Press Room

Orkin, Inc. Names Kelley-Tunis Division Technical Manager

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:01:32 -0500

ATLANTA, Aug. 17, 2009 – Atlanta-based pest control leader Orkin, Inc. recently added Kim Kelley-Tunis as its Atlantic division technical services manager.

Kelley-Tunis will be based in Raleigh, N.C., and work directly with Orkin’s Atlantic division branches to provide professional technical expertise and training on customer service and pest treatment approaches. In addition to assisting branches with specific pest issues, Kelley-Tunis also will oversee technical training and development initiatives.

“Kim has both technical expertise and enthusiasm for customer service — both key characteristics we look for in every Orkin employee,” said Gene Iarocci, Orkin Atlantic division president. “Her academic research background and nearly 15 years of experience in the pest management industry will help her provide valuable insight to our branches in the Atlantic division.”

After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in wildlife science, Kelley-Tunis researched the biology, behavior and control of multiple pests at Purdue’s Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management. Prior to joining Orkin, she served as the director of education and training at McCloud Services, where she was responsible for continuing education programs, new employee orientation and client-based educational programs.

A recognized industry expert who was named one of Pest Control Technology’s “40 under 40” in 2004, Kelley-Tunis is a sought-after speaker at pest control industry seminars and conferences. She has written articles for several trade magazines and journals.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our Web site at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Rollins, Inc. Names Crump Vice President of Program Management

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:57:18 -0500

Craft Promoted to Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications

ATLANTA, Aug. 17, 2009 – Atlanta-based Rollins, Inc., a national consumer and commercial services company, recently added Lee W. Crump to its executive team as the vice president of program management. Crump will manage the resources, budget, processes and reporting for all Rollins brand projects. Rollins also promoted Martha Craft to vice president of public relations and corporate communications, where she will be responsible for the strategic direction of internal and external communications for each of Rollins’ pest control

subsidiaries, including Orkin, Inc.

Crump brings more than 30 years of experience to Rollins, including nine years as a vice president at pest control company Terminix. Crump is a certified project management professional (PMP) and holds the PMP credential from the Project Management Institute.

“Lee’s depth of business knowledge and experience will provide valuable support for Rollins’ continued growth worldwide,” said Glen Rollins, Rollins executive vice president. “We look forward to his contributions to the Rollins project management office.”

Craft joined Orkin, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins, in 1999, and has since received numerous national and regional awards for her work on the company’s communications programs. Craft has established and expanded corporate partnerships and programs between Orkin and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Safety Foundation, National Science Teachers Association and United Nations Foundation, among others.

“In her nearly ten years with us, Martha has helped educate Americans around the country about pests and the Orkin brand,” said Rollins. “I am confident she will serve as a strong leader for all of Rollins’ brands moving forward.”

About Rollins, Inc.

You can learn more about our subsidiaries by visiting our web sites at www.orkin.com, www.pestdefense.com, www.westernpest.com, www.indfumco.com, www.cranepestcontrol.com and www.rollins.com. You can also find this and other news releases at www.rollins.com by accessing the news releases button.

About Orkin, Inc.

The Votes Are In, Spiders Win

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:14:30 -0400

Spiders Voted Scariest Pest in Orkin’s First-Ever “Scariest Pest Halloween Poll”

ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2009 – Results from Orkin’s first-ever “Scariest Pest Halloween Poll” reveal spiders, one of Halloween’s quintessential icons, are the scariest pests of 2009. According to Orkin experts, the pests people consider (and voted) the scariest are not necessarily the most dangerous.

From October 1 – 23, the Atlanta-based pest control leader invited people to vote online at Halloween.Orkin.com for one of six spine-chilling pests. Following are the scariest pest rankings and percentages from the online poll:

Spooky spiders (30 percent)
Hair-raising rodents (27 percent)
Creepy cockroaches (23 percent)
Terrifying ticks (10 percent)
Freaky flying/stinging insects (6 percent)
Menacing mosquitoes (4 percent)

Similar to plastic spider rings and cotton web decorations that run rampant this holiday season, most of the 3,500 spider species found in the United States — even if they bite — cause little harm to humans. However, the following few spider species rank among the most dangerous pests in North America because of their potentially harmful and even deadly bites:

According to Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc., the few dangerous spider species like the black widow and brown recluse are so well known that people overlook the great benefit spiders provide. “Their food sources — moths, flies, cockroaches, bees and other bugs — are the same insects that pester us. Because of that, their presence in or around our homes is a good indicator that we have a larger pest issue that needs attention.”

Harrison does not ignore the fact that most people consider spiders scary, or that they should protect themselves against spider bites. He offers these tips to make homes less attractive to spiders:

Target their food source. Contact a licensed pest management professional to first control the insects that are attracting spiders to your home.
Sweep, dust, clean and remove clutter to make areas uncomfortable for spiders, which often like to hide.
Seal off potential entries like cracks and crevices, spaces under doors, holes in screens, etc.

Harrison also warns that homeowners should understand the risks posed by rodents, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ticks and flying/stinging insects. Although not voted the scariest, these pests are some of the world’s most dangerous because of the diseases they can carry and health threats they pose.

Following are Harrison’s rankings for the most dangerous pests:

Blood-Suckers: Mosquitoes top Harrison’s list as they pose a significant danger to public health throughout the world — transmitting West Nile virus, malaria and yellow fever. Harrison warns that ticks — associated with Colorado Tick Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease — are actually the number one transmitter of disease in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 28,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease were reported in the U.S. in 2008.
Creepy Crawlers (including poll-topping spiders): In addition to eliciting a scream, rodents can transmit numerous diseases — including Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and LCMV — through their urine, feces and bites. Cockroaches can cause more than the chills, transferring pathogens from the decaying matter they live and breed in to food and food-preparation areas. With their cast skins producing allergens, cockroaches have been proven to cause allergic reactions and even asthma.
Stingers: Some species of flying and stinging insects are known to protect their nests aggressively and inflict painful stings on intruders. Stings from yellow jackets, hornets and wasps can cause swelling, become infected easily and also aggravate skin conditions and allergies.

According to Orkin, Halloween’s cold weather often sparks an increase in activity from the creepy crawlers, but whatever the season, people should protect themselves and their homes from these scary and potentially dangerous pests. For more facts about frightful pests, visit orkin.com.

About Orkin, Inc.

Orkin Receives 2009 WebAward from Web Marketing Association

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:24:30 -0400

Orkin.com Named “Best Diversified Business Website”

ATLANTA, Oct. 5, 2009 – The Web Marketing Association recently recognized www.orkin.com, the consumer Web site for Atlanta-based pest control provider Orkin, Inc., as the winner of its 2009 WebAward for “Best Diversified Business Website.” The annual award competition honors the best Web sites from companies in 96 industries around the world.

An independent panel of expert judges selects WebAward winners based on the following criteria: design, ease of use, copywriting, interactivity, use of technology, innovation and content. This year was the 13th year for the annual competition.

“This WebAward is a testament to the hard work of our team and partner agency, THINK Interactive, Inc., in creating and maintaining an engaging, informative site on pest and termite control,” said Rob Crigler, assistant vice president of digital strategy and acquisition for Orkin. “Orkin.com allows visitors to engage with our brand, learn about pests and understand how they can partner with Orkin to keep pests in their place.”

The 2009 WebAward is Orkin’s first award in recognition of its online marketing. Since www.orkin.com first launched as an online brochure in 1997, the site has evolved to include a learning center with pest identification and treatment facts, service schedule request options, regional pest information and access to Orkin’s popular television commercials.

About Orkin, Inc.

About THINK Interactive, Inc.

THINK Interactive, Inc. is an Atlanta-based interactive marketing agency specializing in the development of smart ideas. These ideas and the initiatives they fuel successfully engage key audiences with client brands in ways that help strengthen business. Since 1995, THINK has helped a diverse mix of Fortune 1000 clients integrate the Web, mobile and new media into their marketing programs. For more information on THINK, please visit the company’s Web site at www.thinkinc.com.

As Fall Weather Rolls In, Keep Out Rodents

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:27:04 -0400

ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2009 – As you adjust the thermostat for cooler fall temperatures, remember that unwanted pests like rats and mice will be looking for a warm place to nest. Pest proofing your home now can help prevent these rodents from settling in for the winter.

