10:00am – 12:00pm

Workshop: Removing Honey Bees from Structures (2 CEUs for Commercial GHP, or Limited Structural).  Instructor: William H. Kern, Jr. Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center,  IFAS, University of Florida

This workshop will discuss honey bee biology and how to remove honey bee colonies from structures.  Both lethal pest control techniques and non-lethal beekeeper techniques will be discussed and demonstrated.

1:30pm – 5:00pm

Symposium: Exotic Whitefly (2 CEUs for Commercial L&O, or Limited Urban Fertilization, or Limited Landscape Maintenance).  Organizer: Cindy McKenzie, US Horticultural Research Laboratory, ARS-USDA.

The session includes eight presentations to review the historical perspective of exotic whitefly in Florida, and update the current situation focusing on ficus, bondars and ruguse spiraling whiteflies.  Other topics include outreach efforts at the state and community level, biology and population dynamics, and the ongoing collaborative research efforts across the state.

Cost: $50 for non-FES member to attend the CEU classes only. Free for registered FES member.  Annual fee to join FES is $40.

Where:  Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Naples, Florida

Overflow overnight accommodations are at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail North • Naples, Florida 34103.  Call 1-800-Hilton for reservations and ask for the Florida Entomological Society Room Rate.

Visit here for additional information and registration of FES meeting.

Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bug Master Pest Exterminators located in Vero Beach Florida, a full-service company specializing in residential and commercial pest and termite control as well as lawn care services.

“We are so pleased to welcome the customers and employees of Bug Master to the Arrow family,” said Emily Thomas Kendrick, Chief Executive Officer and President of Arrow Exterminators. “Bug Master’s commitment to their customers, and passion for customer service as well as their full service offerings is not only a perfect fit, but a strategic fit.”  Kendrick went on to say, “with this acquisition we will now have a significant presence in Eastern Florida.”

“When looking for a home for our business, we were looking for a company that provides exemplary customer service and is passionate about how customers and employees are treated.  We found that in Arrow Exterminators and are proud to be part of the family,” said owner Richard Beuttell. “We wanted to give our employees an opportunity to be with a company where we knew there would be growth opportunities as well as an expanded range of services to offer our customers.  All of our employees will be staying on with Arrow.”

“Bug Master, has been serving customers since 1983 in the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie and Brevard. This acquisition represents the 3^rd acquisition in 24 months in the Vero Beach area of Florida.  We are proud to have such a seasoned team of professionals joining us. We are continuously looking to merge with high quality companies who share our goals, principles and culture,” stated Tim Pollard, Chief Operating Officer.

About 200 people attended the 2013 Beast Feast, which John says features fare that is “too slow or stupid not to get caught or shot.” This year’s menu saw alligator, frog legs, fish, deer, wild hog, duck, snipe, doves, quail and pheasants.

The Florida Pest Managment Foundation awarded two scholarships to University of Florida entomology students at the recent Southeast Pest Management Conference.  Foundation president and FPMA Past President Tim Brock and 2013 FPMA President John Cooksey presented the Foundation’s first-ever $500 awards to undergraduate Casey Parker and graduate student Ben Hottel; both are students in the program of Dr. Phil Koehler.

The Florida Pest Management Foundation ws formed in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit corporation that will receive, administer and expend funds for educational, research, charitable and scientific purposes. Support of the Foundation are tax deductible as a charitable donation.  It was formed as a a means of assisting fellow professionals in times of need, and as an investment in the future of the pest managment profession.  To learn more about the Foundation, visit the FPMF website.

Over 170 attendees at the Southeast Pest Management Conference shared food and fellowship at the Sapp Walkup Tailgate.  Sponsored by Syngenta Professional Products and presented by the Florida Pest Management Association, the event hoste by the Sapp and Walkup families was a tradition in Gainesville for many years; making it part of the Southeast Pest Management Conference is truly a “homecoming” of sorts. Fare included grilled steaks, salads, baked potatoes, green beans and banana pudding; FPMA friends and longtime Tailgate participants Dow Agrosciences provided chili and pan seared Mahi Mahi.  A ticket to the Taigate was included in Conference registrations.

