AEPMA and AWPMA Join Forces to Empower Women in Pest Management

Dear Members, 

I am thrilled at the announcement that AWPMA will be a part of AEPMA as a key committee and stakeholder of our association. 

We live and work in a time of transformation with incredible opportunities, our industry is a people industry where no matter your social identity you are equal, important, and heard. 

I look forward to seeing the AWPMA committee achieve their mission of the continued support and empowerment of women in our industry. 

AEPMA looks forward to the positive impact this merger will have on the future of pest management. Through collaboration, we are confident that our united efforts will drive innovation, elevate industry standards, and inspire positive change.

Warm regards,

Vasili Tsoutouras

AEPMA President 

Announcement: Allstate Pest Control's Merger with Rentokil Initial

Dear Members,

I am writing to inform you all a major decision I have made with respect to the future of Allstate Pest Control.

After careful consideration, we have decided to a merger with Rentokil Initial, ensuring the continued growth and success of Allstate Pest Control and its people.

The decision was not easy, my Dad, Peter, and his mentor Kevin Cannon with the support of my Mum, Eleni and Ann, Kevin's wife started Allstate on August 11th, 1986. Allstate and the industry have always been in my life, Dad dedicated his career to building a good business and gave me the greatest opportunity of working with him building Allstate to what it is now. he has always believed in a strong industry and has always supported the association and my involvement in AEPMA. 

I have always felt a massive sense of debt to Dad, my family, the people of Allstate, AEPMA and the greater industry for the rewarding and purposeful life.

Apart of my decision-making process was ensuring that Rentokil Initial was committed and invested in supporting AEPMA and the greater industry.

With your support I will continue to serve the Association in my position as president for as long as you the members see fit. I believe in ensuring that we have a strong industry to hand to the next generation of professional pest managers and look forward to AEPMA and the industries bright future.

Finally, I would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year

Warm regards,

Vasili Tsoutouras

AEPMA President 

2023 Highlights

Dear AEPMA Members,

I would like to provide you with a brief overview of some key developments and initiatives undertaken by AEPMA over the past 12 months:.

Regular Branch Meetings: Thank you to our State Representatives and Branch Secretaries for their efforts in organising AEPMA branch meetings throughout the year. These meetings were well-attended and provided an excellent platform to share information and stay updated on regional developments. If you haven't attended one before, please consider participating in some in 2024.

Sustainability Award: In 2023, we introduced the inaugural Sustainability Award, generously sponsored by Ensystex. The initial recipient of this award was Scorpion Pest. We are excited to announce that nominations for the 2024 Sustainability Award will be available shortly.

Pest Manager of the Year: The Pest Manager of the Year competition in 2023 received numerous entries across all four categories. Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to an equally successful competition in 2024.  We would also like to thank BASF for their support of this award.

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Pesticon 2024 - "The People in Pest"

AEPMA is delighted to announce its Annual Conference – Pesticon, scheduled for August 14-16, 2024, at the Star Gold Coast.

The central theme for Pesticon 2024 revolves around "The people in Pest." It focuses on the dedicated professionals who tirelessly work to safeguard our communities through pest control efforts. This year's theme goes beyond the pests themselves; it celebrates the individuals who play a pivotal role in our industry. 'The people in Pest' encompasses pest controllers, technicians, industry experts, and those who provide invaluable support to our field, all of whom are at the forefront of protecting our homes, businesses, and public health.

With Pesticon's continued growth and success, Pesticon 2024 promises to be another exceptional event and a highlight of 2024. This exciting conference will offer a wealth of educational content, practical tips, and advice, and will once again be hosted at The Star Gold Coast.

Stay tuned early next year for more updates on Pesticon 2024!

The AEPMA National Office will close on the 20th December 2023 and will reopen on the 

8th January 2024. 

We will continue to monitor calls and emails over this time.  