Just like you use a coat to stay warm, rodents use specific techniques to help maintain their body temperature in cooler weather — such as seeking shelter inside your home. Fall evenings as mild as those in the mid-50s can send rodents indoors to search for warmth.

Looking for places to nest, rodents may seek out ways to get inside your home. Rats can squeeze through quarter-sized holes and mice can enter dime-sized holes. Since rodents can enlarge any size hole by gnawing, seal all gaps as wide as a pencil with weather-resistant caulking or sealant.

Rodents also can carry and spread a variety of diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents can spread viruses or bacteria through their urine or droppings that can cause diseases such as hantavirus, which causes flu-like symptoms, and LCMV, which causes inflammation of the brain. The fleas and mites rodents carry also can transmit harmful diseases.

“Unfortunately, most homeowners take a reactive approach to pest control and do not think about pest prevention,” says Orkin, Inc. Technical Director Ron Harrison, Ph.D. “We recommend proactively preventing rodent infestations by reducing entry points before the cooler temperatures arrive.”

To help stop rodents from entering and nesting in your home this winter, Harrison recommends taking the following preventive steps this fall:

Install weatherstripping at the bottom and sides of exterior doors.
Seal all cracks and crevices to keep out rodents — and insects.
Store firewood on a raised platform away from the house.
Pick up and store pet food overnight.
Take out garbage and vacuum frequently.
Regularly inspect the exterior and interior of homes for droppings, nests and burrows.

Prevention is key when it comes to rodent control. Once mice and rats are inside your home, they can be difficult to locate and remove. If you suspect rodent activity, partner with a licensed pest control professional to help inspect your home and develop a treatment plan.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin, Inc. Announces Executive Promotions

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:30:15 -0400

Company’s Operations Executives Elevated to Division Presidents

ATLANTA, July 29, 2009 – Orkin, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., announced today the promotion of five operations executives to Division Presidents. These include Gene A. Iarocci, President of Orkin’s Atlantic Division; Gary L. Rowell, President of Orkin’s Pacific Division; G. Harry Sargent, President of Orkin’s South Central Division; Robert T. Stevens, President of Orkin’s Midwest Division; and John Wilson, President of Orkin’s Southeast Division. Also promoted was D. Thomas Walters to President of Western Pest Services. Western is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins.

These new Division Presidents join Gary Muldoon, President of Orkin Canada, and Bob Wanzer, President of HomeTeam Pest Defense (also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins), in top leadership roles.

Also announced today, Glen W. Rollins, Orkin President and COO, was promoted to Executive Vice President of Rollins, Inc. and CEO of Orkin, Inc.

“This is an exciting time for Rollins as we continue to expand our vision for the company and execute our business plan. Our company is very fortunate to have leaders of this quality and ability to fulfill these important roles,” said Gary W. Rollins, President and CEO of Rollins, Inc., parent company of Orkin. “Each of these executives is deserving of these promotions, having successfully served the company for many years.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin Warns of Four Pests to Avoid This Fourth of July

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:42:44 -0400

ATLANTA, June 30, 2009 – As Americans celebrate Independence Day outdoors, pest control giant Orkin, Inc., warns about the four common pests that are most likely to crash the holiday festivities: mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants and wasps. [Professional, non-commercial b-roll and still photos of these pests are available, preview b-roll at http://tinyurl.com/orkinjulypests.]

“Pests usually are attracted to food, water and optimal temperatures, so they love July Fourth as much as anyone,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Orkin entomologist and technical director. “By understanding what attracts these pests, people can take simple steps to protect themselves.”

Mosquitoes, which transmit malaria, encephalitis and other deadly diseases, are among the most dangerous pests in the world. Although malaria has been eliminated from the U.S., mosquitoes still spread West Nile virus (WNV) and other harmful viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes that spread WNV are most likely to bite between dusk and dawn.

Ticks, most active from May through September, can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

To fight the bite of mosquitoes and protect family members and pets against tick bites:

Apply an EPA-approved insect repellant on exposed skin or clothing.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks outdoors, especially when near standing water, shrubbery or tall grass.
Remove standing water from gutters, flower pots and elsewhere; mosquitoes can breed in only a thimble-full of water.
Always check family members and pets promptly after being outdoors.

Fire ants are very protective of their colonies. When threatened, they repeatedly sting, causing blisters or pustules. Wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets, can sting, causing headaches, fever, vomiting and other symptoms.

These insects can even be deadly to people allergic to their venom. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to hospital emergency rooms and cause at least 40 deaths annually in the United States.

To prevent injury from stinging insects:

Seal food tightly in containers.
Cover soda cans or drink from clear cups. Yellow jackets love sugar and may enter cans unseen.
Empty and wash garbage cans regularly.
Mow yards to make ant mounds visible and avoidable.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Backyard Staycations: The Perfect Swarm

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:47:45 -0400

Economic Conditions and Weather Mix to Create Perfect Environment for Mosquitoes

ATLANTA, June 16, 2009 – As Americans plan summertime activities, many are choosing to stay home and enjoy backyard vacations due to job uncertainty and rising gas prices. While outdoors, there is a good chance they will see a foreclosed home nearby. And, if they are grilling out for the first time this year, they will probably find water pooled at the bottom of the grill from a wetter than normal spring in many areas.

“Current economic and weather conditions have created the perfect storm for what could be a very troubling mosquito season,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Orkin entomologist and technical director. “Through May, our mosquito treatments are up more than 20 percent over the first five months of last year,” added Harrison.

More than a nuisance, mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus and other types of viral encephalitis, among other diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), serious symptoms of West Nile can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation and paralysis. Of the 1,356 cases of West Nile in 2008, 44 were fatal, and there have been a total of 1,130 West Nile deaths in the U.S. since the virus was first identified here in 1999.

“The intensity of virus transmission varies from year to year and geographic area, but even during mild seasons, West Nile virus can cause severe illness and death,” said Dr. Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez, behavioral scientist for the CDC’s National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases. “However, steps can be taken to minimize the risk of West Nile virus infection.”

Orkin offers the following tips to homeowners to prevent mosquito bites:

When outdoors, spray an EPA-registered insect repellant on exposed skin or on clothing. For greater protection, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks. Prime biting hours for most mosquitoes [that spread West Nile virus] are between dusk and dawn.
Empty standing water from gutters, birdbaths or flower pots, and thin vegetation around the home.
Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly and have no holes, to prevent entry.
Call a pest control professional for information on mosquito control services.

Mosquitoes are not only a problem in the U.S.; they are deadly in Africa. For every mosquito service purchased in 2009, Orkin, through its Fight the Bite campaign, will donate funds for one long-lasting, insecticide-treated mosquito bed net to Nothing But Nets, a global, grassroots campaign of the United Nations Foundation. Orkin pledged at least $150,000 this year to purchase and distribute nets and to educate African communities about their proper use. By signing up for Orkin’s mosquito service, you will help send a net to save a life in Africa. For more information, visit www.nets.orkin.com.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Ants and Cockroaches Crawl to the Top of the “Most Active Household Pests” List

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:48:45 -0400

Even as bed bug activity increases across the nation, ants and cockroaches still top the “most active household pests” list during warmer months.

“Many homeowners consider ants and cockroaches nuisance pests, but they also can cause health issues or damage buildings,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc. “Because associated risks vary by species, correct identification is crucial to protecting loved ones and homes against pests.”

Approximately 50 ant species infest U.S. homes, and some can contaminate food, sting or cause structural damage. Pharaoh ants can transmit disease organisms anywhere food is prepared. Red imported fire ants repeatedly sting anything they perceive to be threatening, causing blistering, painful pustules and even death. Carpenter ants excavate wood for their nests within the walls of decks or homes, causing severe damage and leaving trails of sawdust.

German, American and Oriental cockroaches, all active during warmer months, can spread disease-causing germs, contaminate food and cause allergies — even asthma.

To prevent infestations, Harrison recommends homeowners:

Clean up spilled food and drinks quickly
Seal any entry points around windows and doorways.
Remove clutter, such as boxes and newspapers.

For more information on ants or cockroaches, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter.

