Weed Control Sprayers – More Problems to Avoid

Weed Control Sprayers – don’t make this mistake when buying your sprayer.

The manufacturer of this 12 volt electric spray rig used a cheap plastic fitting at the suction point of the tank.  They did not use a shut off valve.  If (when) the fitting breaks after exposure to extreme temperatures, temperatures variations, bumpy road conditions, etc., the entire tank contents will dump.  There is no way to shut it off.

Here is the right way to do it with metal fittings and a shut off valve.                   

But wait, there’s more!  Look how the tank is secured:

  Look how tight the securing steel cable is to the tank.  After a several months of bumps & vibrations, the cable is going to wear through the tank.  Result:  chemical spill.

Here is a better picture of the problem mentioned in my prior post.  Too much weight hanging on your hose reel swivel will reduce the life of the o-rings and cause the swivel to leak much sooner than normal.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how do you like your spray rig?

Quality Equipment & Spray 2016 W. North Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85021 (480) 496.9200

ICE Storm Predicted

ICE Storm Predicted Arizona Employers Beware, I-9 Audits are on the Rise!  By: Kraig J. Marton, Esq. and Jerrie Martinez-Palombo, M.Ed., SPHR In a speech to the US House of Representatives, Secretary of Home Land Security, Janet Napolitano, stated that since 2009, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), has conducted more than 6,000 audits of employers for I-9 compliance and levied fines to non-compliant employers of more than $76 million! The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (“IRCA”) makes it unlawful for employers to hire undocumented workers.  The Obama administration launched aggressive enforcement against employers who hired undocumented workers.  I-9 audits serve as a tool for discovering undocumented workers.  Since 2008, I-9 audits have increased by more than 375%. The majority of I-9 audits are conducted by ICE. In 2012, ICE has stated that they intend to conduct 3,000 Form I-9 audits. Unsuspecting employers will receive a Notice of Inspection, giving them “at least three days” to produce the requested I-9 documents. If your company receives a Notice of Inspection, there are certain steps that you should immediately take. Read the list of what to do - and what not to do - in the full article:  ICE Storm Predicted: Arizona Employers Beware, I-9 Audits are on the Rise! This article is not intended to provide legal advice and only relates to Arizona law. It does not consider the scope of laws in states other than Arizona.  Always consult an attorney for legal advice for your particular situation.  This policy is written based on Arizona law for Arizona employers.

Kraig J. Marton is an employment attorney that heads the employment law department at the Phoenix law firm of Jaburg Wilk. He assists employers in compliance with Arizona labor laws. Kraig can be reached at kjm@jaburgwilk.com or 602.248.1017. Jerrie Martinez-Palombo, M.Ed, SPHR is a human resources professional and has over 13 years of HR experience.

For more information, visit Jaburg Wilk’s Employment Law Services Webpage.

Quality Equipment and Spray spurred by growth acquires a new building.

Press Release:

May 1, 2012

Phoenix, AZ

Quality Equipment & Spray spurred by growth acquires a new building.

Phoenix Company doubles space to meet demand of Pest and Weed Control companies.

For Immediate Release: Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer Quality Equipment & Spray has completed the acquisition of a 11,000 square foot commercial building in Phoenix, AZ.  The new space doubles the Company’s current manufacturing and warehouse capacity.   The expansion is needed to meet growth in sales of custom pest control spray rigs and weed spray rigs.

Quality Equipment & Spray President Andrew Greess stated, “the dramatic growth in sales of our custom spray rigs is being driven by Pest Control business owners who realize that paying a little more for the right sprayer up front saves money through improved technician productivity and reduced downtime”.

The space will also be used for the company’s growth in Internet sales of hard to find pest & weed control equipment from the Company’s website, http://www.qspray.com.    Quality Equipment & Spray will continue to operate in its existing location at 2016 W. North Lane, Phoenix AZ, 85021.

About: Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers.  For more information, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993 or info@qspray.com.

Quality Spray and Equipment

2016 W. North lane

Phoenix, AZ 85021

BIZ TIPS

BIZ TIPS from Univar

 

Efficiency–Saving,  Cloud-Based Tools….

Corporations are often early adopters of the newest efficiency-saving tools. However, with technologies now available to everyone for free or low cost, small businesses can benefit too. How can these benefit your business? Here are five online-based tools that could improve efficiencies this year:

1. Basecamp™ is a great online tool that facilitates communication between team members. This affordable service has everything from to-do lists to automatic reminders, time sheets, and messaging.

2. Dropbox™ is a file-sharing tool that allows users to store and share files in an online account. You simply upload files and share your Dropbox files and folders with colleagues.

3. Evernote® is a suite of services designed for notetaking and archiving. Notes can be read from mobile devices and computers alike, making it efficient to tag, save, and backup important files.

4. Google™ Calendar is a valuable service for teams who already use Google for email. You can invite individuals to appointments, self assign tasks, and create to-do lists.

5. Google™ Docs is another helpful service that allows your team to edit and discuss documents collaboratively through live chat and editing sessions. You can work on everything from word documents to powerpoints and excel spreadsheets.

