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EVP NOTES
Every year the California Pest Control Industry gathers together, in what is the largest annual convention and trade show for our industry in the country, outside of NPMA's PestWorld. This year, we again have a program with increased value and format. Expo 2014 is June 19-21 at Harrah's Resort and Casino in Las Vegas! Our Expo program is designed to provide interesting and informative speakers, an exhibit hall where PCOs can learn about new products, and also to provide CE hours. Friday is reserved for Continuing Education. Our Keynote Speaker will be terrific! Mike Potter, Professor and urban entomologist at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Potter is a world renowned expert. His presentation is entitled: "Bed Bug Nation. Are We Making Any Progress?" One of the most important functions of this premier event is in the networking that takes place among the attendees: PCOC companies, manufacturers and suppliers. Several manufacturers and suppliers, for instance, take this time to roll out new products because of the high value placed on the Exhibit Hall. This year we have the capacity for 80 booths...half of which have already been taken! This year's golf tournament is at the Legacy Golf Club which will be followed by an awards lunch! The Installation Banquet is a time when we can all be proud of our association: celebrating the dedication and commitment of individuals who provide the leadership in PCOC. By the same token, celebrating what PCOC is all about: our members. REGISTER TODAY. Go to PCOC.org/upcoming events. I look forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas! 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The 2013-2014 Legislative Session of the California Legislature is in progress. Click here for PCOC's Legislative Agenda. 
IN THE NEWS
 UNDERSTANDING THE NEW SECOND GENERATION RODENTICIDE REGULATION
With the effective date for the upcoming changes to second generation rodenticides (SGAR) looming, July 1, 2014, many technicians and owners still seem to be confused about what these changes mean, or how it affects them. The new regulations designate SGAR products containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone in California as restricted materials. But what does this mean? It means that only certified private applicators, certified commercial applicators and structural pest control operator and field representatives can use these restricted materials or under their direct supervision. Certified Private Applicators (PAC) and Certified Commercial Applicators (QAL/QAC) are licensed through the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Structural pest control operators and Field Representatives are licensed through the Structural Pest Control Board. In the world of Structural Pest Control, this means that applicators cannot use these materials without the direct supervision of an operator or field representative. PCOC's General Pest Committee sent a letter to DPR seeking clarification as to "direct supervision." We are looking to include radio and cell phone communication as "direct supervision." We are waiting for a response. As we currently understand it, DPR does consider an applicator to be in contact with an operator or field rep via radio or cell phone to apply as supervision. We are still seeking clarification. This also means that only certified applicators, except those licensed under the Structural Pest Control Board, must obtain a restricted materials permit from the County Agricultural Commissioner (CAC) before purchasing or using SGAR products. This means that Structural Pest Control companies do not need a restricted materials permit. In addition, restricted materials used in a non-agricultural setting, meaning Structural Pest Control, do not require a notice of intent (NOI). Another major change has been introduced. The distance SGARs can be placed in an above ground bait station from a man-made structure has been switched back to 50 feet unless there is a feature associated with the site that is harboring or attracting the target pest beyond the 50-foot limit. I would suggest that any licensee not take this last part lightly. If you are planning to use an SGAR more than 50 feet from the structure, it had better be in accord with the language of an associated site that is harboring or attracting the target pest. If an inspector sees a bait box outside of the range, you better be able to defend your position as to why the box has been placed there. Similarly, when the infestation is dealt with, I would recommend removing the box as you are supposed to do. For an easy to use chart on certification/license types and responsibilities and related codes, click HERE. For the official DPR outline of the changes, click HERE. D-CON MAKER RECKITT BENCKISER SUES CDPR -Article from San Francisco Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The manufacturer of a popular rat poison is suing California over a new regulation that would prevent consumers from buying many types of pesticides for at-home use because they can harm pets and wildlife. Reckitt Benckiser, a major producer of health and home products, including d-CON rodent poison, filed a lawsuit in San Diego against the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The lawsuit argues that the state agency overstepped its authority earlier this month when it classified some consumer pesticides as restricted materials and ordered stores to remove them from shelves by July 1. "Pest control is integral to public health in California," the company's attorneys wrote in the complaint. "Before DPR eliminates consumer access to the most affordable and effective rodent control available, it must establish that there is substantial evidence supporting the need for the regulation adopted." The new regulation applies to all pesticide products containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone — chemicals that interfere with blood clotting. The substances, called second-generation anticoagulants, essentially cause the animals that ingest them to bleed excessively. The regulation has been hailed by advocates like Earthjustice, a public interest law firm representing a number of environmental conservation groups pushing for a federal ban on the rat poisons. "Reckitt Benckiser knows that California's bold decision to take d-CON off the shelves is a preview of things to come in other states," said Greg Loarie, an Earthjustice attorney. The pesticide regulation department says the rule is necessary because the substances pose a danger