Caption
Certain species of ants, best identified by a professional, can pose serious threats to your health and home.

Prevent Pests from Spoiling Your Outdoor Fun

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:44:54 -0400

Warm weather means Americans should take precautions to protect against ticks and mosquitoes.

Ticks, most active from May through September, can cause discomfort and transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Mosquitoes can leave behind itchy welts and transmit serious viruses, including West Nile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 28,000 cases of West Nile virus were reported in the U.S. since 1999.

“Warmer weather brings ticks and mosquitoes, so homeowners should partner with pest professionals to reduce health risks and conditions that allow pests to thrive,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc.

Orkin offers a unique mosquito control program that helps protect homeowners’ yards and raises money to help protect African families from malaria through its Fight the Bite campaign. In 2009, Orkin and its sister pest control companies will donate at least $150,000 for 15,000 insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets to the U.N. Foundations’ Nothing But Nets campaign. To get involved, visit nets.orkin.com.

For more information on mosquitoes, ticks and other pests, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter.

Caption
A few simple actions can help protect you from warm weather pests, including mosquitoes and ticks.

Orkin Acquires Four Pest Control Companies Across the U.S.

Thu, 07 May 2009 10:06:25 -0400

Pest Control Leader Expands Presence in Michigan, Hawaii and Arizona

ATLANTA, May 6, 2009 – Atlanta-based pest control leader Orkin, Inc. recently expanded its employee base and service areas with the acquisitions of four pest control companies this spring — Invaders Pest Control, Inc. in Lincoln Park, Mich., Horizon Pest Management in Kea’au, Hawaii, No Bugz of Arizona, Inc. in Buckhead, Ariz., and Accurate Pest Control in Pontiac, Mich.

“Each of these companies offers valuable employees and increased opportunities for Orkin to provide excellent customer service in local communities,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin.

Invaders Pest Control, a 28-year-old company with a loyal customer base, will merge with Orkin’s existing commercial branch in Detroit. Curtis Shepherd, founder and owner of Invaders Pest Control, will join Orkin to assist with the transition and customer service.

Orkin doubled its customer base on the Big Island of Hawaii with the acquisition of Horizon Pest Management, a 13-year-old company founded by David Jones and his wife, Jenipher, in Kea’au, which is near Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Orkin employees will relocate to Horizon’s office space for the newly merged location.

Orkin’s acquisitions of No Bugz of Arizona, located just west of Phoenix in Buckhead, and Accurate Pest Control in Pontiac will expand existing service areas. Former Accurate Pest Control owner William Klingler will join Orkin.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin Helps Homeowners Get the "411" on Pests

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:42:02 -0400

New Interactive Resource Helps Educate Consumers on Household Pests

ATLANTA, April 15, 2009 – Ever wondered what the crazy bug is that makes surprise appearances in your bathtub or kitchen sink? Now you can identify troublesome pests and summon the help of a licensed professional from your mobile phone, all with the touch of a button. Atlanta-based pest control leader Orkin, Inc. has launched Orkin Pest 411™ to provide consumers with a user-friendly, interactive, mobile website to easily identify pests found in and around their homes.

“Orkin Pest 411 allows homeowners to identify pest activity early and to work with us to control a potential infestation before it gets out of hand,” said Rob Crigler, assistant vice president of digital strategy and acquisition for Orkin.

According to Crigler, Orkin Pest 411 empowers homeowners to identify pests, learn about pest behavior, understand the threats pests can pose to home and health, and contact an Orkin pest specialist to discuss treatment options. Specifically, the site enables users to:

Browse Orkin’s up-to-date pest library for images and educational information on 28 common household pests, including termites, insects, and rodents
View critical pest-related health information about specific pests
Share pest-related information with others through social networks, including Del.icio.us, Digg, Stumbleupon and Facebook
Request a consultation from an Orkin pest specialist

“This resource provides convenience and immediate information, but it also helps homeowners protect their health and property when they understand why it’s so important to keep pests in their place — out of our homes and businesses,” said Glen Rollins, president and chief operating officer of Orkin, Inc.

Orkin Pest 411 offers critical information on health risks posed by common household pests such as cockroaches, which can carry allergens that may cause allergic reactions and even asthma. It also identifies warning signs for structural pests like termites, which can cause serious damage to homes.

Orkin Pest 411 is available on the Web at http://411.orkin.com. The free application can be accessed directly on any iPhone, iPod Touch, or Android-based device such as the T-Mobile G1 by entering http://411.orkin.com/ in the mobile browser.

Orkin partnered with Atlanta-based interactive marketing agency THINK Interactive, Inc. to develop Orkin Pest 411. THINK is also partnering with Orkin on its 2009 banner campaign and overall enhancements to Orkin’s site — www.orkin.com.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

About THINK Interactive, Inc.

Despite Tough Times, Americans Insist on Pest-Free Homes

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:40:11 -0400

87 Percent of Adults Polled About Pests and the Economy Agree “There Is Still No Room for Bugs in My Home"

ATLANTA, April 14, 2009 – While many Americans have slashed home maintenance budgets in this economy, a recent independent survey by Atlanta-based pest control leader Orkin, Inc. reports nearly nine in ten adults (87 percent) still refuse to tolerate pests in their homes. More than half of respondents (57 percent) also agreed that, unlike services like house cleaning, pest control is not a do-it-yourself project. Pest tolerance and treatment approaches varied by type of pest and respondents’ geographic region.

“Our homes are likely our biggest investments, which is why it is important to protect them from pests,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Orkin, Inc. technical director. “A professional trained in pest identification and control can help reduce pests and the risks they pose to our homes and health.”

Survey respondents named severity of the pest problem and health concerns as the two most important reasons for calling an expert to control pests. According to Harrison, these responses are likely due to increased awareness around pests like bed bugs, which can be difficult for consumers to control on their own, and cockroaches, which can cause asthma. Half of adults surveyed ranked “severity of the issue or problem” as the number one reason to call an expert, while 26 percent ranked “concern for [their] family’s health” as their top priority.

Harrison says health risks and home damage caused by cockroaches and termites, respectively, also may explain consumers’ priorities for calling a professional. Survey respondents reported they are more likely to call an expert for termite control (87 percent) than any other pest. More than half would call a professional to control cockroaches (58 percent) and rodents (56 percent) — both known to carry and transmit germs that can cause disease — and bed bugs (56 percent). Only 27 percent and 24 percent of Americans would call an expert for ants and spiders, respectively.

Adults in the South were more apt to hire an expert for pest control (51 percent) than adults in the Northeast (43 percent), West (43 percent) and Midwest (41 percent), particularly when rodents, ants or spiders were involved. While Midwesterners were more tolerant of most pests than respondents from other regions, they were the most likely to call in outside help with cockroaches (67 percent).

The Orkin survey was conducted by Global Strategy Group from March 9 – 12, 2009. The interviews were conducted among 1,253 adults (aged 18 and over) living in private households across the continental U.S. The margin of error was plus or minus three percentage points.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin, Inc. Acquires Two East Coast Pest Control Companies

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:39:25 -0400

Pest Control Leader Adds New Locations in New York and Virginia

ATLANTA, Feb. 3, 2009 – Orkin, Inc., the Atlanta-based pest control leader, added valuable employees and customers with the acquisitions of Precision Pest Control, Inc. in Syracuse, N.Y., and Bob’s Termite and Pest Services in Woodbridge, Va., just before the end of 2008.

“We welcome the opportunity to expand our customer service areas in these growing markets,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin. “We look forward to increasing our local presence in Syracuse and Woodbridge with the help of each location’s tenured employees.”

The acquisition of Precision Pest Control, formerly owned by Jeff and Amy Tomion, will help grow Orkin’s Syracuse and Buffalo, N.Y., locations. Precision received nearly 50 percent of its revenue from commercial pest control, a vital component of Orkin’s pest control business. The company’s tenured employees will join the Orkin team in providing local customers with quality service.

