, 603-898-4516, www.allstarpestservices.com and tenants. The three duties and responsibilities that are central to this bill include:
NPMA ACADEMY 2016
1. Notice 2. Inspection 3. Treatment
NEPMA E-NEWSLETTER COMING TO YOUR INBOX The New England Pest Management Association wants its news and information widely accessible by all members including employees of member companies. One of the ways we will accomplish this is that with every issue of Controlling Interest there will be an electronic version created, in addition to the print version. While members will continue to receive a printed copy of the newsletter an electronic version of the newsletter will be created and emailed out to all members. Our goal is to also email it out to all employees of member companies. To accomplish this we would like to have all member companies email us a list to info@nepma.org which would include employees names and email address that we can then email out each issue of the e-CI.
Academy, the annual summer conference hosted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), will be held July 20-22 at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. The Academy is a unique opportunity designed to advance the professional and business development of the industry’s leaders and emerging leaders in a hands-on, interactive environment. The annual NPMA Academy is focused on providing both company leaders and up-and-coming managers with professional and personal development — slanted to the needs of the pest management professional. You will not find this type of educational opportunity anywhere else. Back by popular demand, Jason Dorsey, PestWorld 2015’s keynote speaker, will join us for Academy 2016 with a workshop centered on creating generational advantage. Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, this session will leave you with an understanding of how you can leverage the different generations you have working for you to help you grow your business and create customer - and employee - loyalty.
We Are Going Bowling! Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, November 12, 2016 Town Line Luxury Lanes, Malden, MA Member Companies and their families from around the region are invited to join for a day of bowling, prizes, food and entertainment Proceeds to benefit the Mark Weintraub Scholarship
CONTROLLING INTEREST Attend Academy 2016, July 20-22 in Orlando, and hear a session from Steve Donahue where you will learn how to create the type of vision that enthrals employees, captivates customers and builds a healthy bottom line. This is an exciting event you will NOT want to miss! For more details and registration, visit www.academy.npmapestworld.org.
VETS ENHANCED WEBSITE OFFERS HELP FOR EMPLOYERS HIRING VETERANS J.J. Keller The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) announced the launch of a newly enhanced website for employment services, Veterans.gov. The website brings together employer assistance, job banks, state employment offices, American Job Centers, and opportunities in top-trending industry sectors, in a single online location. VETS’ redesigned the website to become a “first stop” in the employment search process for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses. The site is also a resource for employers seeking to hire veterans and their spouses. For employers, the site provides: •
Ability to connect with the VETS’ regional employer
PAGE 5 outreach specialists to access local resources for meeting hiring needs. •
Ability to upload available openings and position descriptions to the Veterans’ Job Bank/National Labor Exchange
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Access to “America’s Heroes at Work,” a free toolkit to assist employers seeking to hire veterans.
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Ability to make a commitment to hire veterans on the Veterans Employment Center portal.
Agencies including the Small Business Administration, the departments of Energy, Transportation, Agriculture and Homeland Security, as well as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management collaborated to provide content to Veterans.gov.
TERMITE TREATMENTS AND FLOODING Technical information from the NPMA Resource Center Hurricanes, strong storms, heavy rains and other extreme weather events can impact the termite protection afforded by a professional termite treatment. Flooding can affect soil treatments by washing away treated soil or depositing mud, soil, or sand on top of treated areas. Termite bait systems may be compromised when soil or debris is deposited on top of stations or if equipment is disturbed or removed by flooding
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CONTROLLING INTEREST or the renovation process. Repair and replacement of treated wood or other structural components may also compromise the termite protection provided to homeowners. Pest management professionals can help to protect their customers’ homes by determining if termite protection has been compromised by flooding or extreme weather events. In accordance with EPA PR Notice 96-7 termiticide labels allow for retreatment if disruption of the treated soil has taken place:
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PORTSMOUTH ‘GROUND ZERO’ FOR STINK BUGS Fosters.com Stowaways from Asia, stink bugs are invading the Seacoast. They winter inside homes, then emerge on window sills and furniture in the spring and emit a pungent stench with the slightest effort to relocate them.