to pets and wildlife. Charlotte Fadipe, an agency spokeswoman, has said that only pest control companies and trained professionals with state certifications should be able to purchase poisons containing second-generation anticoagulants. The danger lies in other animals, including family pets, potentially eating a rodent that's ingested the restricted pesticides, she said. Some species that have been harmed by the poisons include the barn owl, bobcat, coyote, raccoon and endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Fadipe said. "This is a practical, sensible regulation that goes a long way to protecting our wildlife," said Brian Leahy, the agency's director. He says the restricted poisons can contain "some pretty powerful chemistry" and stopping their sales will reduced effects to pets and other animals. In its complaint, Reckitt Benckiser claims the pesticide regulation department violated the law by not giving the public proper notice or opportunity to comment on the rule. It also says the agency failed to study reasonable alternatives and conduct an environmental impact report on the new rule, including what effect rat poisons that don't contain the restricted chemicals would have on wildlife. "We remain concerned that this decision will result in the increased use of alternative products which contain a powerful neurotoxin with no known antidote in the case of accidental exposure," Tony Brand, a spokesman for d-CON rodent poison, said in a statement. CLARK PEST CONTROL ACQUIRES PEST MANAGEMENT COMPANIES BUGZ-B-GONE AND STOCK EXTERMINATORS Click here for full article UPCOMING EVENTS
Comings and Goings
Welcome to a new section of Newsbriefs! Here, we will give news from our members: new hires, retirements, etc. If you have some news you would like to share, please send a short sentence or two to jenai@pcoc.org. MEMBER NEWS
MEMBER VALUE PROGRAM
PCOC MONTHLY INSURANCE/SAFETY TIP
Today, smartphones account for more than 60 percent of all mobile phones sold in the United States. Relying on thumbs to type for extended periods can cause "BlackBerry thumb," a repetitive strain injury (RSI) that can cause the tendons at the base of the thumb to become inflamed. As with other RSIs, BlackBerry thumb can become a chronic condition if not addressed soon enough. At their worst, BlackBerry thumb and other smartphone-related RSIs can cause chronic pain, fatigue and loss of productivity, and may require surgery. To ensure that your employees' use of mobile devices means more productivity rather than more injuries, consider conducting trainings on the proper use of smartphones and tablets. Key points to cover include: 1. Use the right tool for the task. Where possible, reserve smartphones and tablets for brief uses while on the go. When reading a lot or sending a lengthy email, for example, using a desktop computer will result in less strain on eyes, neck and hands. 2. Limit repetitive motions — primarily entering text and information. Small keypads make dialing numbers or inputting text more difficult. Store commonly used numbers in memory. Keeping messages brief will reduce keystrokes and resulting stress, as will using cut-and-paste and other shortcuts. 3. Mind posture. Smartphone and tablet users often slump or crouch over a small screen to see it. A tablet stand will hold a tablet vertically for easier viewing, helping workers avoid muscle strain. 4. Use hands properly. If you must hold a smartphone or tablet while typing, hold it vertically, which decreases thumb reach to push a key. To further reduce strain, type using the pads of fingers versus fingernails and maintain a neutral grip, with straight wrists. 5. Bigger is better — to a point. The newest "phablets" — morphs between smartphones and tablets — have 6-inch screens. A couple more inches might not sound like much, but the increase makes a phablet's virtual keys 25 percent larger than a standard-sized phone's. This could reduce strain on the fingers and hand. Larger screens can also reduce eyestrain and enhance reading comprehension. So is bigger always better? A recent article in The Wall Street Journal points out two downsides to larger smartphones — first, they can be harder to grip. And second, after a certain point, your thumbs can't swipe across the entire screen. The author cautions readers to test these two important aspects of fit before buying a new smartphone. (You might also want to consider the extra space a case will take, particularly if you use a heavy-duty case.) 6. Minimize eyestrain. Workers who use devices outdoors or in natural light might want a monochrome screen for less eye strain when reading in direct light. Those who use their smartphones indoors or in reduced-light environments will need backlight for optimal reading. Also, consider screen resolution. The longer the reading time, the higher the resolution you need. If you have a lot of text to read, save it for a laptop or PC. Cleaning the screen periodically and using a screen protector can also help reduce glare and eyestrain. Finally, these exercises can help reduce screen-related eyestrain: a. Palming: Cover your closed eyes with your hands, so that the palms are over (but not touching) your eyelids. Take several deep breaths and take in the complete darkness. After 20 seconds, uncover your eyes and allow them to refocus. b. Refocus Routine: Identify two objects that
are roughly 20 feet away and relax. Comfortably focus on one object for
approximately 10-15 seconds, then focus on the other object for 10-15 seconds
before returning your focus to your screen. Repeat routine regularly throughout
the day. For suggestions on preventing RSIs and other workplace injuries, please contact the PCOC Insurance Program department of The Leavitt Group at (877) 860-7378 or, email us @ ProPest@Leavitt.com. NEW MEMBERS
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED INFORMATION
NPMA LOGIN FOR JOINT MEMBERSHIP LOGIN: 313501 PASSWORD: PCOC
Department of Fish & Game Department of Food & Agriculture Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
www.cdpr.ca.gov DPR on Facebook www.facebook.com/capesticideregulation DPR on YouTube (see "playlists" for videos pertaining to new surface water regulations) www.youtube.com/user/californiapesticides DPR on Twitter twitter.com/ca_pesticides DPR LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/california-department-of-pesticide-regulation Healthy Schools Act http://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/ Structural Pest Control Board www.pestboard.ca.gov Find Your Legislator |
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