Bob Connor founded Bob’s Termite and Pest Services more than 20 years ago. Orkin has named Kevin Connor, Bob’s son and the most recent owner of the company, as the new Orkin location’s manager. Bob’s commitment to customer service and training align well with Orkin’s similar values. The acquisition is considered a wise strategic move for both companies, as Orkin gains an expanded customer base and excellent employees, while Bob’s benefits from Orkin’s well-regarded training and sales programs.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Don’t Try to Save by Skimping on Pest Control

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:59:33 -0400

As Americans look for ways to reduce costs in the recession, more homeowners are scrutinizing household maintenance expenses to cut out the luxuries. While some home maintenance is a matter of do-it-yourself determination, other upkeep requires the training and skills of a professional. Structure-damaging pests, such as termites, carpenter bees and carpenter ants, can cause serious damage to homes. In fact, termite damage costs American homeowners more than $5 billion each year — an expense that can be reduced or prevented through regular inspections from a trained expert.

“Every successful pest control program begins with a partnership between the homeowners and the professionals,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc. “Routine inspections and effective treatment, especially for destructive pests like termites, require a trusted professional who has been trained in pest identification, behavior and control methods.”

According to www.termites101.org, two main species of termites threaten U.S. homes — subterranean termites that build colonies in the soil, and drywood termites that live in the framing, furniture and hardwood flooring of homes. Many homeowners believe that termites are active only in the warmer months, but actually termites can live in and around your home year-round. Some signs of activity, like swarms, are easy to detect, while other signs — like termite damage in crawl spaces — require an expert inspection.

Often mistaken for termites, carpenter ants are another wood-destroying insect commonly found in homes and are most visible during the warmer months. Like termites, they tunnel inside wood, and can thrive and cause damage in your home without visible signs of activity. Carpenter bees, on the other hand, burrow into wood, leaving perfectly round holes that are often visible from the outside. Both carpenter ants and carpenter bees are frequently found in porch pillars, roofs, windowsills, telephone poles and dead trees.

Harrison says homeowners should call a professional at the first sign of activity:

Large piles of dirt or sawdust underneath windowsills.
Swarms of winged insects in and around the home.
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Mud tubes on exterior walls or the home’s foundation.

It is important to contact a trusted pest management professional if you suspect termites, carpenter ants or carpenter bees have taken up residence in your home. For more information on pest behavior and treatment, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter.

Caption
A trained pest management professional can help protect your home from damage caused by wood-destroying pests, such as termites.

Did You Know?
Termite damage costs American homeowners more than $5 billion each year — an expense that can be reduced or prevented through regular inspections from a trained expert. Skimping on pest control can end up costing you money. For more information, visit www.termites101.org.

Current Pest Activity Marks Brink of Spring

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:52:19 -0400

Orkin Branches Report on Active Pests and Predict Increases Due to Mild Winter

ATLANTA, March 17, 2009 – Spring pest season is here, and with it may come increased pest activity due to the mild winter, according to experts from Orkin, Inc., the Atlanta-based pest control leader. Several Orkin branches throughout the country report that as winter rodent activity tapers off, they currently see — or predict — an early emergence of spring pests like ants and termites.

“Warmer temperatures, plus moisture from rain and melting snow, provide ideal conditions for pests,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc. “In some regions where the winter temperatures did not drop low enough to hamper pest survival and reproduction, homeowners may see more spring pests than usual this year.”

Even Orkin branches in cooler regions like Chicago expect a spring uptick in pest activity, as this year’s snow cover actually shielded underground pests from chilly above-ground temperatures. With more pests surviving the winter, homeowners should expect increased activity throughout the spring and into mid-summer when the heat reaches its peak. Rodent activity, on the other hand, may seem to decline as the weather warms and pests move from their winter hideaways inside homes and businesses to the warmer outdoors.

While the winter has impacted regions across the U.S. differently, Orkin branches throughout the country indicate that rodents, ants and termites are currently the most consistently active pests.

According to one New York City area Orkin branch, winter rodent activity will soon taper off from 20 calls to 5 – 10 calls per month with the arrival of spring. The branch anticipates 200 – 300 termite calls and 30 cockroach calls each month when the weather warms. Overall, the branch expects a 20 percent increase in calls this spring over last spring.
In the Southeast, ants and termites are already active, with one of Orkin’s Atlanta branches reporting an estimated 32 Argentine ant calls per month. The branch anticipates the same or higher level of spring pest activity this year due to warm weather conditions. Orkin’s West Palm Beach, Fla., branch currently receives around 30 termite calls per month — a 10 percent increase over past years.
While winter rodent activity is beginning to slow in the Midwest, ant activity is on the rise. Orkin’s Skokie, Ill., branch, located outside Chicago, averages more than 600 ant calls per month in the spring. The branch expects 30 percent more calls this spring than last spring since more pests survived the winter.
Orkin’s South Houston branch, one of three local Orkin branches, continues to experience winter rodent activity — fielding 60 calls per month. By the end of April, the branch anticipates per month averages of 30 – 35 calls for crazy ants and 30 – 40 calls for fleas. Crazy ant activity may double from last year, as the pest reproduces quickly and has continued to spread across the region.
In the Northwest and southern California, rodents are a year-round issue, while ant activity dramatically increases in the spring. Beginning in March, Orkin’s Seattle branch averages 100 – 150 ant calls per month. Local experts anticipate more ants this spring due to the milder winter. By the end of March, Orkin’s Glendale, Calif., branch in suburban Los Angeles will average 300 ant calls per month, which is typical for the spring.

Local Orkin branch managers emphasize that pest activity is weather-dependent and may change based on sudden temperature swings in early spring. While the specific pests and levels of activity vary by region, rodents, ants and other pests are on the move with the change in season.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include the Company’s expectations regarding spring call levels for pest activities. The actual results of the Company could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements because of various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, general economic conditions which may adversely affect our services and weather conditions that may affect our operations. All of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases the Company cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. A more detailed discussion of potential risks facing the Company can be found in the Report on Form 10-K filed by Rollins, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2008.

From Basement to Rafters: Cleaning is First Step to Minimizing Hidden Home Threats

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:38:34 -0500

As homeowners step into the swing of spring, many will prepare their houses for warmer weather by eliminating dust and grime. In addition to clearing out the dirt, a seasonal spruce-up puts homeowners on the fast track to reducing hidden home threats. Simple steps like vacuuming regularly can help remove cockroach allergens that can cause asthma.

Through its partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and the National Safety Foundation (NSF), pest control leader Orkin, Inc. has created a campaign to help educate individuals on how to protect themselves from threats in and around the home. The campaign combines the public health and safety expertise of its partners into a comprehensive resource of simple safety tips homeowners can use to help protect their families from domestic pest-, safety- and environment-related threats.

“We are proud to partner with several of the country’s premier health and safety organizations to provide prevention and safety tips for battling common threats in and around the home,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., director of training for Orkin, Inc. “Through this educational campaign, we can help families protect themselves against environmental hazards, including pests and the diseases they can carry, by identifying common hot spots and simple prevention steps.”

The experts at Orkin, the CDC, NCHH and NSF recommend homeowners adapt a checklist to reduce the risk of the following hidden home threats:

Cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks, contaminate food and make you sick.
Lead is a dangerous metal that can be found in peeling paint, soil and dust around your home — especially homes built before 1978.
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas found at high levels in one out of every 15 homes.
Foodborne illnesses can be transmitted through the improper storage, handling or cooking of food.
Mold grows on moist surfaces and can cause allergic reactions including watery eyes, runny nose and trouble breathing.
Rodents can squeeze through holes the size of quarters or dimes. Rodents (and the fleas they carry) can transmit harmful diseases.

To access a one-page guide with tips on how to reduce the risk of these and other home threats, visit Orkin’s Learning Center at www.orkin.com/learningcenter.

Caption
Orkin’s Hidden Home Threats campaign offers simple tips homeowners can use to help protect loved ones from domestic health hazards. For more information on how to reduce the risk of hidden home threats, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter or call (800) 800-ORKIN.

Did You Know?
Spring cleaning helps put homeowners on the fast track to reducing hidden home pest-, safety- and environment-related risks. Following a simple safety checklist can help protect your family and pets. For more information on how to reduce the risk of hidden home threats, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter or call (800) 800-ORKIN.

Fight the Bite of the Hated Mosquito

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:36:42 -0500

Reclaim Your Yard and Save Lives in Africa

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 27,000 cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus have been reported in the U.S. since 1999. CDC also reports that malaria — another mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite — is preventable but kills more than one million people each year, 90 percent of whom are children in Africa.

Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. is prepared to Fight the Bite to save lives in Africa and help American homeowners reclaim their yards by waging war on mosquitoes and the deadly diseases they can carry. In 2008, Orkin and its sister pest control companies will donate at least $100,000 for 10,000 long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets to Nothing But Nets, a campaign of the U.N. Foundation dedicated to malaria prevention in Africa. Studies show that communitywide use of these nets can reduce malaria transmission as much as 90 percent in areas with the greatest mosquito populations.

“At Orkin, we’re committed to helping protect public health, which is why we have targeted programs to fight and reduce pest populations like mosquitoes,” said Orkin President and COO Glen Rollins. “We are excited to partner with Nothing But Nets on such a worthwhile campaign to save lives in Africa.”

Orkin will donate a mosquito net through Nothing But Nets for every mosquito service sold this season (April 1 – Aug. 31). One hundred percent of the proceeds from each $10 donation is used to purchase and distribute the net and educate African communities about its proper use. Orkin also encourages employees and customers to donate nets directly at nets.orkin.com.

Although malaria has been eliminated from the U.S., mosquitoes in our own backyards can spread West Nile and other viruses that can cause encephalitis. To help reduce mosquito populations around your home, Orkin and CDC experts offer these tips:

Mosquitoes can breed in only a thimble-full of water. Remove water from gutters, flower pots and other containers.
Point downspouts away from home.
When outdoors, wear repellant containing DEET, picaridn or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.
Contact a pest control professional to asses your yard’s potential breeding spots and provide responsible control techniques.

Learn more about Orkin’s mosquito service and how you can help Fight the Bite at nets.orkin.com. For more information about malaria and Nothing But Nets, visit NothingButNets.net.

Caption
Mosquitoes are disease-carrying pests that can transmit malaria and West Nile virus. Help Orkin Fight the Bite of mosquitoes.

Did You Know?
Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. is prepared to Fight the Bite to save lives in Africa and help American homeowners reclaim their yards. To learn more, visit nets.orkin.com.

Teaser
Reclaim your yard from mosquitos and save lives in Africa. Fight The Bite Of The Hated Mosquito

Flying & Stinging Insect Mat Release

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:34:52 -0500

Did you know that some species of wasps invade honeybees’ nests to steal honey? Or that a bee colony may have 40,000 – 60,000 bees present at a time in the late spring to summer? Or that because their stingers don’t have barbs, a yellow jacket can sting repeatedly?

Insects such as bees and wasps serve a unique and purposeful role in the environment. Bees pollinate flowers and provide us with honey, and wasps like hornets eat other bugs that might be considered pests. However, if you have ever suffered a painful sting from one of these insects, you know the danger they pose.

“Bees and wasps are among the insects people will encounter during the warmer months. People assume that these pests are just irritating and do not realize they can pose serious health risks,” says Frank Meek, board certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc.

In fact, at least 40 deaths occur annually in the United States from reactions to insect stings. Furthermore, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) occurs in 0.5 to 5 percent of the U.S. population as a result of insect stings, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

It is important to note that wasps are at their highest numbers during this time of year, and pests build colonies and nests where they have access to constant food sources. Wasps such as yellow jackets gravitate toward treats like cookies and soda, which provide sugar and protein sources.

As you prepare for outdoor activities in the warmer temperatures, don’t forget these simple tips to make homes and yards less attractive to flying and stinging insects:

Keep food in tightly sealed containers;
Cover soda cans. Yellow jackets often enter cans unseen;
Empty and wash garbage cans regularly;
Fit screens and tighten seals properly on doors and windows;
Frequently monitor for nests; and
Call a licensed pest control professional immediately for treatment and removal.

People who experience severe reactions to insect stings, such as difficulty breathing, infection at the site of the sting, or aggravated skin disorders, should consult a physician.

For more information, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com

Caption
Flying and stinging insects can cause painful stings. As you prepare for outdoor activity during the warmer months, be sure to monitor for nests frequently.

Termites 101 — Learn The Basics To Protect Your Investment

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:32:33 -0500

Posing a risk greater than fire, flood and wind, termites are considered to be a top threat to wood-based structures. Learning the basics about these troublesome pests is the best way to protect one of the most valuable investments of your life — your home.

The visual appearance of termites may not be as dramatic as the flames of a fire, but their slow, methodical destruction of your house can be equally daunting and extremely costly. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cost Americans more than $5 billion in damage annually.

These silent invaders can infest your home for years, secretly hiding and thriving in your basement or attic, without any immediate signs of damage. Understanding basic termite behavior is the first step in preventing these pests from entering your home. Termites:

Live inside wood or underneath the ground.
Can slip through a crack in a house’s foundation as thin as an average business card (1/32").
Eat wood from the inside out, keeping the outside of a wood surface completely intact.
Are social insects that live in colonies of up to several thousand.

Different termite species thrive in different regions, but all termites require four things to survive — food, moisture, shelter and optimal temperature. Whether your home is brick, stucco or wood, it offers the perfect combination for termites. Help protect your investment by watching for signs of an infestation:

Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Pencil-sized mud tubes on exterior walls.
Distorted, cracked or bubbling areas of paint on wood surfaces.

Groups of winged insects or discarded wings of “swarmers” — reproductive termites that take flight during the spring in search of a new colony. While effective pest control requires continued monitoring by a trained professional, there are some practical steps you can take to help prevent termite damage, including:

Sealing gaps and cracks in places like attic vents, window joints and eaves.
Preventing ground contact with foam insulation or wood, as it can act as a highway for termites.
Checking decks and wooden fences for damage.
Eliminating moisture and removing wood sources including mulches that are close to the home.
Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris.

For more information, visit www.termites101.org.

Caption
Termites, which live in colonies of up to several thousand, have proven to be one of homeowners’ greatest threats, invading homes of every type year after year. Scheduling regular inspections of your home by a termite specialist will help detect and control termite infestation. For more information, visit www.termites101.org.

Bed Bugs — The Unwelcome Travel Companion

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:17:36 -0500

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, many Americans take to the skies or hit the road for vacation during the summer months. In addition to packing luggage and double-checking itineraries, travelers should learn how to prevent unwelcome surprises, like bed bugs, from spoiling their trip or return home.

Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. has seen a rise in the number of bed bugs cases over the past several years, treating infestations in 48 states to date, versus only 43 states in 2004 and 35 states in 2003. Experts believe bed bugs’ return and prevalence in the U.S. are due to an increase in international travel and the change to more targeted pest control applications. These factors, combined with increased media coverage on bed bugs, have also heightened awareness of these blood-sucking pests among the general public.

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sanitation issue; they don’t discriminate and can be found in any hotel — luxury to inexpensive — and any home — big, small, clean or dirty as well as dormitories and cruise ships.

“Once a bed bug finds its way indoors, it can move from room to room by traveling on clothing and luggage or through pipes and vacuum cleaners,” said Frank Meek, board-certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc. “This tendency to hitch-hike — as well as a bed bug’s ability to survive more than a year without a blood meal — make proper prevention and control steps even more important.”

While bed bugs are not known to carry disease, these apple-seed-sized pests can leave behind itchy, bloody welts.

Meek recommends travelers use the acronym, S.L.E.E.P., to remember the common signs of a bed bugs infestation and to help prevent these pests from becoming an unwelcome travel companion or souvenir:

Survey surfaces for signs of an infestation, such as dark brown or red spots on sheets.
Lift and look for all bed bug hiding spots, including the mattress, headboard and furniture. Bed bugs are nocturnal and tend to sleep in close proximity to their food source — you!
Elevate your luggage on a luggage rack away from the bed and wall, where bed bugs often hide behind head boards, picture frames and electrical outlet panels.
Examine your luggage while repacking and when you return home. Remember, bed bugs are only 3/16 of an inch and can easily fit in cracks and crevices.
Professionals can treat these resilient pests, which are extremely difficult to kill and can survive temperatures of up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

For more information regarding bed bug prevention and control, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter.

Caption
Don’t let bed bugs spoil your travel. A few identification and prevention tips can help you sleep tight, including surveying sheets and mattresses for signs of an infestation like dark brown or red spots.