"A Pestie Christmas" - Sue-Ann Tysoe (Learning and Events Committee Chair)

NSW Pestie Christmas attendees

I would like to thank everyone who attended our "Pestie Christmas" events on December 8th at the Prospect Hotel, NSW, and the Mt Gravatt Hotel, QLD.

A special shoutout to our sponsors – Sundew Solutions, Agserv, Bell Laboratories, Greenzone, and MPL Training – your support made the afternoon memorable.

QLD Pestie Christmas attendees

The atmosphere at the event was incredible – the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, prize-winning cheers, and the shared enthusiasm for what we do. What a wonderful afternoon of collective strength and the promising future ahead!

Cheers to the memories, the camaraderie, and the continued success of our industry. Looking forward to the next gathering in the new year.

Sue-Ann Tysoe - Learning and Events Committee Chair

Share Your Insights – Help Shape the Future of Pest Management

At the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA), we are committed to supporting and representing our valued members in the pest management industry. To continue serving you better, we invite you to participate in our latest survey, designed to gather valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and aspirations of business owners and technicians within our industry.

The Purpose of the Survey

Our goal with this survey is to gather statistical data that will help us better understand and analyse the current landscape of the pest management industry. We want to pinpoint the challenges you face and identify the support and resources you need to overcome these challenges successfully.

The survey can be found here

Update Your Membership Details Ahead of Renewal Season

As we approach the membership renewal season, we would like to take a moment to remind all our  members of the importance of keeping your membership details up to date.

Our membership portal is a crucial tool that ensures seamless communication and the smooth processing of renewals.

To ensure your membership experience remains hassle-free, we kindly request that you review and verify your details on our portal.

Here are a few reasons why it's essential to update your information:

• Accurate Renewals: Up-to-date details ensure that your renewal notices and invoices are sent to the correct address and contact information.
• Effective Communication: We want to keep you informed about the latest industry news, events, and opportunities. Accurate contact information ensures you receive our communications promptly.
• Member Benefits: Accurate data helps us tailor our services and offerings to meet your specific needs, ensuring you fully enjoy the benefits of AEPMA membership.

Updating your details is quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Log in to your AEPMA membership portal account.
2. Review your contact information, including email, phone number, and mailing address.
3. Make any necessary updates or corrections.
4. Save your changes.

By taking a few moments to verify your details, you're not only helping us maintain accurate records but also ensuring you receive your membership renewal notices promptly when the time comes.

Skills Priority List Stakeholder Survey NOW OPEN 

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is currently developing its Skills Priority List for 2024, which will assist policy makers to understand the skills needs of the Australian economy and will inform JSA analysis and advice on potential policy responses to shortages in the Australian labour market.

JSA is seeking input from stakeholders with on-the-ground knowledge and experience of recruitment activity across industries to identify occupations in shortage and to produce the Skills Priority List for 2024. The survey is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies/departments, education and training advisory bodies, education and training providers, industry groups, peak bodies, professional associations, recruitment agencies/labour hire firms, regional bodies, unions, employers, and sole traders.

The survey is now open and can be accessed at Skills Priority List – Stakeholder Survey (dese.gov.au). Please note that the survey will close at 5pm on Friday, 23 February 2024.

If you have time, please consider completing the survey so that our industry views are considered in this important national process. Please feel free to share the survey link more broadly.

Good Nature Rodent Traps  

Visit our website 

AEPMA Branch Update

AEPMA Branch - Queensland 

The next Queensland Branch General Meeting, is scheduled to take place on Microsoft Teams at 0900 on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. If you would like to attend please RSVP via email to info@aepma.com.au. 

Our last meeting was held on the 21st November.  Some of the topics discussed were

• Discussions with Queensland Health regarding regulations and licensing.
• Queensland Biosecurity regarding the Red imported fire ant (RIFA) program and West Indian drywood termites
• National licensing and training.​

Apply and Amend Licenses Through QLD Health's PH Connect Portal

Applications for new licences or to amend a licence can now be lodged via QLD Healths online portal Public Health Connect (PH Connect), in addition to renewal applications of pest management licences.

