The last few weeks have been a busy period for AEPMA, from Code of Practices working group meetings for Termite Control In & Around Existing Buildings and also Training in the Pest Management Industry, to our face to face board meeting.  These have all been highly productive with many positive activities to follow from robust discussions. One of the great benefits from representing the industry on the board and working groups is the personal development you gain from being able to deal with complex issues with differing opinions, potential outcomes based on state borders and the effect decisions made will have on member companies of different sizes. These personal developments translate into me being a  better customer, employee and supplier manager within my own business.  I highly recommend that you get involved.  Not only would you be giving back to the Industry, it is well worth it in terms of what you can learn and take back to your own business.   (Read more)

The purchase of Cheminova by FMC Corporation has meant a new management team at FMC Australasia Specialty Products and direct access to manufacturing in Australia.  FMC Specialty is best known for HomeGuard Termite Management System and the Biflex range of Bifenthrin based products.

In August, Patrick Madden was appointed as the Commercial Manager – Specialty.  Patrick brings with him years of experience at Syngenta where he held several key commercial roles, including Seed Care Account Manager and Senior Sales Manager for Pest Control.  Paige Finnegan has joined as Marketing & Communications Manager with experience at Syngenta, turf chemical distribution and pharmaceutical marketing.  FMC’s Million Dollar Warranty is now being managed by John Tilley.  (Read more)

Mark and Fiona Sheppard run Quality Pest & Weed Solutions in East Perth.  The business is unique, combining “hands on” pest management with a registered training organisation and a consultancy business offering specialist pest management advice. 

Mark says his background in competency based training was a good fit.  He says, “It’s very rewarding to be able to train people in a number of things, whether it be government agencies in pesticide safety, pest control licencing, or for product stewardship.”

Of course the pest management side of the business is important and there is a strong focus on quality.  Mark says, “Our focus has always been on the commercial side of the business and that focus has been on trying to provide a quality service, that’s why we named our company Quality Pest & Weed Solutions.  We’re not looking to be the biggest, but one of the things we always try and focus on is trying to be the best.”   (Read more)

Global Chemical Company, BASF has strengthened its local sales platform in pest control with the appointment of Mark Wilson and Leigh Pronk, area managers in Northern and Southern Australia, respectfully. 

The Australian Professional and Specialty Solutions team lead by Commercial Manager, Stewart Paterson has been actively bolstering its whole team with expertise across the board, securing Dr David Elmouttie to manage the technical side and Andrew Glenn to take care of sales in NSW over the last 12 months.

‘I am thrilled to be leading an energetic team, that is well-placed to support our rapidly growing business. With an exciting portfolio of new products coming in late 2015 – early 2016, our team has a significant depth and breadth of complimentary experience in the pest control industry’, Stewart Paterson said. (Read more)

WorkCover has recently provided to AEPMA a guide on respiratory protection, for more information, please contact the AEPMA National Office on 1300 307 114 or email to info@aepma.com.au. 

Scared that “unfriending” or rejecting a request of a work colleague on social media will put you at risk of a bullying claim?  Don’t be.  A recent FWC case demonstrates that it’s a little more complicated than that. 

A property consultant, employed by a real estate franchise, filed an application with the FWC seeking orders to stop bullying after she allegedly suffered 18 separate incidents of bullying, resulting in a diagnosis of depression and anxiety.    (Read more)

Specialist Termite Control is based in Melbourne and covers the city districts and some regional parts of Victoria.  Specialist Termite control has won Pest Manager of the Year in the Specialised Business Category for the second consecutive time.

The business has 7 specialist technicians, 1 trainee and 3 office staff.  Company Directors, Tom and Rob Boschma, say the business is unique in that specialist staff members are given a great deal of autonomy when it comes to the service that is provided to clients.  

He says, “From the very first moment when the technician arrives on the doorstep of the client, they’re responsible for the work and for the relationship with that client and the specification for the type of work that is to be carried out there.”   (Read more)

SUPER bed bugs are breeding in everything from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts, but scientists believe they are close to finding a way to stop them. 

For years, pest managers worldwide have been reporting bed bugs are becoming immune to insecticides.

In Australia bed bug infestations have risen about 5000 per cent since 1999, according to Westmead Clinical School.

University of Sydney researcher David Lilly, however, has found two ways the pests have developed this immunity.   (Read more)

MAGNATHOR™ MAGNETIC COCKROACH BAIT with Magthanite is the latest generational step forward in cockroach management from Ensystex. Mr Steve Broadbent, Ensystex’s Regional Director explains how MAGNATHOR uses a totally innovative concept to give improved results.

“MAGNATHOR employs the power of paramagnetism. This is the weak magnetic attraction shown by most elements and some compounds in the presence of a magnetic field. Paramagnetic substances are not permanently magnetised by exposure to the field and revert to an un-magnetised state in its absence.

MAGNATHOR Magnetic Cockroach Bait is a dry, flowable powder bait that contains a desirable blend of food attractants that lure the foraging cockroaches towards the MAGNATHOR Kill Zone™. As they approach the Kill Zone, the cockroaches literally act like a magnet and draw the MAGNATHOR particles to their exoskeletons resulting in their death.   (Read more)

European wasp numbers reached plague proportions across Victoria last summer – but some are predicting that this season could be worse.

A King Valley winemaker said he was already planning for the aggressive pest, dashing hopes of would-be outdoor diners throughout the region.

"Last year was horrendous," said Fred Pizzini, owner of Pizzini Wines. "We eradicated about 40 nests within 600 or 700 metres of our cellar door."

Mr Pizzini said he would try to cull this year's crop of wasps with homemade traps using fermented honey water. "When we had functions, people were blaming us," he said. "It's not the fault of the venues. It is just a consequence of the conditions."

Museum Victoria entomologist Patrick Honan said last summer's wasp population hit a 20-year high, reaching plague numbers throughout the state. "Enough to get people's attention."  (Read more)

Held once every three years, the dates and details for the next International Conference on Urban Pests (ICUP) have been announced by the organisers.

The conference is, once again, being held in Europe and will take place on 9 - 12 July 2017.  The venue is Conference Aston, which is based on the University of Aston campus in central Birmingham, UK.

This highly popular, non-profit, conference is the leading international forum for sharing information and ideas on the impact, biology and control of pests in the urban environment. It is attended by entomologists, pest management professionals, and academic and government scientists from around the world.   (Read more)

Have something to you want to add to the Newsletter?

AEPMA welcomes any contributions or suggestions for articles that are relevant to the industry.  Simply forward your article or suggestion to kirsten.winlaw@aepma.com.au.

Or do you have something to say about an article you’ve read in the Newsletter?  Why not leave your feedback on our Facebook page.