Did You Know?
Bed bugs are not a sanitation issue, which means they can be found in any hotel or home. A quick inspection for common signs of an infestation can mean the difference between a relaxing vacation from start to finish and a spoiled return home due to unwanted pests. To learn more bed bug prevention tips, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter.

Orkin, Inc. Named To Training Magazine’s Top 125 For Seventh Straight Year

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:00:45 -0500

ATLANTA, Feb. 9, 2009 – Training magazine recognized Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. as a Top 125 company at its annual awards banquet on Feb. 9. Orkin, a pest control leader for more than a century, ranked No. 83 in 2009, up from No. 92 in 2008. This is the seventh consecutive year the pest control company received a Top 125 ranking. Training selects this prestigious list of companies based on programs tied to business objectives, best training practices and outstanding training initiatives, among other criteria.

Training also recognized Orkin with an Outstanding Training Initiative award for the company’s PowerTrack training program. PowerTrack is a unique, handheld computer technology developed by Orkin, which enables Orkin’s commercial technicians to track pest activity and potential pest problems at the time of service.

A key factor in Orkin’s continued training success is the company’s use of advanced technology and systems to communicate internally, including leveraging podcast technology. Podcasts are a cost-effective, yet engaging, tool for the company to provide ongoing learning directly to more than 350 commercial sales professionals throughout the United States. Podcast episodes are formatted similar to talk radio programs and provide critical information about Orkin and the pest management industry, plus tips for honing sales skills. New episodes are posted monthly, each featuring a sales professional as a guest call-in expert.

“In the past, it has been a challenge to provide effective training to Orkin’s commercial sales professionals, who are dispersed all over the country,” said David Lamb, Orkin’s vice president of learning and media services. “With the help of podcast technology, we are now able to equip our sales force with the information and tools they need to excel, and the response to the program has been very positive.”

Orkin also trains its employees through Orkin TV, a satellite television network launched in 2006. The communications network creates a live “virtual classroom” for employees to interact with expert instructors on new techniques and important public health information. The network includes interactive video-on-demand (IVOD), an integrated satellite receiver and site controller, and direct-to-monitor broadcasting. To date, Orkin TV reaches more than 400 field locations, offering access to employees in every region the company serves.

For on-site learning, Orkin’s training department, called Orkin University, boasts the pest control industry’s premier hands-on training center. The multi-million dollar Atlanta facility includes a restaurant, commercial kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket, warehouse space and a full-sized, fully functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques. Cut-away walls and examples of common building techniques provide commercial and residential technician trainees with first-hand knowledge of what to expect when servicing customers across the country.

“At Orkin, customer service is at the heart of everything we do,” said Lamb. “We are committed to implementing innovative training programs and solutions to effectively engage, equip and advance our employees so that they can, in turn, provide the best possible service.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

CDC Experts Train Orkin Specialists on Pest-Related Health Risks

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:46:17 -0500

Orkin and CDC Expand Invaluable Educational Initiative

ATLANTA, November 4, 2008 – Specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) educated hundreds of Orkin residential and commercial pest control technicians across the country on pests and related diseases during a live broadcast today. Dr. Benjamin Park of the CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch and Jesse Blanton, MPH epidemiologist of the CDC’s Rabies Program led an in-depth seminar on wildlife and related diseases using Orkin’s interactive satellite television communications network.

This year’s expanded program offered two live broadcasts and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participating technicians. More than 275 of the company’s 400 field locations participated in the live broadcast. A video-on-demand feature will carry the broadcast for one year, allowing those that could not participate in the live session to view the program.

The broadcast provided valuable insight on wildlife pests, including opossums, raccoons, squirrels and bats, and the diseases these animals can carry. Park and Blanton also addressed current public health issues, including rabies and histoplasmosis, and how to reduce the risk of exposure to these diseases. Through Orkin’s first-of-its-kind live broadcast technology, introduced in January 2006, participants were able to communicate with the instructors in real-time using TV monitors and interactive keypads in each field location.

“Through our unique partnership with the CDC, we have strengthened our training program even further by equipping our specialists with the knowledge to educate and partner with customers to reduce pest-related health threats around their homes and workplaces,” said Glen Rollins, president and chief operating officer of Orkin, Inc.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin, Inc. Termite Specialists Named to Industry All-Star Team

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Three Orkin Technicians Honored by BASF for Expertise, Service and Leadership

ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2008 – For the second year in a row, BASF Professional Pest Control named three Orkin, Inc. termite technicians to its 16-member 2008 Termidor® termiticide-insecticide All-Star Technician team. BASF will recognize Orkin’s John Dennis of Easley, S.C., Willie Lawson of Blackstone, Va., and James Young of Maryville, Tenn., during a ceremony at the 2008 Dickies 500 stock car race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 2.

BASF launched the Termidor All-Star Technician program in 2006 to highlight the contributions of termite technicians to the pest management industry. Senior BASF marketing, sales and technical personnel reviewed more than 100 entries from managers across the country to select the program’s 16 winners. Technicians were nominated for exceptional customer service, professionalism, leadership within the company, and knowledge of products and industry trends.

“Orkin is thrilled to have three of our termite specialists receive this industry honor,” said Glen Rollins, Orkin, Inc. president and COO. “John, Willie and James exemplify Orkin’s commitment to hard work, outstanding customer service and industry-leading training on pest management techniques.”

Dennis, a pest and termite specialist at Orkin’s Greenville, S.C., branch, is a 20-year Orkin veteran and two-time President’s Club (Orkin’s top recognition program) winner who regularly receives compliments from customers for his superior service and expertise. According to Greenville branch manager Scott Moody, Dennis provides 100 percent effort, day in and day out. “He is the perfect model for leading by example,” Moody said.

Orkin’s Midlothian, Va., branch manager Jim Lincoln characterizes technician Lawson as an all-star at the branch and in the community. Since joining Orkin in 2002, Lawson has become a leader on the branch’s service team and been recognized as a President’s Club winner. He also volunteers in the community by providing free termite treatment to Habitat for Humanity homes. “Willie demonstrates concern, understanding and a vast knowledge of termite control and treatment when dealing with customers,” Lincoln said.

Young is a nearly seven-year Orkin employee who has been named a top performer in Orkin’s Tennessee region multiple times. Maryville branch manager Gary Hubbard describes Young as an “A player” who uses his expertise to determine the most effective treatment approach for each customer. Hubbard also praises Young for his work ethic, as he helps train new technicians on termite treatment and “makes sure the customer’s property looks as good, if not better, than it did when he arrived.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin, Inc. Names McFarland as VP of Marketing, Janusz as Director of E-Commerce

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA, August 14, 2008 – Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. recently added Robert McFarland to its executive team as the vice president of marketing. Allen Janusz also joined the company as the director of e-commerce.

“To further enhance Orkin’s dynamic team of hard-working individuals, we recently created two new positions that will strengthen and add new dimension to our company,” said Glen Rollins, president of Orkin, Inc. “We are pleased to welcome Robert and Allen to the Orkin family and are very fortunate to continually attract such high quality talent.”

As vice president of marketing, McFarland will oversee service line marketing and development as well as marketing communications. He has more than 15 years of marketing experience in a variety of areas including marketing strategy, product development, product management, product marketing, advertising, direct marketing and online marketing.

McFarland formerly led Microsoft’s customer relationship marketing for Windows Mobile and also held a variety of advertising and product marketing roles at BellSouth. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and earned his master’s in business administration from Georgia State University.

“Robert’s wealth of marketing experience will make him an integral part of our executive team,” said Kevin Smith, Orkin’s chief marketing officer.

Joining Orkin as the director of e-commerce, Janusz is the newest member to the Information Technology Center Application Development department. In this role, he will spearhead departmental efforts to transform the customer experience through online channels. Janusz will oversee Orkin’s intranet as well as manage Orkin’s e-Commerce portfolio, which includes website-based sales applications.

Prior to joining Orkin, Janusz managed the Web and Integration Services department at Unisource Worldwide, Inc. During his eight years with Unisource, he oversaw the development and growth of the e-Commerce platform among other e-Business initiatives. Janusz also worked for consulting organizations PricewaterhouseCoopers and Hewitt Associates where he focused on analyzing and implementing technology to enable effective business processes and transactions.