Christy Davie Account Executive
Univar PPS Tempe, AZ.
T  +1 480-894-5323
M +1 480-205-4233
F  +1 480-894-5415
Christy.Davie@univarusa.com
www.univar.com www.univarpps.com

New Pyrethroid Law

A friend of mine from Texas, Mike Merchant writes a blog at http://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com. He is a wealth of useful information concerning pests. and recently wrote a blog on the Pyrethroid law -Catching the new drift on pyrethroids

Mike Merchant, PhD

I have served as entomology specialist for Texas AgriLife Extension since 1989. I get to work with, and for, a bunch of great people including pest management professionals, school facilities managers, extension volunteers, researchers and other extension professionals. My areas of specialty center on research on insects affecting man including spiders, scorpions, fire ants, termites and others. My program also focuses on training school maintenance professionals in principles of integrated pest management (IPM). Our goal is to make schools healthier, cleaner places to study and live.

http://insectsinthecity.blogspot.com/2012/04/catching-new-drift-on-pyrethroids.html

Scorpions are pests often found in and around residential structures.

Scorpions are pests often found in and around residential structures.

They can be tough to control due to their large body size, thick cuticle and cryptic behavior. Exclusion and the removal of conducive conditions around structures are important IPM techniques that help lower scorpion populations. Nighttime inspection with a black-light is also a very effective tool when trying to identify scorpion presence in their harborage areas. Another important IPM tool for the control of scorpions is the use of insecticides. When choosing an insecticide to control scorpions, use your knowledge of the scorpion biology, physiology and habits to help determine the most appropriate insecticide to use.
Since scorpions are active at night, most will encounter contact insecticides hours after their application and after they have dried. Also, scorpions have a thick cuticle and a large body size, therefore, the use of insecticides that break down quickly often fail to result in scorpion control. When choosing an insecticide, consider a product that has a long residual and maximizes contact with the scorpion cuticle. Here, an appropriate insecticide would be a micro-encapsulated product because they have longer residual than emulsifiable concentrates and micro-encapsulated technology.
Scorpions are often found indoors and outdoors hiding in or under tree bark, decomposed granite, brick, brick tile, stone, trash piles, boards, carpet, concrete and firewood. The surfaces of these hiding places can range from very smooth to extremely porous so, there is another advantage to using a micro-encapsulated product. Micro-caps adhere to many different substrates and are readily available when insects and arthropods come in contact with them. Some micro-encapsulated insecticides like Onslaught® have thousands of micro-caps per square inch that range from very small to very large. This variation in micro-cap size ensures maximum micro-cap pick-up by the arthropod regardless of surface texture.
Adding a synergist such as Exponent® as a tank mix partner increases the efficacy of insecticides. Scorpions have P-450 enzymes that can detoxify insecticides. Exponent binds with P-450 enzymes, preventing detoxification and ultimately resulting in the need of less insecticide to achieve control. Exponent may also increase cuticle penetration resulting in increased insecticide performance. Exponent tank-mixed with an adulticide is recommended to improve control. Based on field reports from PMPs, the addition of PBO results in a noticeable difference in scorpion control. Reduction of scorpion populations in and around residential structures is achievable when IPM techniques are implemented (i.e. exclusion, reducing conducive conditions), including the use of a micro-encapsulated insecticide.
Chris Swain, MGK, BCE

For more information on this article please contact your local MGK Rep: Mike Goza – Western US Region Manager. To purchase Onslaught® Microencapsulated Insecticide and Exponent® Insecticide Synergist, please contact your local distributor.

Estimating a Rodent Job:

Fact: The better you get at writing an estimate for a rodent control job, the better your chances of solving a problem long-term and the more money you’ll make.

As PMPs we’re trained in chemical application, vehicle safety, personal safety, equipment maintenance, and insect biology to name just a few areas, but what about writing a great rodent estimate?

Have you ever seen a good body shop do an estimate?  The time they allot to performing a detailed inspection to find every imperfection and damage to every piece of trim or molding, and every screw or bolt, is amazing.  If they get it wrong the shop loses money, and they know it!  Taking this approach to writing an estimate for rodent exclusion, or a trapping job, you should mirror an auto body shop for several reasons:

• Allot the right amount of time to do the estimate  and avoid rushing through the inspection
• Noting all the different materials needed to complete the job keeps you from wasting time going to hardware stores
• Allowing time in your schedule to review your inspection with the customer will give you enough time to lock-in the job
• Having a professional-looking estimate sheet that you leave behind with the customer (covering the basic details of the job and the cause of the infestation) will help if the customer is getting multiple estimates
• Leaving behind a basic diagram and writing neatly  goes a long way in representing you and your company
• Remember:  some of  your customers may label this as a traumatic event,  so show a little empathy

Leaving behind estimate sheets is not  “giving away” the job to a competitor;  if you did your best and you didn’t get  the job, follow up to find out why so it helps you get the next one!

Templates for a Rodent Estimate Sheet are available at  www.jteaton.com/professional_resources.  Simply insert your logo and you’re ready to go!

Happy Selling!

