Industry unites in pandemic fight

While the measures taken this spring to keep COVID-19 from spreading were unfathomable mere months ago, the pest management industry by and large sprang into action to see where it could be of service. Beyond working compassionately with customers and employees, and adjusting/introducing services accordingly, many pest management professionals (PMPs) also threw themselves into community service.

For example, Hoffman’s Exterminating in Mantua Township, N.J., not only donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing products and services to local healthcare facilities, but also waived all fees associated with service for any facility or residential customer in healthcare until May 1. Read more about an event the firm held in late April for Earth Day here.

“We always say we are the protectors of health, food and property. [These are] unprecedented times, and we will all be put to the test,” President Bill Hoffman, ACE, said in an online post to colleagues. “I’m a small company, but will put forth all efforts in keeping my family, employees, community and our healthcare workers safe. Join me and do all you can.”

PHOTO: ARKADIA ECO PEST CONTROL

Andrew Lyng is a hero not only to customers, but to his co-workers at Arkadia Eco Pest Control. Using his military background as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist for the U.S. Army, Lyng went from sales manager to internal service specialist for the Randolph, N.J.-based firm. Lyng is solely responsible for interior pest control services for the company’s accounts within 13 counties in northern New Jersey, so that Arkadia’s six other technicians can focus on exterior services like tick and mosquito control. Here Lyng, center, and colleagues practice social distancing during a morning meeting.

Read more: Arkadia’s Lyng is military veteran, pest control hero

PHOTO: P.E.S.T. RELIEF INTERNATIONAL

The non-profit charity Professionals Empowering, Sustaining & Transforming (P.E.S.T.) Relief International instituted a “Masks for Relief” program; mask and monetary donations are welcome. Details can be found at PESTRelief.org. Led by Mattress Safe VP Andrea Hancock, at press time the program made more than 300 masks from more than $1,800 in donations.

Read more: P.E.S.T. Relief International announces mask donation project

PHOTO: MEN IN BLACK PEST CONTROL

Naperville, Ill.-based Men in Black Pest Control Services kept busy with a number of charitable activities, including picking up prescriptions, groceries and meals for senior citizens at no charge; donating P100 cartridges, face mask respirators and nitrile exam gloves — personal protective equipment they had in inventory — to Edwards Hospital; leading a drive for local food pantries; and participating in a “helping parents cope” gift basket program with other local companies, making deliveries to families with school-aged children. From left are Owner Jason Gibbons, Commercial Sales Rep Dan Kaminski and Service Technician Evan Gruber.

Read more: Giving Back: Men in Black, Terminix, Thomas Pest and RISE

PHOTO: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

Pest Control Insulation (PCI) CFO Jay Mancin watches as Zach Kles, strategic sourcing specialist for the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, puts donated masks in his vehicle. PCI Customer Service Representative Melissa Leveille brings another box of donated masks. The Lula, Ga.-based manufacturer of TAP Pest Control Insulation donated more than 1,200 N95 respirator masks to the center.

Read more: PCI donates N95 masks to medical center

What is on this page is just a small representation of what we’ve seen and heard; please let us know if you have something to share by dropping us a line at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

Read more COVID-19 coverage here: MyPMP.net/COVID-19