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in accounting and management information systems, Janusz is also a certified public accountant.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Glen Rollins Named to “Top 25 Atlantans to Watch”

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA, August 14, 2008 – Atlanta Business magazine recently named Glen Rollins, president of Orkin, Inc. and vice president of parent company Rollins, Inc., as one of its “Top 25 Atlantans to Watch.” Rollins and executives from other Atlanta companies, including Home Depot and Coca Cola Enterprises, will be recognized at an Aug. 14 ceremony.

Atlanta Business vendors and advertisers nominated honorees of the second annual list. The magazine’s editorial staff then selected winners based on the following criteria: business growth, established businesses that are reinventing themselves, businesses making a difference in Atlanta and unsung business heroes. Rollins received several nominations to the list.

“I am honored to be recognized alongside such well-respected leaders in the Atlanta community and excited about our company’s continued tradition of success,” said Rollins. “This award is a tribute to the hard work, dedication and support of thousands of co-workers at Rollins and our subsidiaries who strive for excellence each day. I am very grateful for each employee’s commitment to building our company’s exceptional reputation. This award would not be possible without them.”

The complete list of 2008 award winners who will be recognized at the ceremony includes: Louise Allen, Ivan Allen; Frank Blake, Home Depot; John Brock, Coca Cola Enterprises; Nicole Buie, Cox Media; Pete Correll, Atlanta Equity; Ann Cramer, IBM; Rilla Delorier, SunTrust; John Dewberry, Dewberry Capital; Mark Dodson, Private Capital Group; Richard Hayes, Alston & Bird; Brett Hunsaker, Grubb & Ellis; Ted Jenkin, Ameriprise; Chris Klaus, Kaneva; Brian Leary, AIG/Atlantic Station; Sam Massell, Buckhead Coalition; David Ratcliffe, Southern Company; Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity; Glen Rollins, Rollins Inc.; Jim Schaper, Infor; Steak Shapiro, 790 The Zone; Derek Smith, Choice Point; Rick Smith, Equifax; Paula Swearingen, Goodwill Industries of North GA; John Williams, Corporate Holdings and Williams Realty Advisors; and Ellen Adair Wyche, The Wyche Group.

About Rollins, Inc.

Rollins, Inc. is a premier North American consumer and commercial services company. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Orkin, Inc., PCO Services, HomeTeam Pest Defense, Western Pest Services, and The Industrial Fumigant Company, the Company provides essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects to over 2.1 million customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia from over 500 locations. You can learn more about our subsidiaries by visiting our Web sites at www.orkin.com, www.pestdefense.com, www.westernpest.com, www.indfumco.com and www.rollins.com. You can also find this and other news releases at www.rollins.com by accessing the news releases button.

Junior Pest Investigators™ Takes the “Eek” Out of Teaching Bug Basics

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Free Lessons Help Schools Meet Learning Objectives and Reduce Pesticide Use

ATLANTA, June 17, 2008 – Atlanta-based pest control company Orkin, Inc. and several national advocates for environmentally responsible pest control in schools are introducing Junior Pest Investigators, a free series of lesson plans and other teaching aids to help K-6 teachers meet their teaching goals and reduce pesticide use in their schools at the same time.

To celebrate the launch, Orkin invites teachers across the U.S. to visit JuniorPI.com, download and teach the free lesson plans and activities, then submit class projects for a chance to win educational prizes including:

Grand Prize: $2,500 science-education grant and a Junior Pest Investigators Learning Library
Second Place: $1,000 science-education grant and a Junior Pest Investigators Learning Library
Third Place: Junior Pest Investigators Learning Library

The Learning Library includes signage, insect — and science — education books/materials, kid-friendly furnishings and other educational items to help promote learning.

“Schools and parents are becoming more concerned with allergens from pests, pesticide use and smart pest management practices,” said Orkin Technical Services manager Patrick Copps. “We’re excited to educate the public about green methods of pest control and hope to continue to keep schools healthy by doing so.”

Written by teachers and approved by national school pest management experts, each Junior Pest Investigators lesson meets several National Science Standards, so teachers can meet their classroom learning objectives while engaging students.

The unit begins by teaching students that insects and rodents have important roles in their own natural environments and become pests only when they invade our living and learning spaces. Subsequent lessons offer tips for keeping insects and rodents outside where they belong — thereby reducing the need for chemical treatments.

“Junior Pest Investigators focuses on Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, an approach that emphasizes non-chemical prevention, with chemical treatments as a last resort,” said Tom Green, Ph.D., president of the IPM Institute of North America and member of the Junior Pest Investigators advisory council. “The Environmental Protection Agency recommends IPM, and many school districts already require its use.”

Green, Copps and other school pest management experts serving on the Junior Pest Investigators’ advisory council are also leaders or participants in regional and national EPA-funded workgroups, which are developing a national strategic plan for implementing IPM in every American school by 2015.

“We hope that educational programs like Junior Pest Investigators will help families understand the importance of reducing pest problems in our schools by implementing environmentally friendly control methods such as IPM,” said Green. “There are simple changes schools can make to keep our schools green and healthy for students.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin Acquires Five Pest Control Companies Across the U.S.

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Orkin, Inc. Expands in Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, New Hampshire and Texas

ATLANTA, May 12, 2008 – Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. has increased its customer base and market share with the acquisition of five pest control companies: PESCO Pest and Termite Control Inc. in Brandon, Fla.; Pest Control Specialists Inc. in Bay St. Louis, Miss.; All Ohio Fertilizer and Pest Control in Hudson, Ohio; Perminate Pest Control in East Hampstead, N.H.; and Bugs R Us Pest Control in Abilene, Texas. These acquisitions are in addition to the HomeTeam acquisition Rollins announced on April 3 and were finalized on Jan. 4, Jan. 11, March 7, March 19 and March 21, respectively.

“With these five acquisitions, Orkin not only increases its customer service areas but also adds valuable tenured employees,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin.

Founded in 1990 by Cecil Martin, PESCO Pest and Termite Control Inc. specializes in general pest and termite control. Through the acquisition, Orkin will combine the PESCO business with its North and South Tampa, Fla., accounts to open Orkin’s first branch in Brandon, Fla. The new branch will increase Orkin’s customer base in a key Florida region, creating a more convenient location for Orkin employees. PESCO will also add experienced employees to the Orkin team.

Pest Control Specialists Inc., founded in 1996 by David and Susanne Mayley will merge into Orkin’s Gulfport, Miss., branch and add several tenured technicians to the Orkin team.

Orkin strengthened its customer base with the pest control accounts of All Ohio Fertilizer and Pest Control which will be added to Orkin’s Akron, Ohio, branch. Owner John Gilmor will retain the company’s lawn care business.

Perminate Pest Control merged its accounts into Orkin’s Boston Commercial branch. Perminate co-owners Ed Crowley and Jeff Richard have more than 30 years of combined industry experience and will also join Orkin’s team. Crowley will work in commercial sales while Richard will join Orkin’s New England Region as a service manager.

The acquisition of Bugs R Us Pest Control will bring five experienced technicians and four new pest control routes into Orkin’s Abilene, Texas, location, continuing Orkin’s growth in the West Texas area.

“Each of these companies will be a great asset to Orkin and make a great fit for our growing markets,” said Hines.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Experts Warn Termites Still Thrive In Dry Weather

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Decrease in Termite Swarms Has Homeowners Mistakenly Dropping Their Guard

ATLANTA, April 11, 2008 – The arrival of warmer spring weather typically announces the return of swarming termites in and around homes in the United States. However, according to termite experts from pest control leader Orkin, Inc. and the Consumer Education Council on Termites, recent dry weather patterns have led to a decline in the number of termite swarms. Unfortunately for homeowners, a decrease in swarms does not imply that termites are less active - it simply means their infestations are less visible.

“Over the past few years, researchers have discovered a correlation between termite activity in the upper layers of soil and rainfall,” said Brian T. Forschler, Ph.D., University of Georgia, and member of the Consumer Education Council on Termites, a group comprised of several of the top termite experts in the U.S. “Particularly after a drought, such as the one we experienced last year in the Southeast, termites begin to search deeper in the water table for moisture, which means they might not be seen as frequently aboveground.”

