Friday, December 19, 2014

Remote Proctoring

ESA recently debuted a new service for those who are seeking their ACE or BCE. No longer do you need to schedule an exam date with a proctor and perhaps drive far distances to meet your proctor in his or her office.

How about you take the exams at home. By yourself. In your pajamas?

Well ... that last part is up to you. Recently ESA partnered with a Canadian firm called Loyalist to offer remote exam proctoring. With remote proctoring the exam is still proctored, but it is no longer done in person.

To fully appreciate the differences, let's start by talking about traditional proctoring (there have been many posts about proctors on this blog, including herehere, and here). Since the BCE program started in the 1970s, exams have been proctored. Initially they were done on paper and then the job morphed a bit when internet testing became a reality, but overall the relationship between the proctor and the applicant has remained about the same:
  • Applicant finds someone to proctor their exam
  • Applicant and proctor schedule a time to take the exam
  • Applicant communicates that information to ESA. We schedule the exams and send the login instructions to the proctor about a week out from the test.
  • Applicant (usually) travels to proctor's office
  • Applicant takes the exam while the proctor sits in the room and supervises
I've had applicants tell me that they have flown or driven hundreds of miles to get to a proctor. This is still an option, and for those who want to test with an in-person proctor, they still can. However, some people prefer a different model.

Enter remote proctoring...

In a remote proctored setting the applicant takes their exam(s) online and a proctor watches them through the computer's web camera. The proctor watches your key strokes, your facial movement, and your surroundings while also listening in for any audible anomalies. If any illicit activities occur, the proctor is authorized to terminate the exam and notify ESA HQ. At the conclusion of the exam your computer is left exactly as it was prior with no new hardware or software installed.  It's not free, of course, but the fees are collected by and paid directly to the proctor, not ESA. The current fee is about $50. The new process looks something like this:
  • Applicant tells ESA that they want to use a remote proctor and test during a certain time period (generally we ask for a specific date and then allow a little flexibility around that date)
  • ESA advises Loyalist that a new exam is being scheduled
  • Loyalist sends instructions to the applicant for logging into their system and paying the fees
  • On the day of the exam, applicant logs into their computer from virtually any location and is directed by the proctor on how to proceed.
  • At the start of the exam period, the proctor will check the ID of the applicant, review the surrounding area for unauthorized materials or people, and inform the applicant of the testing rules. 
  • At the conclusion of the exam the proctor will watch as the applicant tears up any scrap paper that was used (applicants are permitted one blank sheet of paper and a pencil/pen during the exam, but it must be destroyed or remitted to the proctor at the end of the exam).
Traditional proctoring is still available for those who prefer it, but if you (a) prefer to test at home rather than traveling to a proctor, (b) don't like having a proctor in the room with you while you test, and/or (c) don't live near a proctor, then remote proctoring may be a good option for you.

If you want to use a remote proctor for your next ACE or BCE exam, please contact ace@entsoc.org or bce@entsoc.org and ask how you can get started.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

New ACE and BCE list December 2014

Please join ESA in congratulating the latest individuals to earn their ACE or BCE (earned prior to December 15, 2014):


  • Mrs. Noel E. MacNeil, BCE-Intern, (not provided), Interlochen, MI  USA.  Certified on 12/1/2014
  • Mrs. Jennifer O'Dell Brumfield, BCE, (Western Pest Services), Cochranville, PA  USA.  Certified on 11/13/2014
  • Mr. Trenton Scott Frazer, BCE, (Alterra, Inc.), Sandy, UT  USA.  Certified on 11/21/2014. 
  • Mr. Gary Hugh Cochrane, BCE, (Amalgamated Pest Control Pty Ltd), Brisbane,   Australia.  Certified on 11/26/2014
  • Mr. Darryl J Franke, ACE, (SOS Pest Control), Kansas City, MO  USA.  Certified on 11/13/2014
  • Mr. Richard M Gruber, Jr, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), Columbus, OH  USA.  Certified on 11/14/201 
  • Mr. Robert G. Alarco, ACE, (Orkin LLC), New Hyde Park, NY  USA.  Certified on 11/14/2014
  • Mr. John A. Hernandez, ACE, (Western Pest Services), Toms River, NJ  USA.  Certified on 11/14/2014
  • Mr. Damian Marcello, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), Latham, NY  USA.  Certified on 11/14/2014
  • Mr. Robert Gaul, ACE, (Craig Thomas Pest Control ), Hyde Park, NY  USA.  Certified on 11/14/2014
  • Mr. James Robert Haeger, ACE, (Pugliese Pest Solutions / Rollins Inc.), Utica, NY  USA.  Certified on 11/14/2014
  • Mr. Christopher S Schneider, ACE, (Univar), Napa, CA  USA.  Certified on 11/24/2014. 
  • Mr. Michael P. Reid, ACE, (Cardiff Pest Control), Santa Cruz, CA  USA.  Certified on 12/5/2014
  • Mr. John Peter Pirrone, ACE, (Keystone Pest Control, Inc.), Hayward, CA  USA.  Certified on 12/5/2014

Learning more about QualityPro


I've been spending a little time recently learning about Quality Pro, partially in preparation for a Symposia that ESA is supporting in early 2015 at the 8th International IPM Symposium in Salt Lake City, UT. Our session is called Building International Professionalism: Credentialing Options for the People and Places that Practice IPM in the Built Environment, and it will consist of an overview of the various types of credentials that a PMP can earn for his/her company, service, or self.

The Quality Pro (QP) accreditation program seems to be an excellent companion to the ACE and BCE certification programs. Whereas QP focuses on the professionalism of the pest management firm, the focus of ACE/BCE is on the individual. Both programs allow pest management people and firms to voluntarily choose to adhere to a higher level of credentialing and training than is required by the states.

Where the two programs overlap is in requirements that the QP program puts on each individual who works for the company. Since not all states require individual testing for pesticide applicators, QP requires all company employees (yes, even the sales staff) in those states to pass minimum training exams (a list of those states is here).  For ACE and BCE, individual testing is an integral part of the credential. The exams are arguably significantly more difficult for ACE and BCE, based on length if nothing else.

One little-known fact about QP: Among the other benefits, QP has a subsidy toward the ACE exam.

Both programs seek the same goal, that of raising the standard of professionalism of the industry. They just approach it from opposite sides of the employment spectrum.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

November 2014 Certification Board meeting

The final meeting of the 2014 ESA Certification Board was held during the ESA Annual Meeting in Portland, OR on November 16th. This concludes the Directorship for Pat Copps and marks the beginning of Laura Higgins' time at the helm of the Cert Board. Some of the highlights from the November meeting are:

  • Continued growth in both the ACE and BCE programs. Though final numbers won't be known for several more weeks, both ACE and BCE are poised for growth. If this holds to be true, BCE would be posting 2 years of growth in a row, which is unprecedented in recent years.
  • The ACE Support Committee has been watching the ACE exam scores since the new test debuted in early 2014. Overall the average score has decreased by about 2-3 percentage points. The ASC feels that an ACE applicant should be putting in a minimum of 40 hours of dedicated self-study prior to taking the exam
  • The board recommended that Jim Fredericks (NPMA) and Shripat Kamble (Univ of Nebraska) be appointed to fill the two Ad Hoc positions on the Certification Board. Though the ESA Certification Corporation Governing Board makes the official appointments, they often rely heavily on the advice of the Cert Board (as was the case here, when the ESACC GB approved a motion to have Fredericks and Kamble fill the slots).
  • Discussion about the new mission statement of the Certification programs that was developed during 2014.