Conference Director Dr. Phil Koehler was very happy to make the Sapp Walkup Tailgate a signature event of the SEPMC; he looks forward to continuing the tradition and stated that it will enhance the conference experience.  Syngenta’s Dr. Clay Shearer, a UF graduate entomologist under Dr. Koehler, and Todd Himelberger expressed pride to be part of the conference and sponsor of this important industry gathering.

For more photos on the Sapp Walkup Tailgate, go the FPMA Facebook page.

June 17-21, 2013

Hawks Cay  Island Resort Presented by Syngenta

Join FPMA members in Paradise, June 17-21, 2013! FPMA in Paradise, the 2013 Summer Conference Presented by Syngenta Professional Products, will feature entertaining CEUs, tabletop exhibits of the latest in products, equipment and services, a funfilled fishing tournament, Kids Bug Camp (and optional Kids Dolphin Discovery at a separate charge), a 5K run/walk to benefit the Florida Pest Management Foundation and Leadership Challenges to build teamwork and relationships! 2013 FPMA in Paradise is a great way to learn, network with fellow professionals and spend time with your family in a tropical setting that will create special memories of a lifetime! Become a part of the fun – register for FPMA in Paradise, the 2013 Summer Conference today!

Download the Summer Conference Brochure

Download the Summer Conference Registration Form

The Florida Pest Management Foundation is hosting a 5K Fun Run and Walk to benefit the Foundation on Wednesday, June 19th; registration starts at 6:00am and the race begins at 6:30am through the beautiful Hawks Cay resort and residential area of Duck Key.  Net proceeds benefit the Foundation and 5K registration fees are tax deductible as a charitable donation. To participate, download the 5K registration form, complete and return it to FPMA.  To learn more about the Florida Pest Management Foundation and its mission, visit the Foundation webpage.

Planning to be near the Keys next week?  It will be an investment in time and effort that will pay off in a better business!  Come see the latest in products, equipment, services and technologies available to the pest management profession-visit with over 40 companies exhibiting at FPMA in Paradise:

• Exhibit Hall Happy Hour on Tuesday, June 18 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm
• Exhibit Hall Social and Luncheon on Wednesday June 19th from 11:00am-1:00pm

Download the coupon for a Complimentary Exhibit Hall Pass, complete and return by email and fax and learn more about how your business can operate more effectively, efficiently and profitably!

Please note that the Reef Fishing Trip, Sunset Cruise and the Spouse Program Spa Day are completely sold out! 

The beautiful Hawks Cay Island Resort on Duck Key, Florida still has two bedroom villas available at special member rates! Visit Hawks Cay Island Resort to view accommodations, and contact Lisa Ashley FPMA Events Coordinator to check on availability and for information on the overflow hotel, Holiday Inn on nearby Marathon Key (8.5 miles south of Hawks Cay Island Resort).
Hawk’s Cay Resort is offering childcare for $18 per hour, with $2 per hour extra per additional child (cash only, paid to childcare provider). 72 hour advanced notice required.  Contact Hawks Cay Resort Associate Wynn at 305.289.4892 for details.

Pack your sunscreen, swim suits and smiles and head to the Keys!  See you June 17-21, 2013 at FPMA in Paradise, the Annual Summer Conference!

We need a good turnout on March 19th from our industry to counter these activist. Please try to attend this public hearing and speak in favor of the DEP Model Ordinance. Polk County fertilizer ordinance public hearing:

• Tuesday, March 19th
• 1:30pm
• 330 W. Church Street Bartow, FL 33830

In addition to attending the meeting, please take a moment to call and email Polk County Commissioners and ask for their support of the proposed fertilizer ordinance as currently drafted. Please copy FPMA (allenf@flpma.org) on your correspondence.

Polk County Commissioners

• George Lindsey: 863) 534-6450 georgelindsey@polk-county.net
• Melony Bell: (863) 534-6434 melonybell@polk-county.net
• Ed Smith: (863) 534-6050 Ed.Smith@polk-county.net
• Todd Dantzler: 863) 534-6422 todddantzler@polk-county.net
• John Hall: (863) 534-6049 johnhall@polk-county.net

Thank you for your support of FPMA as we fight for science-based and reasonable fertilizer regulation!