Pest management application forms, templates and fees can be found here 
 

AEPMA Branch-Western Australia 

The AEPMA WA branch recently held a get-together for AEPMA members and non-members at X-Golf Balcatta on the 22nd November.  The event was well attended and we would like to thank  our generous sponsors, Ensystex, Globe, and David Grays. Their support, both in terms of monetary contributions and door prizes, played a pivotal role in making this event so sucessful.

AEPMA Branch- NSW Update 

An AEPMA NSW ACT State Council meeting was held on Zoom on Monday 20 November 2023.
The meeting was well attended.

After accepting the minutes of the previous meeting, we moved onto other matters of business which included progress on the Review of some Codes of Best Practice including Termite Management in existing buildings, training to the Codes, the completion of pre-purchase pest inspections by unqualified and inexperienced inspectors. 

Pesticon 2024 conference is progressing well. The theme will be “People in Pest Management” to be held on 14th-16th August at the Star Gold Coast and a lot more (mark it now in your diaries).

• There were discussions on the AEPMA Christmas Event to be held at the Prospect Hotel/Motel on the 8 December 2023.The idea was to get ‘Pesties’ for an event that would bring the NSW pest industry together for a little Christmas cheer. Sponsored by Agserv Pest Control Supplies, Bell Laboratories, Greenzone Termite Barriers, MPL Training Centre & Sundew Solutions.The event was to run on the same date and time in Queensland. All members of the pest control community were welcome to attend.
• PMITAG NSW meeting on the 8 November had to be postponed due to the Optus outage and has been rescheduled for 13 March 2024.

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AVITHOR™ FLOCK OFF® 

ENSYSTEX introduces a revolutionary technology that stops birds from landing on structures immediately and permanently. 

In keeping with ENSYSTEX’s vision to be the ‘first choice for environmentally responsible, effective long term pest management solutions’ we present 

A scientific revolution

AVITHOR FLOCK OFF was designed to address the challenges of bird infestations in a humane and effective way, utilising advanced science and intelligent mechanisms to safeguard premises.
Conceived by a Quantum Physicist, and developed by experts in Ornithology and Entomology, AVITHOR FLOCK OFF uses applied science to disrupt the migratory physiology of birds.

Birds decode information about the earth’s magnetic field through a protein in their retina and use this data to guide and direct their flight. AVITHOR FLOCK OFF generates silent, invisible electromagnetic pulses, which disrupt their ability to navigate and land. Birds are deterred as they approach the system and turn away.

Reap the many rewards of this innovative solution

The benefits of this innovative solution extend beyond bird deterrence. By effectively controlling bird populations, it helps prevent damage to structures, equipment, and vegetation, reduces health risks associated with birds and their droppings, and maintains a cleaner and safer environment, not to mention keeping the aesthetic of the structure intact.

 Watch Here

Safe for birds and people

The AVITHOR FLOCK OFF system does not emit problematic radio frequency (RF) nor ultrasound waves. It operates at 2,500 Volts AC at 0.021 amps, has a power consumption of 25 Watts and an output frequency in the audio frequency (AF) spectrum. This frequency is converted into an electromagnetic pulse and is not audible or harmful in any way. It will never interfere with electrical systems, Wi-Fi, electronic communications, or other systems. Birds and people should NEVER be harmed by AVITHOR FLOCK OFF.

Proven humane, green & effective

AVITHOR FLOCK OFF was recently studied by the highly rated University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology in conjunction with Oregon State University. Their published findings show a virtually 100% efficacy rate for bird abatement while simultaneously doing NO harm to the birds. FLOCK OFF is a 100% eco-friendly solution!
With over 10,000 units sold globally it is used by many international brands,

Certification
The FLOCK OFF system has obtained FCC, Industry of Canada, CE and UKCA compliance that validate its compliance with health and safety standards for safe operation around humans and other electronic devices. AVITHOR FLOCK OFF is also registered under the Australian Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).