ESA Certification Corporation Mission Statement:  To establish and maintain standards of professionalism for all who work with or study insects and related life forms.

  • There was some considerable discussion about the fact that the annual Business Meeting (which is historically held during the ESA Annual Meeting) is always poorly attended and by its nature excludes those who cannot come to the meeting. Several different options were discussed, but the following motion carried unanimously: "Move that the 2015 Certification Business meeting be held as a webinar immediately subsequent to the ESA Annual Meeting." The Business Meeting webinar is now tentatively scheduled for 11/23/2015.
  • The CEU Committee Chair agreed to review the BCE Professional Maintenance and Certification Report (PM&C) for any needed changes or updates to eligible CEUs.
  • The board agreed that all BCE exams should be reviewed approximately every 5 years. The Medical/Veterinary specialty is already under review and the General Core exam will be reviewed starting in 2015.
Additionally the Board agreed to the following meeting schedule for 2015:  February 17, May 12, August 18, and the annual meeting on November 15 (the first three are conference calls, the last is held in conjunction with the ESA Annual Meeting). Anyone who has business to bring before the Certification Board should be mindful of those dates.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Newly certified through early November


Please join me in congratulating the newest class of ACEs and a new BCE. These urban professionals join a very select roster of credentialed Associate and Board Certified Entomologists.





Ms. Alicia N. Thuis, BCE, (Ecolab), Eagan, MN  USA.  Certified on 8/29/2014.

Mr. Stephen A Rys, ACE, (Cornerstone Pest Management), Modesto, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/31/2014.
Mr. Mark Kingman, ACE, (Instar Pest Consultants Inc.), San Jose, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/31/2014.
Mr. Christopher Clark, ACE, (Home Team Pest Defense), W Melbourne, FL  USA.  Certified on 10/29/2014.
Mr. Neal F McCullough II, ACE, (BugPro Florida), Jacksonville, FL  USA.  Certified on 10/22/2014.
Mr. Edward Connor, Jr, ACE, (Connors Termite and Pest Control Inc.), Springfield, VA  USA.  Certified on 10/22/2014.
Mr. Todd Barber, ACE, (Paul's Termite and Pest Control), Midway, FL  USA.  Certified on 10/22/2014.
Mr. Christopher Phillips, ACE, (Buffalo Exterminating), Orchard Park, NY  USA.  Certified on 10/22/2014.
Mr. Victor Hainline, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), Coldwater, MI  USA.  Certified on 10/22/2014.
Mr. Daniel Smith, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2014.
Mr. Michael S Austin, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2014.
Mr. Richard L. Drews, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2014.
Mr. Archie L. Barnett, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 10/9/2014.
Mr. William T. Hoffman, ACE, (Hoffman's Exterminating Inc), Mantua, NJ  USA.  Certified on 10/6/2014.
Mr. Sean M. Day, ACE, (Orkin Pest Control), Anaheim, CA  USA.  Certified on 9/26/2014.
Mr. Michael W. Francis, ACE, (HomeTeam Pest Defense), Tempe, AZ  USA.  Certified on 9/10/2014.
Mr. Joseph Nathan Silva, ACE, (Home Team Pest Defense), Escondido, CA  USA.  Certified on 9/10/2014.
Mr. Don Darilek, ACE, (Hometeam Pest Defense), Las Vegas, NV  USA.  Certified on 9/10/2014.
Mr. Thomas J. Steiger, ACE, (Sprague Pest Solutions), Spokane, WA  USA.  Certified on 6/25/2014.
Mr. Richard Park, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 6/11/2014.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Tell me a story about professional credentialing (and get a free vest for your trouble)


I want your certification story. If yours is the best story submitted, I'll give you an ACE vest for your trouble.

I'm a big believer that nothing illustrates a point quite like a story. I can give you bullet point lists of why certification is great and important, but it is the real life stories that seem to have the most lasting impact.

I'm preparing for a few speaking presentations in early 2015 and need your war stories. I'll use some of your stories for the presentation and some for future posts on the blog. I want to know:
  1. How has certification built your business?
  2. How has the LACK of certification been a problem?
This could be stories of your own experience with ACE or BCE, or it could be something that you heard about from another industry entirely unrelated to pest control.

Tell me about ...
  • the time you went to Costa Rica and went bungee jumping but foolishly chose to go with the uncertified operator.
  • when you took your car to a mechanic that did not have his ASE certification and the new muffler he installed fell off as you drove your kids to soccer practice.
  • what happened when you had a non-certified snow plow operator take care of your lot and he plowed over all your shrubs.
Or, tell me about ...
  • how you studied for years to earn your certification because you wanted to make your parents proud of you.
  • how your business improved because you got certified.
  • the big client you landed because you have certified professionals on your staff
  • How your employees look at you differently now that you are certified.
Whatever your certification or professional development story, I want to hear it. I've got a free ACE fleece vest for the best story submitted by January 20, 2015. Of course, you have to be a current ACE to get the vest.

Email me at ace@entocert.org with the subject line "Certification Stories"

Friday, October 31, 2014

Membership versus Certification

The ESA certification department gets a lot of questions about membership.
  • "Am I a member of ESA?"
  • "How do I sign up for the ACE membership?"
  • "I'm an ACE now, does that make me an ESA member too?"
To answer these, it helps to start with the basics.

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) is an individual membership organization. People join it because it offers benefits. Think of ESA as being like your local gym: Your gym offers benefits like weights, a track, a swimming pool, and basketball courts. But maybe you only use the stationary bikes and joined just for that reason.

Similarly, ESA offers a wide range of benefits that are designed to serve our nearly 7,000 members in over 80 different nations. One of the benefits is discounts on our certification programs, including BCE, ACE, and now ACE-International. Just like in the gym example, ESA offers many different benefits, including free online journal subscriptions, webinars, career resources, public policy advocacy, networking, and deep discounts on our conferences. Many ACEs and BCEs join ESA simply because of the affiliation with the largest insect science organization in the world and for the certification discounts. Membership in ESA is voluntary and based on the calendar year.

Membership in ESA is personal, not by institution. All of the benefits are bestowed on you as an individual, not your company. And so your company is not a member of ESA, even if someone else in your firm is a member.

ACE and BCE certification is different from ESA membership. First off, it is NOT a membership, though there are some similarities. A person can easily be certified by ESA without being a member of ESA. The strong majority (over 95%) of BCEs are also ESA members but a minority of ACEs are ESA members (about 25%).

Some of the reasons why an ACE or BCE would want to be a member of ESA would include:
  1. Discounted fees:  Fees are reduced for certification applicants and those that hold certification. 
  2. Networking potential: As a member you have access to the rosters and can find fellow members to discuss your pest control problems and challenges
  3. Scientific journal access: ESA posts Certified Science, a newsletter that goes out about every 6 weeks to also ACEs and urban BCEs. The newsletter includes the scientific abstracts, but members have access to the full articles.
  4. American Entomologist:  This fun quarterly magazine is ESA's flagship publication and is distributed free to all members.
  5. And more ... I'd encourage you to review the full list of benefits of ESA membership.
As Debi Sutton, Membership Director for ESA says, "ESA membership is the perfect complement to earning your ACE or BCE. It shows not just a dedication to the knowledge and expertise required to effectively earn a living as a pest control professional, but it also shows a wider appreciation for the impact that the insect science has on the profession of pest control. And it allows ACEs and BCEs to access a network of others involved in the science, and research published on key areas of interest."

