Inspector Update: 9/30/2020

Important Update

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PPMA continues to hold classes on Thursdays at 7 pm to 9 pm via Zoom. This week's class description is as follows:

Rodents/Label Review - Barry Pitkoff, Liphatech

October 8

7:00 PM

Credits: 1- Core; 2 - 11, 18, 23

To receive continuing education credits, attendees must be present for the entirety of the call and participate in questions asked by the moderator

Registration and class descriptions are available here: www.papest.org

We highly recommend that you pre-register for the meetings so we have your information before hand which makes it easier to record that you attended and a lot less likely that a mistake will be made. We have had some last minute attendees join the meetings without registering and this can create confusion and lead to you not getting your credits.

Be on the lookout for more classes upcoming. They will all be online, via Zoom. When you register, the Zoom link and instructions will be emailed to you.

Don't forget about the educational opportunities found on NPMA's website where you can find all sorts of online learning. Check out the Online Learning Center here.

New Members

Brian Simmons - Simsco Inspection Services LLC, Meadville PA

James Criswell - Pest X Pro, Lewistown, PA

2020 Platinum Partners

Industry News

Mitigating Workplace Tension During an Election Cycle

As a good employer, the goal is always to create and provide a comfortable work environment for all employees. As we approach the 2020 Presidential election, with polarizing candidates and growing cultural political divide, now may be the opportune time to remind your staff to refrain from discussing politics while in the workplace.

Co-workers who see things differently are what makes our workforce diverse and helps to add to our work communities. However, politically charged conversations can have an alienating effect on individuals who may not share similar beliefs or points of view. At times, political comments can potentially be considered hostile, racist and or discriminatory. Therefore, it is important to affirm to all staff the importance of refraining from non-work-related topics that may distract, divide or make others uncomfortable.

It is recommended that you set an expectation to accomplish this during these particularly contentious times. Some workplace recommendations might include:

Keeping political programs off the televisions in the workspace (i.e., breakroom, lobby, etc.)
Steering conversations in meetings away from politics and keeping discussions more generic
Ban visual displays such as campaign buttons, bumper stickers, posters and wearables
Refrain from posting any political content on office whiteboards, bulletin boards or other similar shared boards

Private sector employers can set their own rules about what is acceptable in the workplace regarding freedom of speech*. Communicate your expectations to your employees proactively and provide reminders and guidance when necessary.

A little direction from leadership now goes a long way toward preventing uncomfortable moments, conflict, disciplinary action or even litigious claims or suits.

Reasons to Avoid Political Discussions at Work

Litigious Concerns; suits could arise when comments are made regarding race, gender or religion
Workplace Distraction; when time is spent on political talk it takes away from productivity
Disjointed Staff; political divide can cause staff divide
Uncomfortable Workplace; always strive to create a safe and affirming work environment for all

UPDATE: Credits Being Offered at the Virtual 46th Annual Training Conference of the Pennsylvania Vector Control Association

Please join us for the 46^th annual training conference of the Pennsylvania Vector Control Association (PVCA) taking place virtually this year on October 8, 2020 (8am-5pm).

This year we are collaborating with the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD) to host our training using the Zoom Webinar platform. Although we will miss seeing everyone in person and the value those interactions bring, we are excited to be able to offer a full day of training while adhering to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Due to the generosity of NEVBD and their access to the virtual platform, there will be no fees this year to participate.

Registrations can be entered at: PVCA2020. Please have your PA Pesticide Certification number when registering as it will be used when applying for credits.

There are 2 Core Credits and 10 Credits for Categories 16, 18 and 23!

Attached is a preliminary agenda for the conference. Continuing Education Credits for PA Pesticide Applicator licenses will be issued by the PA Department of Agriculture.

Please also take some time to visit our website (http://pavectorcontrol.org/) from time to time for updates on the agenda and for links to our Vendors/Sustaining Members. An organization such as ours cannot survive without their constant support. Although they may not be with us in person this year to show us their products and services, the links to our Vendors sites will bring you to the most updated information on their products and services. And like always, most are just a quick phone call or email away for more personal service.

We look forward to being with you on October 8!

