Patrick Legey - Awarded AEPMA Life Membership & Excellence Award (Sponsored by Envu)

At Pesticon 2023 we honoured an exceptional individual whose journey exemplifies the power of determination, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It is with great pride that we announced the recipient of the AEPMA Life Member Award along with the Excellence Award (sponsored by Envu) - Patrick Legey.

Patrick's story is one of transformation and resilience. Arriving in Sydney in 1978, he faced the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and language. Armed with a background in fitter and turner/toolmaking from France, Patrick's determination to thrive in his new environment led him to master the English language and further his education.

In the early 1980s, a pivotal decision to retrain as a horticulturalist set Patrick on a path that would eventually lead him to Pest Management. From there, his journey was defined by unwavering dedication, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the industry he was becoming a part of.
Patrick's contributions extend beyond his professional pursuits. His wife, Annmaree, a dedicated Social Worker, joined him on this journey, creating a partnership that not only propelled their personal growth but also left an indelible mark on the Pest Management industry. 

Their combined dedication has championed change and united their efforts towards a shared vision.
Patrick's journey as a trainee Pest Manager evolved into a career that became his passion and legacy. From enduring sweltering heat in utes without air conditioning to witnessing remarkable industry changes, Patrick's resilience never wavered. He navigated shifting regulations, the introduction of new products, and the evolving landscape of Pest Management with unwavering determination.

However, Patrick's contributions transcended his day-to-day work. He emerged as an advocate and influencer, dedicated to enhancing standards and practices within Pest Management. His involvement in government and industry liaison, leadership in associations, and contributions to shaping codes of practice showcased his commitment to elevating the profession.

Patrick's legacy of fostering camaraderie and knowledge sharing has had a profound impact. His dedication to mentorship, evident in the countless calls and emails he's received, is a testament to his selflessness and genuine care for the growth of others.

As we reflect on Patrick's journey, let's also consider the future he envisions for the Pest Management industry. His emphasis on ongoing education, industry involvement, and collaboration remains vital. His advice to newcomers is a guiding light, inspiring them to be catalysts for positive change and innovation.

Patrick Legey's journey from overcoming language barriers to becoming a luminary in the Pest Management industry showcases the remarkable power of human determination. 

Congratulations, Patrick, on receiving the AEPMA Life Member Award & Envu Excellence Award.

Your dedication, contributions, and enduring impact are truly commendable, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional service to the Pest Management industry.

Winners of the 2023 Pest Manager of the Year Awards (Sponsored by BASF)

The annual Pest Manager of the Year Awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate those who go above and beyond, setting new benchmarks for the industry.

The winners of the 2023 awards have done just that, showcasing unparalleled dedication and innovation in their respective categories.

Eagle Pest Control

Winner -  "Kylee Enwright - Micro Business Award" 

In the Kylee Enwright Micro Business Award category, Eagle Pest Control has emerged as a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and a small team. John and Meg Papadopoulos have demonstrated that size is no barrier to excellence. Their commitment to quality service, attention to detail, and personalised customer care have set a new standard for micro pest management businesses.

Quality Hygienix

Winner - South Pacific Pest Manager of the Year 

Quality Hygienix have secured the South Pacific Winner Pest Manager of the Year award, standing out as a testament to dedication and expertise in the field. Abhinesh's commitment to understanding the unique challenges of the South Pacific region and delivering effective pest management solutions has earned him well-deserved recognition.

Scorpion Pest Management

Winner - Pest Management Firm employing fewer than 10 people 
 

Jason and Tracey Eyles of Scorpion Pest Management have triumphed in the category of A Pest Management Firm employing fewer than 10 people. Their ability to lead and inspire a smaller team to consistently deliver outstanding results has truly set them apart. Their dedication to professional growth, training, and a client-centered approach have propelled them to this well-earned victory.