So let's go back to those first three questions again.
  • "Am I a member of ESA?" -- Whether or not you are is totally up to you. But we hope your join.
  • "How do I sign up for the ACE membership?" -- You don't. ACE is a certification, not a membership. If you want to apply for ACE certification, see this page. If you want to join ESA as a member, see this one.
  • "I'm an ACE now, does that make me an ESA member too?" -- No. ACEs can save money on their certification fees if they also join ESA, but it is a choice.
So whether or not you supplement your ACE or BCE with an ESA membership is completely up to you, but we hope you join us!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

New ACE application rules

As was previously announced on this blog, there are several new rules for ACE applications that took effect on October 21, 2014. Specifically:

(a) All applications for ACE now require two reference letters, whereas previously all that was required was to list a single reference. The reference letters should be professional in nature and should be written by a professional colleague, a major client, an employer, a former employer, etc. The letters should cover any or all of the following subjects with regards to the applicant:
  • Professionalism
  • Entomological knowledge
  • Work history
  • Ethical behavior
  • Adherence to IPM principles
(b) All applications for ACE now require only a minimum of five year's of professional work experience, whereas previously the rule had been for seven year's experience.

Also, the ACE-International (ACE-I) program was successfully launched during PestWorld 2014 in Orlando, FL. The major difference between ACE and ACE-I are in regards to pesticide safety. Both programs stress the importance of safe handling and overall knowledge of pesticides. Pesticide applicator licenses are common in the United States, but they are not required in every non-U.S. country. Thus, the ACE-I program does not require licensure and the U.S. version does. In order to ensure that all who eventually become International ACEs are properly knowledgeable about pesticide safety, all ACE-I applicants will be required to pass a second exam based on pesticide safety.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Things aren't always what they seem (Guest post by Gerry Wegner, BCE)

Things aren’t always what they seem.

A sweat bee resting calmly on a leaf might be a bit sluggish from the cool autumn air, or there might be something else going on.

As I was photographing this halictid from a front angle, I noticed an extra pair of wings on the abdomen.  As I changed my angle of orientation, I beheld a rare treat – a male twisted-wing parasite (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) – positioned atop the bee’s abdomen.

Either the strepsipteran had just emerged from its pupa, tucked beneath a tergite, or he was mating with a hidden female in that location.  Either way, the male left his spot and took flight from one of the sweat bee’s hind legs.

The whole episode passed quickly but the experience, to me, was priceless.






Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Renewing ACE and BCE

It's October so that means it is time to get ready for renewals of your ACE and BCE certification. For many of you this is a new venture, so I wanted to try and explain it in a little more detail.

First off, don't freak out. ESA's intent is to have this be as stress-free as possible. Renewing your ACE is not hard. You will find that our definition and a state regulatory group's definition of a CEU may be a little different -- with our definition being the more lenient version. For example, we count things that the states don't (an obvious example here is reading pest control magazines).  We call a CEU most activities that show you have continued to develop your knowledge of structural pest contro as it intersects with entomology.

But before we start talking about renewing, we need to revisit the ACE application.

Recall that the new ACE application that started being used in late 2013 changed renewals a bit. The new applications have a 3-year lifespan and at whatever point during the application period a person passed their exam, they were ACE certified until the end of it. So anyone who applied on the new application does not yet need to renew their ACE. The price paid for the application tells you if you used the new or the old application (old fee was $150/non-members or $125/ESA members. The new fee is $355/members and $395/non-members). If you still don't know, contact ESA.

ACE Renewals:
Renewing your ACE is now simpler than ever. Starting in 2014 we began allowing people to renew for 3 years. This year all renewing ACEs will be for a 3-year period.  The basic rules for renewing your ACE (U.S. version of ACE only) are these steps:
  • Must be a licensed applicator and be allowed to apply pesticides without supervision, or whatever is the highest credential in your state, territory, or region. State-based, tribal, and Dept of Defense applicator licenses all count. You must submit proof of this licensure.
  • Sign your name to affirm your continued adherence to the ACE Code of Ethics
  • Submit your renewal fees (currently $295/ESA members and $375/non-memers). Recall that ESA is a personal membership, not company-based like NPMA is. So to claim the lower rate you must be a member of ESA (generally about 30-40% of ACEs are also ESA members).
  • Must submit 18 CEUs earned during the 3 previous years, according to this table of eligible CEUs.
It is this last point that generates the most questions. People want to know "what counts as a CEU?" ESA is very generous on what counts as a CEU. For the vast majority of ACEs this is the same information that you need to submit to renew your state-based license. If you are having trouble finding credits, contact ESA.

Here are four scenarios that help to explain renewing ACE certification:
  1. John is a new ACE, having earned his certification in January 2014. He applied on the old application so his renewal comes due on December 31, 2014. He needs to submit CEUs earned during the years 2012-2014 which would include from the time prior to his becoming an ACE.
  2. Jane is a new ACE, having earned her certification in January 2014. She applied on the new application so does not need to renew until the end of her initial application period (end of 2016).
  3. Jack earned his ACE years ago but has been renewing annually every year, including in 2014. This year he submits CEUs earned during 2012-2014 to renew for 2015-2017.
  4. Jill earned her ACE years ago and has been renewing annually, but in 2014 she chose the phase-in of the new structure and renewed for 3 years. She does not need to renew until December 31, 2016.


BCE Renewals:
Renewing a BCE is still an annual process. The reason for this discrepancy is that most BCEs (95%) are also ESA members and ESA membership renewal is also calendar-year based.  Every year a BCE must pay the annual renewal fee (see fee schedule here). Fees are reduced for Interns and Emeritus BCEs.

Every three years all full BCEs (Interns and Emeritus are exempt) must also submit a report that documents their CEUs. There is no fee for this report as long as it is received prior to the due date and is submitted electronically. The report covers CEUs attained in the three years prior to the report. It is due on December 31st and considered to be on time if received by the end of March in the following year.

The link to the annual BCE renewal form is here (or just do it as a part of your ESA renewal)

The link to the tri-annual CEU report is here. You can download a copy of the report in Excel, Word, or as a PDF.

Monday, September 29, 2014

So I hear you're interested in becoming an ACE ...

At ESA we get a lot of phone calls and emails from people who are interested in becoming ACE or ACE-International certified. This post is designed to serve as a link to get you started and answer most of the more common questions that people have about the programs, including:
  1. An overview of what the ACE program is, and what it isn’t.
  2. Hear from some people who have passed the ACE exam via a testimonial and a guest post on our blog.
  3. ESA is the organization that runs the ACE program. You can join ESA and save a little money on your ACE fees. Taking and passing your ACE exam does not make you an ESA member, though.  Here is some more about ESA membership benefits.
  4. There are lots of ways to study for the ACE exam. From a list of study materials, to finding a prep course near you, to simply reviewing the materials on which the exam is based.  There is also a sample exam (the username and password are both ACEQ).
  5. The Certified Entomologist blog is a good source of information with general info, including a good post with FAQs about the ACE application and exam process.
  6. The application is good for three years. You will need to pass the ACE exam within that time period in order to have it still be active. That 3-year “clock” starts when your application is officially accepted (we’ll email you). As soon as you pass your ACE exam within that time period you will be an ACE until the end of that 3-year period before needing to renew. 
  7. The main differences between ACE and ACE-International are simple -- if you are a permanent resident of the United States, then ACE is for you. If you aren't then you need to look at ACE-I.
  8. When you feel that you are ready to get started, click here to access the ACE and ACE-I application.