“We’ve been expecting this to happen,” said Dr. Alan Eaton, an “Retreatment for subterranean termites can only be performed entomology specialist with the University of New Hampshire’s if there is clear evidence of reinfestation or disruption of the Cooperative Extension, who has been monitoring stink bug barrier due to construction, excavation, or landscaping and/ populations the past several years. or evidence of the breakdown of the termiticide barrier in the Fully named the brown marmorated stink bug, the crop-eating soil. These vulnerable or reinfested areas may be retreated insects are native to China, but in a global economy, have in accordance with application techniques described in this hitched rides to the states where, in West Virginia, they’re now product’s labeling. The timing and type of these retreatments considered a “major agricultural pest,” according to Eaton. will vary, depending on factors such as termite pressure, soil The insects earned their name from an odor they release when types, soil conditions and other factors which may reduce the touched, which Eaton described as “stinky.” effectiveness of the barrier.” “They’re not much fun,” he said. Flooding alone does not typically require supplemental The first New Hampshire stink bug sighting, Eaton said, came treatment as most modern professional liquid and bait during the summer of 2010 when one of Eaton’s colleagues formulations are capable of withstanding short periods was studying Asian longhorn beetles and found a stink bug in submerged under standing water, but flooding by swift a swimming pool filter in Portsmouth. Eaton said he conducted moving water almost always requires retreatment. However, a stink bug survey the following year and discovered a the following conditions can affect existing termite treatment “relatively abundant” Portsmouth population in a kilometerareas and re-treatment may be an option to consider: square area, southeast of the traffic circle. •
Soil erosion next to foundations that results in the removal of termiticide treated soil or bait stations
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Movement of treated soil during the renovation or repair process
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The deposition of soil, silt or sand or other materials on top of termite treated areas or bait stations
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Movement of foundation walls, patios, porches or other structural elements
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Disturbance of treated soil due to removal or replacement of damaged landscaping
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Repairs to the structure resulting in movement of soil or replacement of treated wood or other structural components
“Ground zero,” Eaton calls the area along the Route 1 Bypass, in terms of the state’s stink bug population. The pests likely landed there, he said, due to the type of commerce in the area, including car dealerships where vehicles are shipped from other states, after arriving in containers from overseas. One car can contain a dozen or more stink bugs that get released into the area, then start to look for homes to crawl into for winter hibernation. In West Virginia, stink bugs can be swept off homes by the hundreds, Eaton said. “Imagine how stinky that is,” he said. “So it can be kind of bad.” Colleagues from West Virginia drove north for a tree fruit pest conference, Eaton said, stopped for gas and found six stink bugs under the gas tank lid.
Consumers should contact their pest management professional “There’s a live example of what happens,” he said. “They get for a comprehensive evaluation of the site to determine if introduced where there’s a lot of urban activity.” additional treatment is required. Homeowner’s insurance policies may cover some or all of the expenses associated with Eaton said stink bugs have now been documented as inhabiting restoring termite protection around a structure if associated 25 New Hampshire towns, most on the Seacoast. His mapping with storm damage. Homeowners can check with their data shows stink bugs in Barrington, Dover, Exeter, Rochester, insurance company to determine if their policy covers this Durham, Greenland, Newington, Stratham and ground zero, Portsmouth. type of damage. In homes, Eaton said, they’re considered a nuisance, but not harmful. He advises homeowners who see them to sweep them up “and show them the door.” He said southerners, where
CONTROLLING INTEREST infestations are much larger, are using insecticides but, “We do not recommend that at all.” Eaton said in West Virginia the time between the first stink bug sighting and mass infestation was about eight years. During that time, the insects began to harm crops, ornamental plants and fruit trees, he said. “The clock started ticking in New Hampshire in 2010,” he said. “We’ll see if it takes the same amount of time and we’re anticipating it’ll jump to crops.”