Sincerely,

Carmen L. Reichard

PVCA Secretary

PENNSYLVANIA VECTOR CONTROL ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 8, 2020 (8am-5pm)

TENTATIVE AGENDA

8:00 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. Opening Remarks

Ray Delaney, PVCA President

8:05 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne

Diseases

Emily Mader, NEVBD

Session 1 (Moderator: Leah Lamonte)

8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. 2020 Update on PA’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Program

Matt Helwig, PA DEP Vector Management

8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. 2020 Update on PA’s Black Fly Suppression Program

Doug Orr, PA DEP Vector Management

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. 2020 Update on PA’s Tick Program

Christian Boyer, PA DEP Vector Management

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. 2020 Update on NJ’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Program

Scott Crans, NJDEP Office of Mosquito Control Coordination

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Lessons Learned in a Career in DOD Vector Control

Stan Cope, PhD, Catchmaster & Past President of AMCA

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. How Covid has Changed our Jobs

Scott Crans, NJDEP Office of Mosquito Control Coordination

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. DEET Education Program

Judi Anderson, DEET Education Program

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Ticks of Pennsylvania

Michael Skvarla, PhD, Penn State University

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Break

Session 2 (Moderator: Mary Vibostok)

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Suddenly meatless: How tick bites and reactions to red meat are changing the paradigm of food allergy

Scott Commins MD, PhD, University of North Carolina

12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. Segmented Flavivirus Infections in the United States

Kurt Vandergrift MS, PhD, Penn State University

12:50 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Amblyomma americanum habit study

JR Stewart PhD, Shippensburg University

1:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Coming soon to a neighborhood near you: Range expansion of the Gulf Coast tick

Holly Gaff PhD, Old Dominion University

1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Introduction of the NIH/NIAID supported Black Fly Research and Resource Center

Elmer Gray PhD, University of Georgia

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Effects of temperature regime on Simulium vittatum

Sophie Racey, University of Georgia

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Temperature and hydrology improve the prediction of West Nile virus in New York and Connecticut

Alex “Sasha” Keyel PhD, University at Albany ES317

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mosquito/Stormwater Management

Nathaniel Nagle, Prince William County Public Works

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Update on EEE virus: an Emerging Mosquito-borne Virus of Public Health Concern

Philip M. Armstrong, ScD, Department of Environmental Sciences, New Haven, CT

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Entomological Society of America/PHE Certification

Willet Hossfeld, Entomological Society of America

3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. AMCA 2020 Update

Ary Faraji, PhD, BCE, Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. CDC Arboviral Disease Update

Roxanne Connelly, PhD, BCE, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO

4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. TBD

4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

Ray Delaney, PVCA President

Long Time Friend and Pest Control Operator Passes Away

The PPMA would like to note the passing of longtime Pest Control Operator and friend of the industry Bill Sandrock from Gateway Exterminating in Pittsburgh. After a long battle, Bill finally passed on July 9, 2020 leaving behind his wife Jennifer, three children and grandchildren. Friends noted it was hard to find an individual nicer than Bill. He served on the Western Regions board of directors in the 1980's and even after stepping down from his director's position, was always quick to pitch in and lend a hand.

He will be missed by many friends and colleagues.

NPMA’s PestVets holds virtual Week of Service for Nashville veterans

Friends and Colleagues –

I hope this finds this incredibly diverse audience well! I ask you to please take a minute to read the short story below. Many of you may have already seen this article or a similar one in Pest Control Technology, and others will never have HEARD of that publication!

I write to let you know that the PestVets Council of the National Pest Management Association is near and dear to me. I was a ‘Founding Father’ of the group in 2015, along with Marty Overline, a USAF Veteran, whom I love, (who spearheaded the effort), and they have been doing some GREAT things to support our Veterans. Also, I am the Sub-Council Chair overseeing this effort, along with Jeff Keller, a US Army Veteran. Marie Horner, Chair of PestVets, who has a cornucopia of military folks in her family, and I have personally met with the folks in Tennessee from OSDT, and they are incredibly dedicated to anything ‘Veteran’. This effort will float many boats.

Please feel free to circulate this to others who may be interested. You all know me, and you know how much I will appreciate your support on this.

If you have any questions or would like more information to make this initiative successful, call me. We hope to raise $10,000. Let’s make it happen, please.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Best,

Dr. Stan Cope, CatchMaster

The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) PestVets Council has helped veterans in the communities where PestWorld is held, and this year is no different.

This week, PestVets will hold a Virtual Week of Service in support of Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN), a non-profit organization serving veterans in the Nashville area, where PestWorld 2020 was slated to take place. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, PestWorld will be a virtual event taking place Oct. 13-15.