Your contact for more ESA certification questions is:
Chris Stelzig
Director of Certification
Entomological Society of America
3 Park Place, Suite 307
Annapolis, MD 21401-3722
301-731-4535, x3012 | Direct dial – 240-696-3741

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

First applicant for ACE-International

After months of meetings, writing exam questions, setting standards, negotiating with industry leaders, approval from boards, and developing promotional materials ... it is all finally starting to fall into place.

Moments ago, ESA approved the first applicant for the new ACE-International program. 

This applicant (let's call him Mr X) was interested to become an ACE-I as a way to showcase his professionalism and training. Mr X is well-established as an arborist in his country and has received a certificate for attending the Purdue course. But he felt that he needed something more to really establish himself as a reliable professional. When referring to his Purdue certificate, he says, "People are impressed, but I am sure ACE ...would be more impress(ive) in the future."

We've received numerous inquiries from PMPs like Mr. X from all across the globe as the industry begins to prepare for this new international credentialing program. We're posting information on the new ACE-I program as it becomes available.

The ACE-International program will launch on October 22nd, 2014 at PestWorld. We're taking applications now so that people can test as soon as they are ready to after the launch.

Click here to download the PDF ACE-International application.

We now know who the first applicant is. But who will be the first ACE-International?

Monday, September 15, 2014

Certified Science 2014, #4

This issue of Certified Science was emailed to all current ACEs and BCEs on August 5, 2014. The next issue will post to the blog in about 6 weeks. To receive the current issue as it publishes, please consider becoming ACE or BCE certified. 


Certifiedsciencelogo.jpg

A Periodic E-mail Service to ACEs and Urban-Industrial BCEs

The Entomological Society of America is the #1 source of scientific information for the entomologically-focused urban professional. This email is a service of the ESA for all ACEs and any BCEs who hold a specialty in urban and industrial entomology.

Here is a summary of some recent articles in the ESA journals that relate to structural pest management and urban arthropod pests. The abstracts are freely available online for all articles, though access to the full text will generally require membership in the ESA, in addition to ACE or BCE certification.

The journal issues covered in this issue are:
  • Annals of the ESA, Volume 107, #4
  • Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 51, #4
  • Environmental Entomology, Volume 43, #4
  • Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, #4
  • American Entomologist, Volume 60, #2
  • Entomology Today blog (posts between June 9 and July 16, 2014)


Effect of Crop Volume on Contraction Rate in Adult House Fly
Authors:  Stoffolano, John G.; Patel, Bhavi; Tran, Lynn
Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 107, Number 4, July 2014, pp. 848-852(5)
Abstract:  The functional aspects of the adult house fly crop have not been studied even though various human and domestic animal pathogens have been discovered within the crop lumen. The average volume consumed (midgut and crop) by flies starved for 24 h was 3.88 ?l by feeding both sexes on a sucrose phosphate glutamate buffer. In addition, various volumes of a solution (0.125 M sucrose plus Amaranth dye) were fed to 3-d-old adult female house flies... (Click here for full abstract)

The Relationship Between Deer Density, Tick Abundance, and Human Cases of Lyme Disease in a Residential Community
Authors:  Kilpatrick, Howard J.; Labonte, Andrew M.; Stafford, Kirby C.
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 51, Number 4, Pages 725-906, pp. 777-784(8)
Abstract:  White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman), serve as the primary host for the adult blacklegged tick ( Ixodes scapularis Say), the vector for Lyme disease, human babesiosis, and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Our objective was to evaluate the degree of association between deer density, tick abundance, and human cases of Lyme disease in one Connecticut community over a 13-yr period. We surveyed 90-98% of all permanent residents in the community six times from 1995 to 2008... (Click here for full abstract

X-Ray-Induced Sterility in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Male Longevity Following Irradiation
Authors:  Yamada, H.; Parker, A. G.; Oliva, C. F.; Balestrino, F.; Gilles, J.R.L.
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 51, Number 4, Pages 725-906, pp. 811-816(6)
Abstract:  The mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) is a potent vector of several arboviral diseases, most notably chikungunya and dengue fever. In the context of the sterile insect technique (SIT), the sterilization of the male mosquitoes before their release can be achieved by gamma-ray irradiation. As gamma-ray irradiators are becoming increasingly problematic to purchase and transport, the suitability of an X-ray irradiator as an alternative for the sterilization of Ae. albopictus males was studied... (Click here for full abstract

Exploring New Thermal Fog and Ultra-Low Volume Technologies to Improve Indoor Control of the Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors:  Harwood, James F.; Farooq, Muhammad; Richardson, Alec G.; Doud, Carl W.; Putnam, John L.; Szumlas, Daniel E.; Richardson, Jason H.
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 51, Number 4, Pages 725-906, pp. 845-854(10)
Abstract:  Control of the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti (L.), inside human habitations must be performed quickly and efficiently to reduce the risk of transmission during dengue outbreaks. As part of a broad study to assess the efficacy of dengue vector control tools for the U.S. Military, two pesticide delivery systems (ultra-low volume [ULV] and thermal fog) were evaluated for their ability to provide immediate control of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes with a contact insecticide inside simulated urban structures... (Click here for full abstract

Alate Trap-Based Assessment of Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Dispersal Flight Phenology Associated With an Urbanized Barrier Island Ecosystem
Authors:  Puckett, Robert T.; Espinoza, Elida M.; Gold, Roger E.
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 43, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 868-876(9)
Abstract:  During 2009, 2010, and 2011, the reproductive dispersal flight phenology of Formosan subterranean termites ( Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki) was assessed on Galveston Island, TX, via LED light-based termite alate traps. In all three years, traps were deployed at sampling sites before the initiation of C. formosanus dispersal flights, and retrieved weekly until the cessation flights. In total, 45, 102, and 90 traps were deployed during 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively... (Click here for full abstract

Effect of Broadcast Baiting on Abundance Patterns of Red Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Key Local Ant Genera at Long-Term Monitoring Sites in Brisbane, Australia
Authors:  McNaught, Melinda K.; Wylie, F. Ross; Harris, Evan J.; Alston, Clair L.; Burwell, Chris J.; Jennings, Craig
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 1307-1315(9)
Abstract:  In 2001, the red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta Buren) was identified in Brisbane, Australia. An eradication program involving broadcast bait treatment with two insect growth regulators and a metabolic inhibitor began in September of that year and is currently ongoing. To gauge the impacts of these treatments on local ant populations, we examined long-term monitoring data and quantified abundance patterns of S. invicta and common local ant genera using a linear mixed-effects model... (Click here for full abstract