Please join FPMA members and its green industries partners in encouraging the City of Rockledge to adopt the fertilizer ordinance that is FPMA-supported and science-based.  Unfortunately, activists are attempting to include provisions that are contrary to University of Florida research and may actually harm water quality by reducing turf health and its ability to capture impurities that could run into surface water.

The City of Rockledge will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 20th at 6:00pm to consider a fertilizer ordinance.  The ordinance contains several extreme, non-scientific restrictions, such as summertime blackout periods and 50% slow release nitrogen mandates, being pushed by environmental activist groups.  We need a good turnout on March 20th from our industry to counter these activist and convince the Council to pass an ordinance that mirrors the DEP Model. Ordinance, which was in large part adopted by Brevard County  Please try to attend this public hearing and speak in favor of the DEP Model Ordinance.  For your convenience, talking points are included below..

City of Rockledge fertilizer ordinance public hearing
Wednesday, March 20th
6:00pm
1600 Huntington Lane, Rockledge, FL
(321) 690-3978

As a member of the Partnership for Sustainable Greenspaces, FPMA is making avaiable at document that explains how this ordinance threatens private property rights of Brevard County homeowners.  You can download and share this important informational communications here.

Please contact the Rockledge City Council and use these talking points to urge the adoption of the DEP Model Ordinance adnd oppose scientifically unsupported provisions

Mayor Thomas J. Price: tjprice@cityofrockledge.org
Dr. Joe Lee Smith, Councilman Seat #1: jlsmith@cityofrockledge.org
Richard K. “Dick” Blake, Councilman, Seat #2: rkblake@cityofrockledge.org
T. Patrick O’Neill, Councilman, Seat #3: poneill@cityofrockledge.org
Frank T. Forester, Councilman, Seat #4: fforester@cityofrockledge.org
E. Georgia Phillips, Councilwoman, Seat #5:  egphillips@cityofrockledge.org
Ted J. Hartselle, Councilman, Seat #6: thartselle@cityofrockledge.org

PLEASE ADOPT THE DEP MODEL ORDINANCE, AS WRITTEN, AND DO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS NOT SUPPORTED BY DEP, DACS OR IFAS:

• Some activists are  requesting that you adopt a fertilizer ordinance for the City of Rockledge that contains several restrictions that are not included in      the DEP Model Ordinance.
• These additional provisions were not included in the DEP Model Ordinance because DEP, Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (DACS) and University of Florida, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) do not support them, as they are not supported by science and may lead to serious unintended consequences that ultimately hurt water quality.
• It is important  that the City of Rockledge ordinance mirrors the Brevard County ordinance so that residents are not receiving mixed messages as to proper fertilization practices.  A patchwork of contradicting regulations is not in anyone’s best interest and is certainly not in the interests of best protecting water quality.
• Three of the provisions being pushed by activist groups that are NOT supported by state agencies and science, and therefore were not included in the DEP Model Ordinance or Brevard County ordinance are:

1.  A complete ban on the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous between June 1-September 30.

• A summer ban reduces the health of grass and ultimately leads to more, rather than less, fertilizer use.
• Lack of fertilizer during summer month causes the root system of the turf to suffer, increasing the potential for run-off and soil erosion.  Turf will not filter and adsorb rainfall, or absorb fertilizer as efficiently in subsequent applications.
• The ban will ultimately lead to more fertilizer usage in the spring and fall to keep the grass healthy and repair damage from a summer ban.
• Studies by the University of Florida have shown that practically no nitrogen is lost due to leaching or runoff following a proper application of fertilizer during the summer period.
• The state’s Model Ordinance recognizes the environmental benefits of turf in the urban landscape.
• Turf grass provides a soft and safer playing surface for our children.  It reduces soil erosion and absorbs pollutants.  It produces oxygen and absorbs      carbon dioxide.  No other plant material performs these functions better than turf.
• The state’s ordinance prohibits fertilizer deposits on impervious surfaces like streets and sidewalks and requires deflectors on application equipment to prevent misdirected applications.
• The state ordinance establishes buffer zones near waterways and prohibits applications prior to storm events.
• It has a training and certification requirement for professional lawn service applicators.
• It has a public education component that helps homeowners understand they have an important role to play in making sure that fertilizers are used properly.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Serves, and the University of Florida have all advised against a summertime fertilizer ban citing a lack of science, contradiction with state regulations, and potential negative consequences on water quality. 