PAGE 8 OSHA has provided heat safety tips for workers in an updated heat campaign webpage that now includes illustrations of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, an animated video, training resources, and links to an updated heat safety phone app. #WaterRestShade is the official hashtag of the campaign, encouraging employers to provide their workers with drinking water, ample breaks, and a shaded area while working outdoors. OSHA’s webpage also includes the following tips for employers:
His colleagues in West Virginia, he said, see groups of stink • bugs by the hundreds.
“So that’s their situation,” he said, “We might even get that here.”
•
Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat. Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
Monitor workers for signs of illness. Eaton said there are no known repellents for stink bugs but • scientists are studying the possibility of introducing an Asian wasp known to control stink bug populations by laying its POTENTIAL IMPACT OF DOL’S PROPOSED eggs in stink bug eggs. The best thing property owners can OVERTIME RULE CHANGES FOR SERVICE do, he said, is to seal all cracks in homes in the late summer, COMPANIES when stink bugs are making their way back inside to winter By Daniel S. Gordon, CPA in walls and attics. While anytime the government tells an employer how or how “You have to think like a stink bug,” he said. “They like to much to pay an employee, I think it’s a bad thing for business. investigate crevices and openings where there is warm air The new rules scheduled to go into effect December 1, 2016 escaping. Calking and sealing is the best thing you can do to will hurt, but I don’t think it changes the way we do business in keep them from getting in.” a profound manner unless we are currently out of compliance This time of year, Eaton said, the bugs are emerging from with the current DOL regulations. In working with hundreds hibernation and looking to get out. They’ll summer on tree of PCOs and land care operators across the country there is canopies, particularly on fruit trees. definitely a problem here. Eaton advises people with stink bugs to mark their calendars The reality is that by truly understanding the change, and by for early September and get building cracks sealed by then, looking at most service firms to determine if they are currently because that’s when they’ll be looking to get back in. paying their employees properly according to current law, “Around September 25th or 26th,” he said, “is the peak of the many will realize they may currently be applying the rules stink bug invasion, when stink bugs are going to be going incorrectly and moving to compliance may be scarier than complying with the new rules. Under the new rules the way back into buildings in Portsmouth.” an employee is categorized has not changed in terms of using the exemptions, but rather the threshold amounts that allow an OSHA’S SUMMER HEAT SAFETY CAMPAIGN employee to be paid a salary using one of the exemptions are BEGINS changing. J.J. Keller Many firms that we encounter believe that they can just pay OSHA has kicked off its summer campaign to inform employees a salary and not be subject to overtime – and that’s employers and employees about the dangers of working in exactly what they do right or wrong. Even before the rule the heat. The campaign will continue its annual outreach change this type of payment arrangement is a slippery slope to highlight how heat-related worker fatalities are entirely and the employee has to meet certain requirements to be paid preventable. In 2014 alone, 2,630 workers suffered from heat a salary. If they don’t meet those requirements the employer is illness and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the out of compliance. job. This is not because of the changes in the law. They are just Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing not applying the current law correctly. The changes will workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes only affect those employees who are paid on salary that use protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with one of the “White Collar Exemptions” (discussed below) as workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a justification for paying in this manner. complete heat illness prevention program. For those who are currently paying folks properly and who
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CONTROLLING INTEREST are using the “White Collar Exemption” properly and have a salaried employee who falls below the new minimum there will be some decisions to be made. But those are the only employees affected by the proposal. Background: Pest control companies and land care companies for the most part employ service technicians, inside and outside sales people, office people / CSRs, Managers / Supervisors Two concepts are relevant here: 1.
Non Exempt Employees – Employees who must be paid hourly plus OT after 40 hours per week. Technicians by definition are non-exempt (however they may fall under a provision called 7(i)) see below for discussion. Check with your state as some states are more stringent than the federal rules regarding OT and accepting 7(i) as an exemption. IN ANY EVENT TECHNICIANS ARE NOT THE EMPLOYEE CLASS AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED RULE CHANGE. Also, most CSRs and other office people must be paid hourly plus OT as they do not meet the “White Collar Exemptions” below. HERE AGAIN THIS CLASS OF WORKER IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED RULE CHANGE AS THEY DO NOT QUALIFY FOR EXEMPTION AND MUST BE PAID HOURLY.