Potential Distribution and Cost Estimation of the Damage Caused by Cryptotermes brevis (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) in the Azores
Authors:  Guerreiro, O.; Cardoso, P.; Ferreira, J. M.; Ferreira, M. T.; Borges, P.A.V.
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 1554-1562(9)
Abstract:  In the Azores archipelago, a significant proportion of buildings are infested with the urban exotic drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker), causing major economical and patrimonial losses. This work aims to understand the potential spread of this termite species in the Azores and estimate the costs for both treatment and reconstruction of infested buildings in the entire archipelago. A maximum entropy niche modeling process was used to determine the potential occurrence... (Click here for full abstract

Mortality Patterns in Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Following Horizontal Transfer of Nonrepellent and Repellent Insecticides: Effects of Donor:Recipient Ratio and Exposure Time
Authors:  Neoh, Kok-Boon; Yeoh, Boon-Hoi; Lee, Chow-Yang
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 1563-1572(10)
Abstract:  The donor: recipient ratio and the time of donor exposure to termiticide required for maximal toxicant transfer among termites are crucial information for the development of termite management plans. Most of the available information on termiticide toxicity came from temperate zonal termite species, whereas little is known about tropical Asian species. In this study, mortality patterns of recipient termites, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) subjected to seven formulated insecticide exposures under different... (Click here for full abstract

Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Lufenuron on the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors:  Wang, Cai; Henderson, Gregg; Gautam, Bal K.; Chen, Xuan
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 1573-1581(9)
Abstract:  A laboratory study was conducted to understand the effect of low concentrations of lufenuron on termite physiology and behavior. Survivorship, running speed, body water content, food consumption, tunneling, microbial infection, and two behavioral patterns (carcass-burying behavior and particle transport behavior) were compared among Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, fed lufenuron-treated (250, 500, or 1,000 ppm) or untreated (control) filter paper... (Click here for full abstract
 

Fumigation of Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): Effective Application Rates for Sulfuryl Fluoride
Authors:  Phillips, Thomas W.; Aikins, Michael J.; Thoms, Ellen; Demark, Joe; Wang, Changlu
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 1582-1589(8)
Abstract:  The bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), has resurged recently as a domestic pest in North America with very limited options for decisive control. We report efficacy studies with sulfuryl fluoride (SF) toward use as a structural fumigant to control bed bugs. Laboratory studies were conducted in which eggs, adults, and nymphs from a pesticide susceptible laboratory population were fumigated for 24 h using SF at 99.8% purity in airtight, 3.8-liter glass containers under two temperatures, 25°C and 15°C.... (Click here for full abstract)  

Laboratory and Field Evaluation of an Indoxacarb Gel Bait Against Two Cockroach Species (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae, Blattidae) in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors:  Anikwe, Joseph Chuks; Adetoro, Fouad Abidemi; Anogwih, Joy Anuri; Makanjuola, Winifred Ayinke; Kemabonta, Kehinde Abike; Akinwande, Kayode Lawrence
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 4, August 2014, pp. 1639-1642(4)
Abstract:  Indoxacarb gel bait was evaluated for its efficacy in the laboratory and field against American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L.), and German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.). Advion 0.6% indoxacarb gel bait was toxic to both P. americana and B. germanica. There were no significant differences in the LT50 (h) values for treatment levels of 0.25 g, 0.5 g, and 1.0 g gel applied against P. americana, whereas gel applied at 0.5 g to B. germanica had... (Click here for full abstract

ACEs also have free access to the online edition of American Entomologist (which is free for ESA members). Recent articles of interest to the structural pest management community include:
  • POSTMARKED EXTENSION: The Early Years of Extension Entomology: Celebrating Cooperative Extension's First 100 Years (Bessin, Ric; Mulder, Phil) [ARTICLE]
  • Don't Fear the Creeper: Do Entomology Outreach Events Influence How the Public Perceives and Values Insects and Arachnids? (Pitt, D.B.; Shockley, M.) [ARTICLE]
  • Regulating Pesticide Use in United States Schools (Hurley, Janet A.; Green, Thomas A.; Gouge, Dawn H.; Bruns, Zachary T.; Stock, Timothy; Braband, Lynn; Murray, Kathleen; Westinghouse, Carol; Ratcliffe, Susan T.; Pehlman, Derrick; Crane, Lauren) [ARTICLE]

And finally, some relatively recent posts of interest on the free and popular EntomologyToday blog include:
  • Scientists Decipher Stink Bug Aggregation Pheromone  [ARTICLE]
  • Are Local Honey Bees Healthier than Imports? [ARTICLE]
  • Powerful Trap-jaw Ants are Gaining Ground in the Southeastern United States [ARTICLE]
  • Chikungunya Virus is Expected to Become Established in the U.S. [ARTICLE]
  • CT Scanning Shows how Fire Ants Interlock to Form Floating Rafts [ARTICLE]
  • Genetically-Modified Honey Bees: A Key Technology for Honey Bee Research [ARTICLE]
  • Ability to Detect Polarized Light Helps Bees Find Food [ARTICLE]

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

New BCEs and ACEs

You can always tell when pest prevention season is fully underway. Summer is always the slowest time for new ACEs and BCEs. Nevertheless, we did have four intrepid individuals take and pass their certification exams in the past month. Please join me in congratulating our newest ACEs and BCE.

Mr. David Sindani Wangila, BCE-Intern, (University of Nebraska- Lincoln), Lincoln, NE  USA.  Certified on 8/13/2014.

Mr. Kenneth Michael Richard, ACE, (Adam's Pest Control, Inc.), Hamel, MN  USA.  Certified on 8/18/2014.
Mr. Tony Garcia, ACE, (Clark Pest Control), Lodi, CA  USA.  Certified on 7/31/2014.
Mr. Douglas E. Stavig, ACE, (Orkin Inc.), Killeen, TX  USA.  Certified on 7/18/2014.

They join the record number of professionals who have pursued their certification in entomology. If you have not yet signed up, what's holding you back?

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

What to study for ACE International?

We're just 56 days away from PestWorld 2014 and the launch of the new ACE-International program.  ACE certification has been rapidly becoming the new benchmark of professionalism in the pest management industry for the past 10 years with an average annual growth of over 35%.  But until now it has been for US-based PMPs only.

Starting on October 21, 2014, ESA will begin to accept international ACE applications. The application is online now but all applications received prior to the October 21st launch will be held in abeyance until that time.

For ACE-I, the exam will be broken down into two different sub-exams. The primary one will be slightly shorter than the current ACE exam and will cover most of the same information. The primary ACE-I exam will be about 140 questions and the second exam will be approximately 30 questions. As with the US-based ACE, there is a content outline for each exam so that all applicants know what they are to study.

The primary exam has the same four main knowledge domains as the US ACE:

  • Inspection and Identification (45% of exam)
  • Selection and Implementation of Control Methods (28% of exam)
  • Evaluation (15% of exam)
  • Monitoring (12% of exam)

Under each of these topics there are a host of skills and knowledge areas upon which the exam content will be based. The primary difference between the US-based ACE and ACE-I is that all US regulations are removed from the exam. Click here to access the ACE-International Content Outline for the primary exam.

The second exam focuses solely on pesticide safety. The questions will all draw from these domains:

  • Understanding pesticides and control methods (20% of exam)
  • Using pesticides and other control methods (40% of exam)
  • Pesticide safety and exposure (40% of exam)
Again, under each of these topics are detailed knowledge areas that must be mastered in order to pass the exam. Click here to access the ACE-International Content Outline for the Pesticide Safety exam.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

CEUs for ACEs

We've been getting a few emails and phone calls from ACEs wondering what they need to do in order to renew their certification at the end of the year.  There is apparently some confusion about the new CEU requirement.