2.   A year-round 50% slow release nitrogen slow release mandate

• A 50% slow release  nitrogen mandate will lead to over-fertilization, putting more total nitrogen on the ground, not less.
• Scientists and water quality experts agree that establishing a “fixed percentage” concept creates a one-size-fits-all solution which cannot meet the different agronomic, seasonal or climate variation needs for varying turfgrass and ornamental, garden and landscape plants.
• The proposed 50% slow release nitrogen language conflicts with state law that preempts fertilizer formulation to FDACS.
• A year-round 50% slow release nitrogen rule will dramatically increase the cost of fertilizer, with no environmental benefit.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Serves, and the University of Florida have all advised against a 50% slow release nitrogen rule, citing a lack of science, contradiction with state regulations, and potential negative consequences      on water quality.

3. A year-round 100% phosphorous ban, without first conducting a soil sample

• Most turf fertilizers sold and used in Florida already contain 0% phosphorous, however certain shrubs and landscape plants require small amounts of      phosphorous.
• The DACS Urban Turf Rule, a statewide rule limiting the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen allowed in fertilizers that has been in effect since 2007, only permits a very small amount of phosphorous in fertilizer.  This rule has reduced phosphorous application rates by 70%.
• The proposed 100% phosphorous ban language conflicts with state law that preempts fertilizer formulation to FDACS.

Please plan to attend the March 20th City of Rockledge hearing to protect your business and your environment! Pass this message to your employees, customers and colleagues-with your help, we will score a win for reasonable regulation and sound science!

Background: Florida’s climate and its role as a popular vacation destination and global trade center makes it extremely conducive for the establishment of invasive species including invasive termite species.  The latest arrival is the cone head termite (Nasutitermes corniger), a highly aggressive and destructive above ground termite native to the Caribbean and Central and South America, that was first discovered in the Dania Beach area of Ft. Lauderdale in 2001.

Cone head termites attack homes and other structures as well as live citrus, palms, sea grapes, and most species of trees and shrubs, wood and paper products.  Most disturbingly, they are capable of dispersing and spreading their geographic range very quickly.  Since the termite is presently located in close proximity to major travel corridors such as highways (I-95), ports (Port Everglades) and airports (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport), inadvertent transport to residential neighborhoods and agricultural areas throughout the state, the Everglades and neighboring states is highly likely. Such migration would have a significant economic impact.

Another invasive species – the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes forosanus) – is more established and can be found in most of Florida’s major urban areas including, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Pensacola,Tallahassee and Tampa.

Florida’s professional pest management industry is working closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to contain the Formosan termite and eradicate the cone head termite.  Fortunately, the geographic scope of the cone head termite makes eradication a real possibility but only with expeditious action.  The initial victims of a delayed response would be Florida consumers.  According to FDACS, the economic impact of the establishment of the cone head termite in Southeast Florida’s coastal counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin) is $460 million in increased annual termite treatment costs, which does not include damage repair. Contained in FDACS FY 2014 budget is a line item request for $202,422 for the development and implementation of a program for control and potential eradication of the cone head termite.   Additional federal resources are also needed, however, to ensure the cone head termite does establish permanent residency in the Sunshine State and other nearby jurisdictions.

Position: The Florida and National Pest Management Associations are requesting Florida’s Congressional delegation seek and obtain federal funding from appropriate sources for Florida, which would supplement state funds, and allow for FDACS to train and contract with Florida pest management professionals to inspect and treat properties for and destroy the cone head termite, at no or very limited charge for consumers.