2. Exempt Employees – These are employees who can be paid a salary and are exempt from overtime by virtue of meeting one of the exemptions in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA). Therefore any employee who does not qualify for an exemption must be paid an hourly rate plus OT. There is no proposal to change this rule and many companies that I encounter use this rule incorrectly to classify some of their employees as exempt and pay a salary when they clearly do not meet the definition and therefore are exposed when they come under DOL audit. My fear is that many think that this is the change. It is not. If you are classifying your employees incorrectly so you can pay a salary, I recommend you correct this situation. What are the exemptions available to allow an employee to be paid a salary and not an hourly wage? I’ve listed the “White Collar” exemptions below that qualify for employees to be paid a salary. These are the job classes that will be affected by the rule changes. Currently each of these classes are defined by their duties tests but in all cases except highly compensated employees as explained below there is a minimum requirement that the salary be at least $23,660 per annum. The new rule raises this amount to $47,476 per year. It’s this raise in the minimum salary for these “White Collar” exemption classes that has caused all of the debate. Remember, just because you pay a staff member a salary that does not mean you are correct in classifying that employee as exempt. We have worked with many clients who have learned this the hard way as they came up on the short end of a DOL audit.
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PAGE 11 •
Administrative Employees – While many office workers (CSR) may fall under this exemption, many do not – This is an area we see many PCOs and land care companies getting trapped during an audit when it comes to light that the employee doesn’t meet the “Duties Test” to use this exemption and therefore must be paid hourly. For more info on the duties test see: http://www.dol.gov/whd/ overtime/fs17c_administrative.pdf
•
Executive Employees – This is where most managers will fall and as long as they direct the work of 2 or more other employees and have the ability to hire and fire or have significant influence with this regard, you should be ok. However under the new rules this manager will need to have a minimum of $47,476 per annum. If he doesn’t you do have the option of moving him to hourly or give him a raise.
•
Professional Employees – This exemption is not usually used in our line of work. It is used for work that is “predominately intellectual in character” such as computer engineers, teachers or other similarly skilled workers.
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Highly Compensated Employees – Currently earning more than $100K proposal to move up to $122K – This exemption speaks for itself.
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These are the “White Collar Exemptions” and the area that is affected by the changes. Remember it’s not technicians that are affected by the change it is those employees who you pay a salary using the “White Collar Exemption”. That said, technicians, in many states, not all (check with your state DOL) may qualify for an exemption called 7(i). This exemption is complex and
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CONTROLLING INTEREST confusing, but used properly can be very affective. The cliff notes are as follows:
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MAINE BOARD OF PESTICIDES CONTROL
The Maine Board of Pesticides Control meeting schedule for Requirements: If a retail or service employer elects to use the the remainder of 2016 is as follows: Section 7(i) overtime exemption for commissioned employees, August 19, 2016 3:00 PM three conditions must be met: 1. The employee must be employed by a retail or service This will include a public forum and will be held at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. The agenda to be establishment, and posted on August 10, 2016. 2. The employee’s regular rate of pay must exceed one and one-half times the applicable minimum wage for every September 23, 2016 8:30 AM TBD hour worked in a workweek in which overtime hours are The location of this meeting has not yet been determined. The worked, and agenda to be posted on September 15, 2016. 3. More than half the employee’s total earnings in a November 4, 2016 8:30 AM representative period must consist of commissions. 4. Unless all three conditions are met, the Section 7(i) This meeting will be held at the AMHI Complex, 32 Blossom exemption is not applicable, and overtime premium pay Lane, Marquardt Building, Room 118 (Door D7) in Augusta. must be paid for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek The agenda will be posted on October 27, 2016. at time and one-half the regular rate of pay. See: http:// December 16, 2016 8:30 AM www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs20.pdf. This meeting will be held at the AMHI Complex, 32 Blossom Should you decide that 7(i) is not for you or you are in a state Lane, Marquardt Building, Room 118 (Door D7) in Augusta. that it is not acceptable, you must pay hourly plus OT. If you The agenda to be posted on December 8, 2016. want to pay production bonuses and or commissions you can but these payments must be increased by a “Special” overtime Further information can be obtained at the Department of rate if the employee has worked more than 40 hours. ADP Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry webpage on has a nice fact sheet at http://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/special- Maine.gov. overtime-situations-how-to-properly-calculate-overtime-pay What you should do: Look at all of your non technician or commissioned employees that you pay a salary. Revisit the exemption definitions. If they don’t meet the requirements, put them on hourly plus OT. If they do meet the definitions but their salary is less than $47,476 decide on what to do in order to comply. The choices are give them a raise or put them on hourly plus OT.