For more information, please visit our website

2023 Fiji Business Excellence Award 

Terminade Residual Termiticide Update

Manufactured by PCT an Australian owned company, Terminade Residual Termiticide containing 100g/L fipronil gained registration in Australia in August 2012 and in Singapore in 2019. Terminade is fully researched, developed and manufactured in accordance with the International Standard ISO 9001:2015 quality standards by PCT in Australia.

Terminade gives the professional pest manager excellent value by providing superior efficacy in controlling termites. This was initially proven in independent research and development studies with Terminade in a replicated laboratory vertical soil infiltration study. The trial was conducted to determine and compare the soil infiltration rates of Terminade and a reference fipronil product over three levels in a predominately loam soil over time with and without the influence of simulated rainfall.

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7 Tips For Getting Recruitment Right

Finding and hiring the right people for your company is essential for business success. This was a key message that surfaced at this year’s Pesticon, and it’s an issue across industries. Getting recruitment right in the property and pest control sectors needn’t be impossible – especially with the right approach.

In this article, Rapid Solutions shares key pointers to help you find and retain the right staff. Getting people that have the right skills, knowledge and commitment to your business will save you time, money, effort and help your business grow from strength to strength. Find out how, up next.

“We are hiring”… but how?
When you undergo the process of hiring someone, it’s more than an administrative task – you’re building a relationship that could be vital for your business future. A new employee enters a business relationship with your company, which, if successful, could last for years. And soon after, through them, other business relationships will be built.

With that in mind, how do you put your best foot forward with recruiting?

Getting recruitment right begins with the way you present your business and your recruitment advert. Whereas, keeping the right candidates interested through to the end of the process means asking them the right questions and answering their questions thoughtfully.

Let’s dig into some aspects of hiring that you should be well across.

1. Are You Getting Your Recruitment Advert Right?

What does your advertisement look like? How does it read? Does it communicate anything exciting, interesting or unique about your industry? Is it a good representation of your business and the position on offer? Are you conveying how your business sets itself apart from its competitors with customer service and with taking care of its staff?

Getting recruitment right is very much a two way exchange and how you present the facts in your ad can have a lasting effect on a potential employee.

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ANTagonistPRO Approved to safeguard vehicles against red imported fire ants and yellow crazy ants

ANTagonistPRO Approved to safeguard vehicles against red imported fire ants and yellow crazy ants
In a ground-breaking move for invasive tramp ant pest control in Australia, ANTagonistPRO 80 SC polymer enhanced bifenthrin has received official approval on the 29 November 2023 for treating vehicles, earth-moving equipment, and shipping containers to prevent the spread of red imported fire ants and yellow crazy ants.

This marks a significant milestone in the fight against invasive ant species that pose a threat to both ecosystems and human activities. With this approval, Sundew Solutions Pty Ltd embraces a holistic approach to containment, addressing not only the transport of goods but also the machinery and equipment crucial to various industries.

ANTagonistPRO emerges as a revolutionary solution in the ongoing battle against fire ants and yellow crazy ants infesting vehicles. Its advanced formula not only effectively prevents infestations but also proves versatile, making it applicable across various vehicles such as cars, buses, earthmoving equipment, trucks, rail cars, and recreational vehicles.

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BASF’s Homeowner Campaign 2023

BASF’s termiticide solutions continue to lead the way when it comes to protecting homes and businesses from termites. This year’s Homeowners campaign has been designed to drive interest and generate sales opportunities for its Accredited Termidor applicators throughout the key spring to autumn months. 

The campaign taps into the ever-increasing cost of homeownership and highlights to consumers that protecting their most valuable asset (their home) is now easier than ever with BASF’s Termite Solutions- with an ever-evolving range of highly effective solutions, it is no wonder homeowners have made Termidor and Trelona Household names in pest control. You’ll see and hear this campaign across Meta social channels, Google display, Yahoo and radio. 