Conquer Termites Northside

Winner - Pest Management Firm employing 10 or more people 

In the category of Pest Management Firm employing 10 or more people, Conquer Termites Northside has emerged as the true exemplar of leadership and innovation. The ability to manage a larger team while maintaining exceptional service standards is a testament to their skills and commitment. 

Conquer Termites Northside

Winner -  2023 Pest Manager of the Year

 
Conquer Termites Northside has been awarded the coveted title of 2023 Pest Manager of the Year. This honour is a reflection of their exceptional service, industry leadership, and commitment to excellence. Their ability to consistently deliver results, no matter the challenges, has made them the true embodiment of the values and standards the Pest Manager of the Year Awards stand for.
These remarkable individuals and businesses have set a new benchmark for excellence in the pest management industry. Their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their craft make them shining examples of what can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 Pest Manager of the Year Awards 

Celebrating Sustainability: Scorpion Pest Control Wins Inaugural Sustainability Award

We extend our warmest congratulations to Scorpion Pest Control for their remarkable achievement as the winner of the inaugural Sustainability Award, sponsored by Ensystex. 

This accolade stands as a testament to Scorpion Pest Control's unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices within the pest management industry.
In an era where our ecological footprint holds immense significance, Scorpion Pest Control has set a commendable example by integrating sustainability into every facet of their operations. Their dedication to minimising environmental impact while delivering effective pest management solutions has not only earned them this well-deserved recognition but also positioned them as leaders in promoting responsible practices.

Scorpion Pest Control's achievement in winning the First Sustainability Award is a commendation not just for their dedication but for the industry as a whole. Their success reaffirms that it is indeed possible to provide high-quality pest management services while prioritising the well-being of our planet.

As we celebrate Scorpion Pest Control's accomplishment, let us also be inspired by their journey. Their success underscores the potential for all of us to contribute positively to our environment and communities.

Congratulations once again to Scorpion Pest Control for setting an inspiring precedent and for embracing sustainability as an integral part of their ethos.

Envu Innovation Award Celebrates Flick Anticimex's SMART Pest Control Excellence

This year's Envu Innovation Award has been proudly claimed by Flick Anticimex, an industry leader in pest management solutions. This recognition is a testament to their groundbreaking advancements in SMART digital pest control, revolutionizing the way we approach pest management.

Revolutionising Pest Control with SMART Technology

Flick Anticimex's dedication to innovation is best exemplified by their SMART digital pest control solutions, which have garnered them this prestigious award. These cutting-edge technologies offer practical and effective solutions to some of the most challenging issues in the field of pest management.

Pesticon 2023 - Wrap Up

Let's take a moment to reflect on the highlights and achievements that made Pesticon 2023 an unforgettable experience.

With over 450 attendees from across the globe, Pesticon 2023 was a celebration of the pest management industry's dedication, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. 

Pesticon 2023 transcended borders and brought together experts and enthusiasts from various corners of the world. Delegates from France, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji enriched our discussions with diverse perspectives, fostering international camaraderie and knowledge exchange.

Mark McCrindle's keynote address left us motivated and invigorated. His insights into emerging trends and the shifting dynamics of our society provided a valuable framework for shaping our strategies in the years ahead.

The Sustainability Panel was a pivotal moment at Pesticon 2023. We engaged in thought-provoking conversations about the intersection of pest management and environmental responsibility. These discussions invigorated our commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for our industry.

For those who couldn't attend or if you want to relive the highlights, don't miss the opportunity to view the pictures from Pesticon 2023 here. or head over to the AEPMA YouTube Channel for Pesticon 2023 highlights that capture the essence of the conference. We would like to thank Stephen Doggett and Patrick Legey for capturing all the conference moments as our photographers!

We're already excited about what lies ahead. Mark your calendars for Pesticon 2024, where we'll continue to push boundaries, inspire change, and elevate the pest management industry to new heights.

Save the Date !