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Founded in 1893, Waltham Services has grown to the largest pest control provider in New England. Our company’s growth did not happen by chance, it’s a reflection of our commitment to long, profitable relationships with our coworkers and customers. We are proud of our reputation; built upon decades of personalized attention to solving and preventing the most stubborn pest problems. If you are considering a change and your plans include selling your company, please consider Waltham Services.
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PESTWORLD 2016 Every year, NPMA gathers thousands of pest management professionals from across the globe to offer opportunities for information sharing, provide access to the latest products, services, and technologies in the 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, and generate critical thinking in world-class educational sessions. Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988 and over the next 22 years worked in various marketing, general management and business leadership roles within the company. In 1999, he led the creation and development of the highly successful Xbox video game business. During this presentation, sponsored by Syngenta, Bach will share successful approaches for effective strategic development and will help you identify how to capitalize on the opportunities presented by change – rather than viewing them as obstacles.
More than a Cinderella story, Jim Morris’ journey is testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. A fast-track minor league player, Morris’ dreams were derailed by serious arm injuries. Eleven years later, he was a high school baseball coach, who unexpectedly learned a life-changing lesson from his team. Now a role model to millions, Morris’ memoir, The Rookie, was made into major motion picture in which Dennis Quaid portrayed him. A schoolteacher by trade, Morris is a lovable storyteller whose miracle story captivates and inspires audiences to never give up on a dream. Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, Jim “The Rookie” Morris will be the keynote speaker for the Opening General Session at PestWorld 2016. Join us as we celebrate this year’s PestWorld in the Pacific Northwest – beautiful Seattle, Washington and register today!
ASK MR. PEST CONTROL A Rat’s Parting Gift Question: What is the best way to manage rat mites inside a residence? Rats have been trapped out and the openings sealed up, but the customers are still receiving bites. Answer: Even though rat mites were a known issue, still make sure they are present with sticky monitors before you continue helping your customer. Although rat mites don’t necessarily disappear when the rats do, it’s common for people suffering from parasites to continue to believe the parasites are present after they’ve been managed effectively. If not already found and you have an idea where rat nests might be in the structure, that’s the best place to start. Remove them if possible and/or treat the area with an appropriately labeled product. Tropical rat mites tend to like wall voids, especially if there is a heat source. Otherwise, they hide in cracks and crevices near their food source. Pay attention to where your
customer says they receive bites. Treat the wall voids of the room(s) and the cracks and crevices around the problematic sitting or resting areas. The approach is similar to a bed bug treatment, except mites are even harder to see. Here’s the good news – in the absence of rats, a rat mite infestation will not continue to grow like a bed bug infestation. Humans are not their principal host and they do not survive well without rats. They are not known to transmit human diseases, either. --Mr. Pest Control (Editor’s note: Articles from the Ask Mr. Pest Control series are reprinted with permission from Univar. Mr. Pest Control is answering questions supplied by PMP customers across North America. His answers are generated from industry and manufacturer-provided information. The answer may not be specific to the laws and regulations for your State, Province, Territory or Country. In addition, products mentioned may not be registered and or available in all areas. Always check with your local Univar office for specific information to your area. Always read and follow label directions.)