Estimating a Rodent Job Western Territory Manager     

J.T. Eaton Co., Inc.

james@jteaton.com

Termite research done in Arizona

Termite research done in Arizona by Joe DeMark Field Scientist, Dow AgroSciences

Development of new termite control technologies requires corresponding proof of efficacy for regulatory officials, pest management professionals and their customers. In 2008, a new test protocol was established by the Termiticide Scientific Review Panel (TSRP), an independent panel of termite experts selected by the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO). The TSRP protocol includes a scientific protocol to test the validity of new termite control concepts, including baits. The protocol sets the minimum number of field studies needed across the United States and the minimal results required in those studies to demonstrate efficacy. The final field protocol was reviewed and approved by both the TSRP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

One requirement in the protocol for baits is testing at three different types of sites: remedial (structure infested at time bait was installed); preventive (structure not infested at time of installation); and placebo (control with no bait to demonstrate termites are present and feeding in stations). The overall TSRP performance hurdle is elimination of 85 percent of the original termite colonies within one year (elimination of termite colonies feeding at the site when baiting was initiated).

Arizona challenge

The Sentricon^® System with Always Active™ technology was the first bait system to undergo testing using the TSRP protocol and it was tested against all major subterranean termite species in the United States. Introduced in 2010, Sentricon with Always Active technology provides bait at installation making the active ingredient immediately and continually available to termites. Always Active label directions allow inspection at an interval of up to once per year. This industry-first annual label for a termite bait label is based on Recruit^® HD, a highly-durable bait containing noviflumuron, the same proven active ingredient used in Recruit IV termite bait. Each Recruit HD bait tube consists of 150 grams of refined cellulose and binder with 0.5 percent noviflumuron. In field tests across the United States, the patent-pending bait has remained effective for several years, even under high moisture conditions such as would be created by regular lawn irrigation on some properties in Arizona.

Arizona poses a challenge for any termite bait technology as the state’s most common structural termite species is the desert subterranean termite (Heterotermes aureus), which is known for having colonies that are generally smaller than other subterranean termite species, and colonies that are less aggressive, often feed less and are considered skittish when their environment is disturbed during routine service calls.

Another challenge for research in Arizona was the documentation of targeted colonies as required by the TSRP protocol. The preferred colony identification technology is DNA analysis, but colony identification using DNA marking for H. aureus had not been developed. To overcome this hurdle Dow AgroSciences contracted with Dr. Ed Vargo at North Carolina State University to establish DNA testing method for H. aureus. This foundational research now makes DNA marking available for future research involving desert termite biology and behavior.

No-choice laboratory tests have demonstrated that desert termites readily consumed Recruit HD. At six weeks in the no-choice study, desert termites consumed 3.96 mg of Recruit IV termite bait, used in the Sentricon System since 2005, but 15.07 mg of Recruit HD, now used in the Sentricon System with Always Active technology. Termite mortality was 100 percent for all termites that consumed Recruit IV or Recruit HD.

Actisol Machines – Great Pest Control Equipment – with Proper Maintenance

Actisol machines are a great pest control tool, if properly maintained.

Here are some tips:

- Don’t mix oil-based and water-based products in the Actisol.  They can form a gummy residue that clogs hoses, tips, etc.  If you want to switch from one to the other, thoroughly clean the system first.

- If you use the unit infrequently, only mix what you need. Do not store chemical in the tank.

- You can clean water based products out with water.  Oil based products can be cleaned with mineral spirits or a mix of ammonia and water.

- A good operating setting is 12-15 PSI.

- When using oil-based products, it is a good idea to backflush the chemical line after every use.  Here is the procedure:

1.  while the unit is running, turn the Pressure Regulator off (counter clockwise all the way)

2.  Push the Pressure Relief button to let the pressure out of the tank

3.  Unscrew the lid

4.  Use your index finger (with proper PPE) to block the end of the tip.

5.  Squeeze the trigger.  This will force air back into the chemical line and push all the chemical back into the tank.

Share Actisol tips you have developed.  We now sell Actisol Machines & Actisol Repair Parts.

BIZ TIPS

 

5 Reasons You Need to Meet in Person

Many of us are so busy that we prefer texting to emails or calls. Skype, WebEx, and audio calls are convenient and create the illusion of an actual meeting. But nothing beats the power of a

personal, face-to-face connection. What are the benefits of an in-person meeting over a virtual one?

1. More apt to talk. Customers may let you know more than they can over the telephone or in an email.

2. Make use of small talk. Sharing personal experiences happens more naturally in person than virtually and creates a stronger connection.

3. Make an impression. A firm handshake can deliver a strong personal statement that can’t be achieved over Skype.

4. Read body language. Facial expressions often communicate much more than words.

5. Learn where the action is. By understanding company dynamics, you can communicate more effectively to meet their needs.

New technologies that allow you to communicate with others more freely and quickly are great, but, remember, customers want to work with someone they can relate to, not just buy from.

Christy Davie Account Executive Univar PPS
Tempe, AZ. T  +1 480-894-5323 M +1 480-205-4233 F  +1 480-894-5415
Christy.Davie@univarusa.com
www.univar.com www.univarpps.com