Click here to find out more about becoming an Accredited Termidor applicator.

Why Termidor is still the best answer for PCOs

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. To make the gap between the best and the also-rans even wider, the introduction of the Termidor HE (High Efficiency) formulation raised the standard of control – and ease of installation – to a level no other manufacturer even claims to have matched.

“As a pest controller, there are two points of view you have to consider when you’re choosing which products to use,” says Mark Wilson, BASF’s Technical and Development Manager. “Looking at it through the consumer’s eyes, they want the reassurance that you are using the best possible treatment because they find termites a really scary problem to deal with. From your own point of view, you want to be using something you can have total confidence in and that gives your customers both confidence and peace of mind. Plus, you want to make a decent profit – and that is a bit more complicated than just your margin on the product. Faster installation and fewer callbacks really help the bottom line as well.”

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Exotic China fir borer beetle detected in Tasmania for first time in Harvey Norman bed

Launceston resident Jenny Purtell was excited to be buying a brand new bed for her son, "rather than second-hand for a change".

Earlier this year they went to Harvey Norman and bought a flat-pack timber bed that had been imported from China.

But the family got a surprise when they started putting it together.

"When we put the slats on, I just thought I saw some antennae in a little hole," Ms Purtell said.

"I had a look and an insect actually crawled out."

Read more here

The appearance of a “tropical” mosquito-borne illness in southeastern Australia has unsettled researchers

Construction supervisor Jack McCann started to feel “a bit crook”—that’s “sick,” in Australian slang—on the hot afternoon of 26 February 2022. He and some buddies had just finished laying a fireplace hearth in his backyard in Corowa, Australia, population 5500. His friends suggested a trip to the pub. McCann, then 30, told them he needed to beg off. “Usually, I would have been the first one there,” he says.

Corowa sits beside the Murray River, which in that region forms the border between the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, to the south. It’s a scenic area that draws tourists to fish, boat, and swim every summer. It’s also rich with wetlands that make ideal mosquito breeding grounds. The river slides along slowly about 300 meters from McCann’s front door.

McCann went to bed unusually early that night. He woke the next morning drenched in sweat and vomited his breakfast. He rarely got sick, and he wasn’t a complainer, but he asked his partner to take him to the small local hospital. When his mother, Jo McCann, a nurse, visited him 24 hours later, “I was absolutely horrified by his appearance,” she recalls. “He was moaning. He was pale. He was photophobic. He just looked terrible.” She asked the charge nurse, “How do I get him transferred?”

Read more here

Credit - Science.org 

As the year 2023 draws to a close, Women In Pest Management (WIPM) takes a moment to bask in the glow of our achievements and express gratitude to our members, sponsors, and dedicated committee.

Membership Milestone: This year marked a significant achievement for WIPM as we seen our membership grow to over 340. This growth is a testament to the strength and unity that defines our association.

Structural Evolution: With the addition of new committee members, our organisational structure has evolved, with Amanda Robin stepping into the pivotal role of overseeing sponsorship activities in Australia. Amanda will also lead the charge in managing the 2024 Recognition Awards along with the rest of the award committee, and spearhead our industry-specific mentorship program, set to launch in 2024.

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Red imported fire ants are a particularly nasty type of ant because they are aggressive, and inflict painful stings that may be life threatening. That's in addition to being a serious threat to agriculture and biosecurity.

In recent weeks, we heard these ants had spread from Queensland, south into northern New South Wales.

Although their stings are rare in Australia, they can lead to a serious allergic reaction. Here's what to do if you've been stung.

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Credit - ABC News 

SAVE THE DATE!!

• Pesticon 2024 - 14th - 16th August  

AEPMA welcomes any contributions or suggestions for articles that you feel are relevant to the industry. Simply forward to info@aepma.com.au.

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