The good news is that this is all pretty simple and for most people should not be too hard to handle.

Let's start with explaining the rules:
(These rules are for those who hold the US-based ACE and will not apply to those who attain the new ACE-International certification)
1) All ACEs must submit the following with their ACE renewal:
- Renewal form
- Sign the ACE Code of Ethics
- Proof of continued licensure (must be licensed to apply pesticides in at least one state)
- Proof of continuing education during the prior three years
- Fees
2) Starting in 2015 all ACE renewals will be for a three-year period.

What is a CEU?
CEU means continuing education units. It is a way to refer to professional development and training in a standardized way. ESA (and many other organizations) assign CEUs to various activities. The current rules are that you need to attain 18 CEUs from the prior three years (an average of 6 per year). ESA does not require pre-approval of educational units. ACEs should merely list them on their renewal forms.

You'll see that ESA is pretty liberal in what we count as a valid CEU. We believe that training and education can come from a lot of different sources, not just a traditional classroom setting. In most cases one hour of the activity equals one CEU.  ESA counts the following as valid CEUs.

(Note: This list is current as of August 6, 2014. Click back to entocert.org/ACE under "Maintain my certification" for a current chart of eligible CEUs).

  • Training Attended (e.g., state-led training, internal company, Purdue, PestWorld, Kentucky, etc). Most ACEs will get most of their CEUs from this category. You can claim a maximum of 7 training CEUs per year.
  • Training Taught. If you are a trainer in your company (or elsewhere) you can get credit for this. Other examples would be leading an educational session at a state pesticide association training event. You can claim a maximum of 7 training CEUs per year.
  • Job-related Community Service is open for CEUs. If you donate your time and services to keeping pests out of your local homeless shelter, you can claim that, as an example. You can claim a maximum of 2 community service CEUs annually.
  • Reading (trade publications, professional resource materials, etc) is an easy way to get some CEUs. We should all be keeping up with the trade presses and we give you credit for doing so -- up to a maximum of 2 CEUs per year.
  • Articles authored is another option. If you submit an article to a trade publication (other options could be authoring a pest control column in your local newspaper) and they publish it, this earns you CEUs. You can claim up to 6 CEUs per year for this topic.
  • College courses taken (online acceptable) is a great way to go. They must be entomologically-based is the only catch. But you can claim up to 7 CEUs per year.
  • Job-related examinations taken counts too. In fact, taking your ACE exam counts as CEUs -- whether or not you passed. If you took the ACE exam and failed and then took it again the next year and passed, you could claim 3 CEUs for both years.
  • Career-related committee service helps both ESA and you. If you serve on an ACE or BCE committee for ESA or perhaps on a committee for your local or state-based pest management association, you can claim up to 4 CEUs per year for this service.
  • Pest control blogs or social media written can earn you two CEUs per year. A good example of this would be if you maintain your company's twitter feed and spend an hour or so a month looking for interesting articles to tweet out to your clients.  You get to claim up to 2 CEUs a year for this.
  • Honors and awards (promotions, awards) is open for CEUs too. An example would be if you won the ACE of the Year Award, the PCT Crown Leadership Award, or perhaps even something more local, like from your state-based association. You can claim up to 2 CEUs per year for this activity.
  • Development of new programs (apps, community, etc) is a seldom-used CEU-earning option. If you have worked to create something new that benefits your pest management community you can claim up to 5 CEUs per year.
  • Webinars count too ... both teaching and attending them. Just because you don't have a travel budget to go to meetings doesn't mean that you don't have to stay current. Attend a webinar on pest management education and claim up to 7 CEUs per year.
  • And finally, there are some special activities that may count for CEUs. If you have done something during the past two years tha tis related ot your career development as a pest management expert but is not listed on this chart, just let us know and we'll see if we can award some CEUs.  

What kinds of documentation do I need to submit?
The renewal form simply asks for a summary detailing of your education credits. But you'll want to maintain deeper records in case your renewal is one that is selected for an audit (we randomly select a set percentage every year to ensure overall compliance).  Examples of the kinds of documentation you'll want to keep in your files is listed below for each CEU activity.
  • Training Attended -- Submit names of courses, dates, and locations. Keep receipts, program books, certificates, and/or name badges as validation for your files.
  • Training Taught. Submit names of courses, dates, and locations. Keep program books, speaker bios, and conference organizer letters as validation for your files.
  • Job-related Community Service -- Submit description and dates. Keep news clippings and letters from the organization which benefited from your service as validation for your files.
  • Reading -- Submit publication names, dates, and article names. Keep back issues as validation for your files.
  • Articles authored  -- Submit description and dates. Keep back issues as validation for your files.
  • College courses taken -- Submit course name, institution name, and dates. Keep transcripts, class notes, and/or professor's letters for your files.
  • Job-related examinations taken -- Submit examination name, organization name, and date of the exam. Keep the same for your files.
  • Career-related committee service -- Submit organization and committee name, including dates of service. Maintain meeting minutes or notes and communication with the Chair or other committee members for validation of your service.
  • Pest control blogs or social media -- Submit name of the blog or media type. Maintain clips for validation of your activity.
  • Honors and awards (promotions, awards) -- Submit the name of the hosting organization, the name of the award, and the date of the award. Maintain the same for your files.
  • Development of new programs (apps, community, etc) -- Submit the name and release date of your new program. Maintain backup information in your files as validation.
  • Webinars --  Submit names of courses, dates, and host organizations. Keep receipts, certificates, and/or communiction from the host organization as validation for your files.
ESA expects that most ACEs won't have any trouble earning their CEUs as we allow far more CEU types than most states do. New ACEs will need to submit their CEUs when their first renewal comes due as well so may need to look back in their files and calendars to document activities from the prior few years.

If you have any questions about CEUs, please contact ace [at] entocert [dot] org.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Data Digging the PCT Top 100 List

I'm a big fan of PCT -- I imagine most followers of the pest control industry are too. But by far my favorite issue of the year is the PCT Top 100 list. This list is a great way for people interested in data (like me) to quantify what is happening in the industry. This year I asked Katherine Matthews, ESA's database manager, to review the list and compare it to our list of ACEs.  She found some interesting things that I thought I wanted to share with our list of certified professionals.

First, some simple facts:
  • We don't have a company of record for all of our ACEs (we don't require that in our database), so while most of our ACEs do in fact work for a professional organization, not all of them have shared with us what firm that is. All of the statistics below bear this fact in mind.
  • The ACE totals we used are current as of June 30, 2014, which means a total of 772 ACEs.
  • For those that we do have a company listed, just over 42% work for one of the top 100 firms.
  • 59% of our ACEs are in primarily "residential work firms", 40% work for companies that do more commercial work, and about 1% are in companies that have an even split between residential and commercial.
  • 90% of our ACEs work for companies where general pest control is the focus and the remaining 10% do primarily termite work.
Year Started By Firm:
When we look at the year our current ACEs, listed by employer we can see when the top 10 firms really started to adopt ACE as a business tool. Rollins hit a high point in 2012 when 25 of their people joined the ranks of our current ACEs. Recently Clark Pest Control has begun to put more people through the program with 13 of our current ACEs joining in 2013. Wil-Kil and American Pest Control are tied for third-most ACEs in a year with 11 each in 2009 and 2013 respectively.