Pesticon 2024 - 14th - 16th August @ Star Gold Coast 

Pesticon 2023 Thank you to Our Sponsors

The success of AEPMA Pesticon 2023 would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. 

AEPMA Victoria Branch - Join us at Moon Dog World 22nd September

Please join us for an informal catch up at, 

Moon Dog World, 
32 Chifley Drive,
Preston 
on 

Friday 22nd September, at 2.00pm. 

This is an informal catch up designed for members, affiliates and prospects to meet their cohort.

Big thanks to our great friends Sundew Solutions and Sherwood Chemicals who have kindly offered to sponsor our event.  

Please RSVP: 15th September to Emma@noahsarkpestcontrol.com.au

AEPMA Annual General Meeting Highlights

The AEPMA (Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), a significant event that showcased the organisation's achievements, and plans for the future.

A moment of silence was observed during the AGM to honor the memory of Ms. Kylee Enwright, a touching tribute to a respected figure within the association. A forthcoming award in her name was also announced, adding a poignant dimension to the event.

The Financial Statements and Auditor's Reports for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023, were presented for approval. Attendees were assured of the organisation's robust financial status, culminating in the unanimous acceptance of the reports.

The AEPMA AGM underscored the association's dedication to excellence, collaboration, and progress within the pest management industry. It showcased a united commitment to effective leadership, informed decision-making, and a collective vision for the future.

Introducing Mira: Elevating Your Business - The Evolution from Pest Register is Here!

Still 100% designed and developed in Australia with hundreds of happy businesses, and after 5 long years we are pleased to announce that Pest Register has now been upgraded into Mira. 
Why choose Mira? 

Mira is your business, made easy!

Why not get unlimited access to Australia's biggest and best online library for all your industry standard forms and reports. Mira will also manage quotes, inventory and invoicing on the go. Connect and engage to clients in real-time. 

Seamless connection with Square, Stripe, MYOB, Quickbooks, Xero, Google Calendar and functions to make business easy for you and your team! 

Visit us at mira.au to take advantage of our free on-boarding and training.

Ensuring Safe Pesticide Use: NSW EPA Launches Education Campaign for Pest Technicians

Pesticides can contain toxic chemicals and it’s critical that they are being used lawfully.
An education and compliance campaign will be running over the coming months to make sure pest technicians are following the rules that are in place to protect the community and environment. 

NSW Environment Protection Authority officers will be visiting a random selection of licensed pest management technicians and inspecting pest control businesses to check that all of the requirements are being followed.

The campaign is focused on checking: 

•  technicians hold an up-to-date licence and training qualifications
•  adequate notifications are provided when pesticides are being used
•  chemical storage
•  record-keeping
•  any use of unregistered pesticides
•  correct pesticide use

While the campaign will have an education focus, regulatory action may be taken where significant issues are found.

The EPA regulates the use of pesticides in NSW through the provisions of the Pesticides Act 1999 and Pesticides Regulation 2017. The Act and Regulation have strict rules that all businesses must follow to keep the environment and community safe from pesticides. 

Further information on the requirements for pest management technicians and other occupational pesticide users is available on the EPA’s website.

ULTRATHOR X’s micro-fine particles flow further and more evenly through the soil, where they form the invisible ULTRATHOR X Termite Defence Zone. 

The real benefit to you, from this improved flow profile of ULTRATHOR X arises during the application phase. ULTRATHOR X has a class-leading label allowing for rod injection at 450 mm intervals in mostsoil types, and 350 mm intervals in heavy clay soils.

In addition, ULTRATHOR X is uniquely labelled for the control of termites and all other crawling insect pests.

A rigorous series of independently monitored trials simulating application in the manner termiticides are applied by professional pest managers proved this improved soil penetration, which has resulted in our class-leading APVMA-approved label.