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Over 4,000
Pest Management Companies
Can’t be Wrong
Stuart Aust, President & CEO, Bug Doctor Termite and Pest Control has been working with Select Insurance for five years. The company handles insurance needs for all of Aust’s divisions, including Bird Doctor Nationwide, Mosquito Doctor, Bedbug Doctor, Animal Doctor and the original Bug Doctor.
• Select Insurance Agency is a family-owned and operated business that provides insurance products specifically tailored to meet the risk management needs of the pest management industry in over 45 States Nationwide.
“It is a privilege and an honor to work with the Select Insurance team. The owners, Phillis and Frank MacDonald, run a first class organization. What differentiates Select Insurance from the competition is that they are extremely responsive, their costs are very competitive, working with them is seamless, and they are the complete package. They only sell us what we need and never try to pressure us to buy additional insurance to enhance their bottom line.”
• General Liability
— Stuart Aust, President & CEO, Bug Doctor Termite and Pest Control
“They can talk shop with us,“Aust says. “They totally understand what we’re doing. They understand all facets of pest control.”
Pictured: Frank and Phillis MacDonald, Select Insurance Agency
• Automobile & Fleet Coverages • Workers’ Compensation • Umbrella • Commercial Property • Employment Practices Liability • Commercial Crime • Canine Mortality • Mold Liability • As former pest management professionals, Select’s owners understand that every pest management professional operates his or her business differently, resulting in a variety of exposures and risks. Select considers each business individually before developing a pest management insurance program and assigning a carrier. • Select Insurance Agency is a proud member of the National Pest Management Association, and maintains many state and regional memberships as well.
1 (888) 542-9002
Quotes@SelectAgency.com
www.selectagency.com
SelectInsuranceAdvertorial_jg3.indd 1
12/4/13 12:09 PM
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• Supplies: Residex is a full-line distributor of structural pest and turf products. • Support: We resolve our customers’ toughest technical problems & offer profitable business ideas. • Solutions: Residex is your partner. We have over 101 solutions to help you grow . . . improved sales results, sales training workshops, human resource solutions. . . . just to name a few. • An American owned and operated distributor for over 70 years. Franklin
Hartford
508-507-7337
888-267-7751
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More time. More jobs. More profit. What you do with it is up to you. Termidor H•E High-Efficiency Termiticide provides the same 100 percent efficacy you’ve come to expect from Termidor , but it allows for 50 percent less water and 30 percent less trenching. You can use the time and resources you’ll save to complete more jobs and increase profits. We’re not here to tell you how to spend your money—only to help you make more of it. ®
®
Visit termidor-he-calculator.basf.us to discover how you can make termite treatments even more profitable. Always read and follow label directions. A Termidor® termiticide/insecticide application can only be performed by a licensed pest control professional. Termidor is a registered trademark and the Termidor logo is a trademark of BASF. © 2014 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
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The right product is just the beginning.®
UNIVAR
Getting what you need, when you need it, no matter what — that’s the promise of Univar Environmental Sciences. But our service doesn’t stop at our industry-best product selection. Our experienced team can offer insightful advice at every turn. So get in touch with your local rep and discover how Univar can help you drive business. Call us at 800-888-4897 or go to PestWeb.com
© 2016. 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.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 20-22, 2016
NPMA Academy Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Orlando, FL
August 10, 2016
NEPMA Long Range Planning Meeting
October 18-21, 2016
PestWorld 2016 Seattle, WA
November 3-4, 2016
NEPMA Fall Training Seminar & Expo Holiday Inn Taunton, MA
November 12, 2016
NEPMA Bowling Town Line Luxury Lanes Malden, MA
MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY NEPMA Fall Training Seminar & Expo November 3 – 4, 2016 Holiday Inn, Taunton, MA
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Every dollar matters which is why THOR only sells direct.
No middleman means lower prices, faster service, and an unmatched level of expertise.
See what buying manufacturer direct can do for your business.
Steve Goscinsky Cell: 203-482-0778 Toll Free: 866-863-7152 sgoscinsky@ensystex.com
ENSYSTEX
866-FOR-THOR FOR-THOR.COM
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