Total Counts By Firm:
Rollins/Orkin (PCT #1) far and away has the most number of current ACEs with 69. Terminix (PCT #2) is in second with 26 (for the purposes of this analysis we joined Terminix International and Terminix Service together, as we don't differentiate between the two in our database). Clark Pest Control (PCT #10) is in third for number of total ACEs on staff (recall that they didn't start to get serious about the ACE program until 2013!). Ecolab (PCT #4) is next with 19 ACEs. Click on the chart to the right to see the rest of the numbers. Western Exterminator Company of course was acquired by Rentokil North America in October 2012, so our Western folks are listed under Rentokil.

Best Months to Test?
These next facts don't really correlate to the PCT list, but since we were doing data analysis anyhow, it just seemed like a good idea to dig a little deeper. When we reviewed the list of our current ACEs and the month in which they passed their exams, we can see that March and November seem to be the months when most people pass their tests. But if you want to maximize your score, then November and February seem to be your best bet. What that says to me is that it may be prudent to schedule your ACE for a less-busy time of year (if such a thing exists!).

Which States Lead The Pack?
In April of last year on this blog we looked at the number of ACEs by state. At that time Florida was #1 and Texas was #2. As you can see by the chart at the right, little has changed. But a few of the states that were previously "ACE-less" now have them. Of the 50 states the only ones that don't have any ACEs are Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Rental Property Opportunities
Pests in rental properties, whether low income or not, is a hot topic in the news. Due to high turnover and other factors, rental properties often create a good marketing opportunity for PMPs. Perhaps that is why we see that our ACEs are often more prevalent in states with high numbers of rental properties. A number of states that have high numbers of renters do not yet have high numbers of ACEs (Illinois, Ohio, and New York in particular). That will change in the coming months, I'm sure.

What kinds of research would you like to see regarding certification. Email us and let us know.

Friday, July 11, 2014

New ACEs and BCEs through July 10, 2014

Please join us in congratulating these newly certified professionals:

Mr. James A. Stephens, BCE, (Cook's Pest Control), Lawrenceville, GA  USA.  Certified on 7/2/2014.

Mr. Adam D. Grendon, ACE, (Sprague Pest Solutions), Tacoma, WA  USA.  Certified on 7/7/2014.
Mr. Charles P Trimble, ACE, (Sprague Pest Solutions), Tacoma, WA  USA.  Certified on 7/7/2014.
Mr. Edward Scott Belliston, ACE, (Sprague Pest Solutions), Tacoma, WA  USA.  Certified on 7/7/2014.
Mr. John C. Nichols, ACE, (Skyline Pest Solutions Inc.), McDonough, GA  USA.  Certified on 6/20/2014.
Mr. Brian Lee Fernander, ACE, (SWAT Services), Marietta, GA  USA.  Certified on 6/20/2014.
Mr. Blake C. Landry, ACE, (Terminix), Lafayette, LA  USA.  Certified on 6/17/2014.
Mr. Matthew Curtis Reyelts, ACE, (Bug Warrior), Yuma, AZ  USA.  Certified on 6/13/2014.
Mr. Ernest Schicchi, ACE, (Alternative Pest Control Inc.), Brooklyn, NY  USA.  Certified on 6/10/2014.
Mr. Fred Padilla, Jr, ACE, (Steritech), Orange, CA  USA.  Certified on 6/5/2014.
Mr. Ben Harl, ACE, (Cardinal Professional Products), Decatur, IL  USA.  Certified on 6/4/2014.
Mr. Calvin Mack Kennon, Jr., ACE, (Specialty Exterminating Co.), Madison Heights, VA  USA.  Certified on 6/4/2014.
Mr. Billy Justin Olesen, ACE, (Mathis Exterminating), Bremerton, WA  USA.  Certified on 5/28/2014.
Mr. Kenneth B. Merkl, ACE, (Rose Pest Solutions), Blue Ash, OH  USA.  Certified on 5/20/2014.
Mr. Earl M. MacLean, ACE, (Baxter Pest Professionals), Muncie, IN  USA.  Certified on 5/19/2014.
Mr. Douglas Whited, ACE, (Perschel & Meyer Pest Management), Jacksonville Beach, FL  USA.  Certified on 5/8/2014.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Certification Corporation Bylaws Updated

Bylaws are the guiding rules by which an organization operates. They define the how, what, and why of operations. As such, they should be well-thought out from the very beginning and adjusted only when necessary.

This is one of those times.

The ESA Certification Corporation arose out of the ESA and many of the Bylaws were adapted from current ESA rules and practices. As (a) the ACE program has continued to grow and thrive, and (b) additional stability was required for proper board management, it became apparent that a Bylaws adjustment was necessary in order to allow proper representation on the Certification Board.

Effective immediately, the following changes to the composition and structure of the Certification Board have taken place via an update to the ESA Certification Corporation Bylaws (See Article VII, Section 2):

  • An ACE Representative position has been created,
  • Terms of office are moving from one year to three years (see note below),
  • New rules are in place for appointment of candidates if none arise through the normal elections process, and
  • The two Ad Hoc positions have been clarified.

The 2015 officers of the Society are going to be elected in just a few weeks. Any candidates for the open seats should step forward soon and apply by COB on June 13th. Please visit the ESA Elections and Nominations page to nominate yourself or someone else for a seat on the Certification Board.

Staggered terms off office:
The positions on the board will be staggered so that approximately one third of all candidates rotate off each year. In order to achieve this, ESA is going to stagger the implementation of the three year terms.  For the 2015 positions (that would be elected in the summer of 2014), the Southeastern and North Central Branch representative positions will be elected to three year terms. The ACE position will be selected by a vote of all ACEs. All other positions are still for one year terms. The following year the Eastern and Southwestern Branches will elect to three year terms. The Governing Board will also appoint one of the Ad Hoc positions to a three year term. And then, completing the implementation, the 2017 officers will be selected for three-year terms in the summer of 2016. These would be the appointment of the second Ad Hoc position and the election of the International and Pacific Branch representatives.

ACE position:
The ACE representative does not need to be an ESA member to compete for the position. During the election all current ACEs will have the opportunity to vote for their representative.

Friday, May 30, 2014

Certified Science May 2014

Certifiedsciencelogo.jpg

A Periodic ESA E-mail Service to ACEs and Urban-Industrial BCEs

The Entomological Society of America is the #1 source of scientific information for the entomologically-focused urban professional. This email is a service of the ESA for all ACEs and any BCEs who hold a specialty in urban and industrial entomology.

Here is a summary of some recent articles in the ESA journals that relate to structural pest management and urban arthropod pests. The abstracts are freely available online for all articles, though access to the full text will generally require membership in the ESA, in addition to your certification.