Most homes are surrounded by pavers or concrete pathways. The areas under these pathways are veritable termite highways, that must be treated, usually by rod injection, to provide protection. This becomes challenging when there are hot water heaters or air-conditioner units present. In such situations it remains vital that there are no gaps in your Termite Defence Zone. This is simply not possible with most products. ULTRATHOR X is different though, since it provides for holes to be spaced up to 450 mm apart, making it easy to protect these areas.

More commonly, if you have decorative tiles, the hole spacings of 150 – 200 mm on most product labels means the holes need to be drilled in the middle of these tiles. Even if this drilling doesn’t crack the tiles, the tiles look unsightly with a big hole in the middle. 

The exceptional flow properties of ULTRATHOR X ensures holes can always be drilled in the grout between the tiles, so they are less conspicuous. And of course, fewer holes, less drilling for you, and more competitive pricing to your clients.

How ULTRATHOR X Protects 

The unique, micro-fine ULTRATHOR X solution flows rapidly and evenly through the soil before binding tightly, to provide long-term protection against termites. Ensystex’s proprietary low-repellent fipronil ensures the termites are completely unaware of its presence in the soil and readily pass into the ULTRATHOR X Termite Defence Zone. 

The ULTRATHOR X Viral Transfer Effect™ enables the fipronil to pass from one termite to another. So, even termites that have not passed through the ULTRATHOR X Termite Defence Zone become infected. Just like a virus is spread through the internet, ULTRATHOR X is spread through the termite colony, eliminating termites.

With ULTRATHOR X dispersing more evenly through the soil, it fully meets the requirements of the Australian Standard Series AS 3660: Termite Management, which expects a horizontal Termite Defence Zone to be complete and continuous down to a depth of 80 mm.

ULTRATHOR X is the only fipronil-based product in the market that has an APVMA approval for control of all species of crawling insects together with rod injection spacings at up to 450 mm. So, one product, ULTRATHOR X, does it all.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ensystex.com.au/products/ultrathor-water-based-termiticide-insecticide 

Trench depth excavation reduced by 50%! *

For over 20 years when consumers ask pest controllers what they will use to protect their homes or businesses against termites, the best answer has remained the same: Termidor®. Since 2012 there have been alternative products which claim to be the same, but Termidor’s original formulation remains unique and unmatched. Termidor HE (High Efficiency), is the next generation termiticide with the advanced polymer technology has raised the standard of control – and ease of installation – to a level no other manufacturer even claims to have matched.

Termidor HE Residual Termiticide takes termite control to yet another level as it now comes with the additional benefit of trench depths being reduced by 150 mm! 

Thanks to Termidor HE extra soil mobility properties, the bottom 150 mm can now remain unexcavated meaning overall 50% less digging, less time on the job and less risk to the structure!

As an advanced termiticide solution, Termidor HE offers the latest Advanced Polymer Technology (APT), enabling the active ingredient to travel further in the soil (vertically & horizontally) and create a more uniform treated zone.

What is Advanced Polymer Technology (APT) and how does it work?

Termidor HE is the only Termiticide that contains BASF’s Advanced Polymer Technology (APT). This technology allows the active ingredient to travel further in the soil (vertically and horizontally) to create a more uniform treated zone by enhancing the transport of the active ingredient during the product application.
The APT forms a protective cocoon around the active ingredient molecule, which helps it penetrate further and more evenly through the soil, and once it is in place the cocoon dissolves and the Termidor binds strongly to the soil to form a more extensive and unform treated zone.

Did you know...

• Termidor HE offers optimised hole spacings. Depending on the soil type, the spacings are up to 350mm apart in clay soils and up to 450mm for other soil types
• Data currently indicates that Termidor HE is effective against subterranean termites for a period of 8 years
• Ongoing trial work demonstrates that non-polymer fipronil formulations cannot move consistently through the soil, beyond 200mm hole spacings^ at the concentrations required to meet Australian Standards

​

*Disclaimer: 50% less trenching on a footing depth of 250mm (treated zone 300mm)
^Disclaimer: on typical loam and clay soils

For more information on Termidor® High-Efficiency Termiticide, visit pest-control.basf.com.au or contact your local BASF representative on 1800 558 399

QLD Health - Proposed update to the Departmental Standard - Competency requirements for licensed technicians undertaking pest management activities with pesticides and fumigants (the Standard) under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019.

