November 2014 



QUICK LINKS



 

 

 

Register Today for the 2015 SPMAO Annual Conference  
 
SPMAO is proud to present the 2015 Annual Conference! Join us January 21-22 at the Hilton Garden Inn Vaughan for two days of networking, education, exhibits, and your opportunity to meet with fellow pest management professionals from across the region. The educational program is now available! Click here to view.

REGISTER TODAY!

Click here to view sponsorship opportunities. 

 

2015 SPMAO Membership Dues Renewal

 
2015 Membership Dues Renewal is now available online. Log in to the SPMAO Member's Only portal to renew your 2015 SPMAO Membership today. Those who have already renewed will be receiving an updated membership certificate next month.

Questions? Contact us at 800-461-6722 or [email protected].

 

Penn Study Shows Bed Bugs Can Transmit Parasite that Causes Chagas Disease 

 

The bed bug may be just as dangerous as its sinister cousin, the triatomine, or "kissing" bug. A new study from Penn Medicine researchers in the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics demonstrated that bed bugs, like the triatomines, can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases in the Americas.  Click here to read the recent NPMA Industry Alert regarding Trypanosoma cruzi.

 

Neonicotinoid Pesticide Use to be Reduced by 80% in Ontario 

CBC News, November 25, 2014 (Ontario) 

 

The Ontario government has moved to limit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides amid growing evidence that the substances are responsible for drastic reductions in bee populations in the province. Read more... 

 

New Councilor Wants to Look at Repealing DDT Ban to Fight Bed Bugs

CBC News, November 19, 2014 (Hamilton)

 

A new Hamilton city councilor says he wants to ask the province to allow the use of banned chemicals including DDT to help rid the city of its bed bug epidemic. Matthew Green, who was elected in October to represent Ward 3, says he wants the province to take "a closer look" at repealing the 40-year ban on DDT, or other powerful chemicals on a limited basis if they'll help eradicate bed bugs in Hamilton. Read more...

 

Conservation Authority to Axe 9,000 Trees Infested with Pest 

The Record, November 22, 2014 (Ontario)

 

The Grand River Conservation Authority will cut down 9,000 trees and spend about $8 million over the next decade in dealing with the tiny emerald ash borer.The 9,000 trees have been identified across the watershed at conservation areas, parks, nature centers and on residential and cottage properties owned by the conservation authority. Read more...

 

Structural Pesticide Licensing Preparation Course

 

January 26-28, 2015

Best Western 

161 Chisholm Drive, Milton 


Pest Certified is offering a three-day course that is designed to help students pass the Ministry of the Environment pesticides licensing exam. The course will review the Ontario Pesticides Act, safety protocols, IPM principles, math calculations for mixing and applying product, pest biology and habits and safe use and selection of pesticides.


Students need to apply for the licensing package which contains the study material prior to the course commencement. Click here for the application for the licensing material and exam. The preparation course fee is $395 plus HST.


To register for the preparation course, email Jeff Twinn or call at 519-719-8262 as space is limited.

 

Pest Management Techniques Program

 

Sir Sanford Fleming College recently announced that the Pest Management Techniques program has been approved by the Ministry of Trades, Colleges, and Universities. 

 

SPMAO fully supports this program and is assisting with planning and certification modules that are included within the curriculum

 

The program will launch in January 2015 with a subsequent intake in September 2015. Students in the program will be looking for co-op placements in the summer of 2015 and January 2016. If your company is interested in participating in the program, please contact  [email protected] and we will put you in touch with the program facilitators. To learn more about the program, click here.