The funds raised for OSDTN will provide veterans and their families with comprehensive resources focused on transition, employment, housing, benefits, peer engagement, volunteerism and connection to the community. To contribute, visit their fundraising website here and choose PestVets as the donation campaign.

The NPMA established the PestVets Council in 2015. It aims to create awareness of the career opportunities in the pest management industry, assist veterans as they transition into the industry, recognize veterans who have contributed to the industry, and give back to the community and show appreciation for men and women serving in the military.

In addition, PestVets provides recruitment resources for pest management professionals looking to hire veterans, a mentorship program, a PestVets Gives Back initiative to help veterans, and a PestVets Veteran of the Year award that is announced at the NPMA’s Legislative Day event each year. FMC has supported PestVets initiatives since its inception.

Attendees at the NPMA events are invited to help PestVets in its mission.

At Legislative Day, Operation Gratitude gives attendees an opportunity to assemble care packages and write letters of support to service men and women on active duty.

At PestWorld, attendees are invited to help veterans in the community where the annual event is held. As part of PestWorld Gives Back last year, they performed ship restoration duties on the USS Midway, the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, which was docked near the San Diego Convention Center where PestWorld was held. In 2018, attendees volunteered with disabled veterans at a local VA hospital in Orlando, Fla., where PestWorld took place.

To learn how you can help, or for additional information, contact Jake Plevelich, the NPMA director of Public Policy.

https://www.mypmp.net/2020/09/28/npmas-pestvets-holds-virtual-week-of-service-for-nashville-veterans/

Resources for Learning How to Zoom

If you have heard the term "Zoom Meeting" and have no idea what people are talking about, keep reading! Zoom is an online platform that allows companies to do a video meeting via a computer, tablet or smart phone. It is helpful to gather people together especially in a time that is very difficult and unsafe to do so. Using Zoom can be daunting for some folks that aren't comfortable with computers, but no need to worry! There are many programs out there dedicated to helping you learn how to be proficient at online video chats.

Here is a link that will be of help:

Tutorial for Zooming

It is also important that you have your name on the screen as well so you can be properly identified. Please follow this link to learn how to do that: https://teaching.nmc.edu/knowledgebase/changing-your-name-in-a-zoom-meeting/

Also, here are some pointers to make your Zoom call go smoothly:

Lighting: Please be in a place with good lighting. We want to see you, not the shadow of you.
Camera: Try to have your camera centered so you aren’t looking up or down at it. You can use a stack of books to raise your computer to eye level, which will help.
Mute: When you enter the meeting you will be on mute. Please make sure you stay on mute unless you are talking. When you finish speaking please put yourself on mute again. If at any point there is too much background noise we will mute all and if you were speaking, you will need to unmute yourself to continue.
Questions: If you have a question you can type it in the chat and/or use the raise your hand feature.
Background: Please be aware of your surroundings and noise in the background so there are no accidental mishaps.

Virtual Backgrounds: If you like to use a virtual background you may get a lot of electronic “noise” when you move around such as a missing arm, missing hair and so on. You will want to limit your movement if you are speaking and have a virtual background so part of you doesn’t disappear.
Internet Connection: If you have a slow connection you may want to try and use an ethernet cable and plug your computer directly into your router. If this does not help, you can stay on the camera, but use the phone number to dial in. Please make sure you keep your computer on mute if you dial in.

Silver Partners

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Pests In the News

PMP Industry Insiders: A New Podcast Series for the Pest Control Industry

Heather Gooch, PMP; Join “PMP Industry Insiders” podcast hosts Donnie Shelton (Coalmarch, Triangle Pest Control) and Pest Management Professional Financial Columnist Dan Gordon, CPA (PCO Bookkeepers, PCO M&A Specialists), as they pull back the curtain on what growing pest control companies need to know to stay ahead of the competition.

Inspired by the positive industry reception the duo received from their series of webinars this year, Shelton and Gordon plan to use the weekly podcast to bringing pest management professionals “insights and best-kept secrets from leaders who are driving the future of the industry when it comes to operations, finance, marketing, sales, customer experience, and team-building.”

See Full Article here.

We want to hear from you!

Do you have any news about your business? Anything to brag about? We would love to share stories about our members. Feel free to send those to Bridget at bcole@versantstrategies.net so we can all learn more about each other!

Pest World for Kids!

Kids grade K through 8 might want to check out Pest World for Kids this summer! There are ebooks, crafts, games and more to educate and entice a young learner, especially the kids that love creepy crawlies! Check it out now!