The updated Standard is expected to commence in November 2023.

Many of you may be aware that the Standard specifies competency requirements for pest management technicians (PMTs) seeking to obtain PMT licence endorsements for high-risk or sensitive places under their pest management licence.

The proposed new competencies for the high-risk or sensitive place endorsements are provided as follows:

High-risk places 

• CPPUPM4004—assess and advise on pest management options for complex operations; and
• CPPUPM4006—implement and monitor pest management plans for complex operations
• Sensitive places 
• CPPUPM4003—assess and advise on pest management options for sensitive operations; 
• CPPUPM4005—implement and monitor pest management plans for sensitive operations

The new competency requirements are being phased in and the following will apply depending on your specific circumstances. 

If you held, or applied for, a PMT licence with an endorsement for high-risk or sensitive places prior to 1 August 2022, you will not be required to complete the training prescribed under the Standard. This is because you have had the endorsement/s ‘grandfathered’ and will not need to obtain the new competencies unless you let your PMT licence lapse and seek to renew it at a later date.

If you held a PMT licence with an endorsement for high-risk or sensitive places after 1 August 2022 and do not hold the new competencies, the endorsement will continue for one (1) year after the updated standard commences. However, after this time you will be expected to have the new competencies to continue to be licensed for these endorsements.

If you have not yet obtained the endorsement for high-risk or sensitive places and wish to continue to do so after November 2023, then you should apply for the endorsements before the Standard commences, to allow for continuity of business operations. You may apply using evidence of past experience (for PMTs having held a licence for 2 years or more), however you will still need to complete the new competencies prior to the 12-month anniversary of the new standard commencing.

If you apply for a PMT licence with the endorsements for high-risk or sensitive place after the updated Standard has commenced, you will need the new competencies at the time of the application.

Your input matters

Your commitment to maintaining high standards in pest management is commendable, and we value your partnership in creating a safe and healthy environment for all. Should you have any questions, suggestions, or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at DOH.PMT@health.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3328 9310.

For more information about applying for the high risk or sensitive place endorsements visit the Pest management licence endorsements | Queensland Health webpage.

SAVE THE DATE!!

• Pesticon 2024 - 14th - 16th August @ Star Gold Coast 
• PestWorld -  17th - 20th October 2023 

Sundew Solutions' initiative to enhance the safety of BattleaxePRO roach bait through a simple yet effective change has been commended by pest managers across Australia. By transitioning from a clear-coloured hard cap to a bright red flexible silicone one, Sundew has taken a proactive step in improving product safety. This alteration, although suggested but not mandatory by HACCP International, showcases Sundew Solutions' commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of its consumers.

The shift to a bright red cap addresses a critical aspect of product design: visibility. Roach gel dispensing syringes often utilise plain or clear coloured caps. The introduction of a conspicuous red cap minimises the risk of accidental misplacement, reducing the likelihood of unintended loss in prepared foods. This change not only aligns with industry best practices but also demonstrates a dedication to customer protection.

Furthermore, this alteration aligns with the principles of risk management and prevention. By adopting a visible cap, Sundew Solutions aids in preventing potential accidents before they occur. 

“The use of a soft ‘grippy’ silicone cap also ensures an extra level of safety eliminating the possibility of accidental dislodgment often encountered with hard bodied caps”, explained David Priddy, CEO at Sundew Solutions.

Sundew Solutions' decision to implement this modification, even when not strictly obligatory, speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and safety. Sundew sets a commendable example for others in the industry, illustrating how small changes can have a significant impact on product safety and customer satisfaction. As consumers, we can appreciate such proactive measures that prioritize our wellbeing.  

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