Tunneling and Food Transportation Activity of Four Subterranean Termite Species (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) at Various Temperatures
Authors: Cao, Runxin; Su, Nan-Yao
Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 107, Number 3, May 2014, pp. 696-701(6)
Abstract:  The effect of temperature on tunneling and food transportation activity of four subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann), Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks), and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was examined. The experiment was conducted at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C and ? 99% relative humidity (RH) using 10- by 10-cm planar arenas. Tunneling areas excavated by termites at 12 and 48 h were analyzed using ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Within-Field Spatial Distribution of Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)-Induced Boll Injury in Commercial Cotton Fields of the Southeastern United States
Authors: Pulakkatu-Thodi, Ishakh; Reisig, Dominic D.; Greene, Jeremy K.; Reay-Jones, Francis P. F.; Toews, Michael D.
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 43, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 744-752(9)
Abstract:  Spatial distribution of boll injury caused by stink bugs to developing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) bolls was studied in five commercial fields (?22 ha each) in 2011 and 2012 to understand variability in boll injury dynamics within fields. Cotton bolls and stink bugs were sampled weekly from a georeferenced grid of sampling points (one sample per 0.40 ha) in each field, but no samples were taken within 30 m of field edges. The inverse distance weighted interpolation, variogram analysis, and ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Bioactivity of Cedarwood Oil and Cedrol Against Arthropod Pests
Authors: Eller, F. J.; Vander Meer, R. K.; Behle, R. W.; Flor-Weiler, L. B.; Palmquist, Debra E.
Source: Environmental Entomology, Volume 43, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 762-766(5)
Abstract:  Heartwood samples from Juniperus virginiana L. were extracted with liquid carbon dioxide, and the bioactivity of carbon dioxide-derived cedarwood oil (CWO) toward several species of ants and cedrol toward ticks was determined. Repellency was tested for ants, and toxicity was tested for ticks. Ants in an outdoor bioassay were significantly repelled by the presence of CWO on a pole leading to a sugar-water solution. Similarly, CWO was a significant repellent barrier to red imported fire ants and prevented them from finding a typical food source. ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Durability of a Novel Durable Bait for Control of Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): Results of Five-Year Field Aging Studies
Authors: Eger, J. E.; Hamm, R. L.; Demark, J. J.; Chin-Heady, E.; Tolley, M. P.; Benson, E. P.; Zungoli, P. A.; Smith, M. S.; Spomer, N. A.
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 1201-1205(5)
Abstract:  A durable termite bait containing 0.5% noviflumuron was evaluated for physical durability, retention of active ingredient, consumption by termites, and toxicity to termites over 5 yr in field studies at locations in Indiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Plots in Indiana and Mississippi included both natural rainfall and irrigated plots, while plots in South Carolina received only natural rainfall. Samples collected every 3 mo for the first 4 yr were evaluated for consumption with ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Effect of Feeding Status on Mortality Response of Adult Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to Some Insecticide Products
Authors: Choe, Dong-Hwan; Campbell, Kathleen
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 1206-1215(10)
Abstract:  Fresh and aged residual deposits of several insecticide products were tested against bed bug adults to determine if a recent bloodmeal affected their mortality response to the residues. The bed bugs with a recent bloodmeal survived significantly longer compared with the unfed ones on their exposure to fresh or aged residual deposits of chlorfenapyr and aged residual deposits of deltamethrin on a wooden substrate. Even though the survival time of fed bed bugs was significantly longer ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Influences of Pyriproxyfen on Fecundity and Reproduction of the Pharaoh Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Tay, Jia-Wei; Lee, Chow-Yang
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 1216-1223(8)
Abstract:  The effects of the juvenile hormone analog pyriproxyfen (at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1%) on egg production, number of ovarioles, and length of oocytes were examined in queens of the Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.). Pyriproxyfen significantly reduced egg production in queens from week 3 onwards. Queens that were exposed to 1% pyriproxyfen stopped producing eggs at week 8. After 8 wk, ovaries were dissected from all queens, and the number of ovarioles and the length of the largest oocytes ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Trehalase Activity in Fungus-Growing Termite, Odontotermes feae (Isoptera: Termitideae) and Inhibitory Effect of Validamycin
Authors: Tatun, Nujira; Wangsantitham, Orathai; Tungjitwitayakul, Jatuporn; Sakurai, Sho
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 1224-1232(9)
Abstract:  Trehalase is the hydrolytic enzyme that catalyzed the hydrolysis of trehalose to glucose. In this study, trehalase activity in the fungus-growing termite, Odontotermes feae Wasmann had been examined. Trehalase activity in digestive tract and carcass of O. feae was higher than that in wood-feeding termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann. The intestinal tract of worker caste of O. feae was the main source of trehalase compared with that in salivary, fat body, and carcass. In particular, the highest activity was found in ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Efficacy of Aerosol Applications of Methoprene and Synergized Pyrethrin Against Tribolium castaneum Adults and Eggs
Authors: Tucker, Angela M.; Campbell, James F.; Arthur, Frank H.; Zhu, Kun Yan
Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 107, Number 3, June 2014, pp. 1284-1291(8)
Abstract:  Experiments were performed to determine the efficacy of a single aerosol application of the insecticides methoprene and piperonyl butoxide-synergized pyrethrin, alone or in combination, and the insecticide carrier, Isopar M, against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle. The initial test exposed adults to insecticide treatments and placed male/female pairs in flour. All adults exposed to synergized pyrethrin were knocked down for at least 24 h after exposure but they recovered. ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Going the Distance: How Does Market Access Affect Demand for IPM Packages?
Authors: Buckmaster, Amy; Alwang, Jeffrey; Peterson, Everett; Rivera, Mauricio
Source: Journal of Integrated Pest Management, Volume 5, Number 1, 2014, pp. B1-B7(7)
Abstract:  A challenge facing integrated pest management (IPM) technology transfer programs is to identify where to conduct outreach. As IPM is a knowledge-intensive management process, effective training usually requires sustained interactions between extension professionals and target farmers. Efforts to disseminate IPM are constrained by limited extension budgets and therefore should focus on areas with the greatest promise for ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
Susceptibility of Cat Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) to Fipronil and Imidacloprid Using Adult and Larval Bioassays
Authors: Rust, M. K.; Vetter, R.; Denholm, I.; Blagburn, B.; Williamson, M. S.; Kopp, S.; Coleman, G.; Hostetler, J.; Davis, W.; Mencke, N.; Rees, R.; Foit, S.; Tetzner, K.
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 51, Number 3, May 2014, pp. 638-643(6)
Abstract:  The monitoring of the susceptibility of fleas to insecticides has typically been conducted by exposing adults on treated surfaces. Other methods such as topical applications of insecticides to adults and larval bioassays on treated rearing media have been developed. Unfortunately, baseline responses of susceptible strains of cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouchè), except for imidacloprid, have not been determined for all on-animal therapies and new classes of ... ( Click here for full abstract)
 

 
The Effects of Temperature and Innate Immunity on Transmission of Campylobacter jejuni (Campylobacterales: Campylobacteraceae) Between Life Stages of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Bahrndorff, S.; Gill, C.; Lowenberger, C.; Skovgård, H.; Hald, B.
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, Volume 51, Number 3, May 2014, pp. 670-677(8)
Abstract:  The house fly ( Musca domestica L.) is a well-established vector of human pathogens, including Campylobacter spp., which can cause infection of broiler chicken flocks, and through contaminated broiler meat can cause outbreaks of campylobacteriosis in humans. We investigated whether Campylobacter jejuni (Jones) could be transferred between life stages of M. domestica (larvae-pupae-adults) and determined bacterial counts of C. jejuni at different time points after bacterial exposure.  ... ( Click here for full abstract


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