The movement of termite colonies further underground could create problems for unsuspecting homeowners, who may not be able to detect an infestation without seeing a swarm.

“Swarms have typically been one of the most visible signs of termite activity in and around the home,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., director of training and Orkin’s Training Center in Atlanta. “With drier conditions, this warning sign has become less common, making the precautions homeowners take to prevent and control termites even more important.”

Harrison recommends homeowners partner with their termite specialist to complete regular, thorough inspections of the home to determine if termites are active, monitor for warning signs of an infestation and identify conditions conducive to termite activity. Well-trained termite specialists can detect hidden colonies and less visible warning signs, including termite mud tubes and termite-damaged wood, as well as determine a termite colony’s approximate size and location.

Homeowners can also visit www.Termites101.org for more information on how to partner with their termite specialist to identify, treat, control and prevent termites. This educational, interactive Web site — created through a partnership between Orkin and the Consumer Education Council on Termites — offers images, videos and unique expert articles designed to explain termite warning signs, hot spots, prevention and treatment. Homeowners with questions can email an expert or submit comments to the site’s TermiteTalk(tm) blog.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin’s Fight the Bite Campaign Wages War on Mosquitoes

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA, April 1, 2008 – To save lives in Africa and help American homeowners reclaim their yards, Orkin, Inc. has launched a new campaign to Fight the Bite of the mosquito and wage war on this disease-carrying pest. As part of Orkin’s Fight the Bite, parent company Rollins, Inc. and its affiliates pledge to donate a minimum of $100,000 to the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, a global, grassroots effort dedicated to saving lives by preventing malaria in Africa. Nothing But Nets will use these funds to purchase and distribute at least 10,000 long-lasting, insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets to the areas of greatest need in Africa.

The Fight the Bite campaign, running April 1 – Aug. 31, 2008, will raise donations through a company employee net drive, customer net drive and consumer contributions made through nets.orkin.com. Every net helps prevent malaria by creating a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night (when the vast majority of transmissions occur). With a $10 online donation, anyone can purchase a net and save a life. One hundred percent of each contribution goes directly toward purchasing and distributing a net and teaching the recipient to use it properly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Orkin’s public health collaborator since 2004, malaria kills more than one million people worldwide each year, 90 percent of whom are children in Africa. These children have little or no protection from the mosquitoes that carry this deadly, but preventable, disease. Although malaria has been eliminated from the U.S., mosquitoes in our own back yards can carry West Nile and other viruses that cause encephalitis. Since 1999, about 27,000 cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus have been reported in the U.S.

“At Orkin, we’re in the business of protecting people and property from potentially harmful pests, like mosquitoes,” said Orkin President and COO Glen Rollins. “Expanding our public health partnerships to include Nothing But Nets broadens Orkin’s impact by helping save children in Africa from a preventable yet deadly disease.”

In addition to individual contributions, Orkin will donate one mosquito net to Nothing But Nets for every mosquito service purchased this season. Orkin’s unique mosquito service includes a detailed inspection of potential breeding sites and treatment of standing water, as well as shrubbery and other areas where mosquitoes tend to land and rest. To learn more about preventing mosquito populations, visit nets.orkin.com.

Orkin’s Fight the Bite campaign kickoff on April 1 coincides with efforts from the UN Foundation.

“Throughout the month of April, the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign is teaming up with millions of Americans to help cover the continent of Africa with life-saving nets,” said Elizabeth McKee Gore, executive director of Nothing But Nets. “With our shared commitment of keeping people safe from disease-carrying mosquitoes, Orkin is a natural partner for the Nothing But Nets campaign.”

Nothing But Nets will recognize Orkin’s commitment to fighting malaria in New York during World Malaria Day events (April 23–25).

“We say internally that Orkin employees are a family, and they indeed come together like none I have ever seen to support others in need. I am extremely proud of how these caring and generous souls have embraced the Fight the Bite initiative,” said Rollins.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

About Nothing But Nets

Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Inspired by sports columnist Rick Reilly, tens of thousands of people have joined the Campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, The People of the United Methodist Church, and Sports Illustrated. It only costs $10 to provide a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net that can prevent this deadly disease. Visit www.NothingButNets.net to send a net and save a life.

About the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is an organization that protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing creditable information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations. As a federal agency, CDC does not promote or endorse specific products or entities. For more information please visit www.cdc.gov.

Orkin’s New Ad Campaign Keeps Pests “In Their Place”

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA, March 25, 2008 – Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. will debut a new consumer advertising campaign March 24 to highlight the century-old company’s role as a home protection expert. Designed by The Richards Group, Orkin’s advertising agency of record since September 2007, the quirky television ads feature giant insects that try to trick their way into unsuspecting consumers’ homes — before they are thwarted by The Orkin Man. The ads end with the tagline, “keeping pests in their place ™,” to punctuate Orkin’s expertise in keeping pest out.

“These ads depict in a lighthearted way how The Orkin Man foils sneak attacks from larger-than-life pests,” said Kevin Smith, chief marketing officer for Orkin, Inc. “Through a partnership with our customers, we can create perimeters of protection around the home to help keep pests outside where they belong.”

The campaign’s two television ads — one featuring a cockroach and one featuring a termite — position The Orkin Man as a hero, protecting homes from seven-foot talking bugs. Both ads illustrate how pests look for all possible entry points into the home and it is The Orkin Man’s job, as the expert, to help homeowners prevent pest entry into the home and reduce pest activity around the home.

The television ads will run March 24 – Aug. 22 on cable television channels, including TNT, TBS, HGTV and USA, as well as during replays of CBS syndication programs.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

About The Richards Group

The Richards Group, located in Dallas, is the largest independent branding agency in the nation. Agency clients include the standard-setting brands of Advance Auto Parts, Amstel Light, Bridgestone Firestone, Chick-fil-A, Fruit of the Loom, The Home Depot, Motel 6, Patrón, Red Lobster, Skybus, and Zales. Total billings for the agency were $1.25 billion in 2007. The Richards Group can be found at www.richards.com.

Orkin, Inc. Donates Pest Control Services to Two Families in Need for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Popular ABC-TV Hit Series Works with Pest Control Company to Make a House a Home

ATLANTA, March 6, 2008 – After a successful five-year journey of providing happiness to several unsuspecting, deserving families, the award-winning ABC-TV hit series, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is at it again with plans to double its local impact. And this time, extreme pest protection is part of the mission.

Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. is donating its time and services to two deserving families in the New Orleans area as part of the next project for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The pest control packages include termite treatment services. Termites can cause excessive damage to people’s property, and are especially troublesome in high-pressure areas like Louisiana where a warm climate and high moisture provide the perfect termite environment. Proper treatment of such pests requires the experience of a true pest control professional like Orkin, as termites can enter a home through cracks as small as 1/32".

Orkin pest control professionals are working on site with Deltec Homes, Ty Pennington and his design team for a week to ensure that each family’s dream home is protected from termites. Construction began March 6 on the new homes that will fulfill the dreams of Westwego residents Brad and Laura Usea as well as Pastor Willie Walker of Noah’s Ark Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans. The seven-day build in the greater New Orleans area is the show’s last stop on a 50-state tour and will wrap up its season.

“At Orkin, we believe that effective pest control safeguards property, as well as protects people’s health and increases their well-being. We are thrilled to join ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and Deltec Homes in rebuilding Louisiana and improving the quality of life for the Usea family and Noah’s Ark Missionary Baptist Church,” said Martha Craft, assistant vice president of Public Relations and Corporate Communications for Orkin, Inc.

After the initial demolition of the existing structures, Orkin professionals and construction crews will work around the clock until March 13 when the keys to the brand new treated homes will be handed over to each family. A dream team of builders and community volunteers, from across the country, is accomplishing an extraordinary transformation of a lifetime for both the Usea and Noah’s Ark Missionary Baptist Church families.

Brad and Laura Usea’s house incurred brutal devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. In addition to their loss, Brad’s mother’s home was destroyed leaving her and his two brothers homeless. Brad and Laura immediately took in Brad’s family, but the worst was not over.

In February 2007, tornados hit Westwego causing more damage to Brad and Laura’s already battered home. The storm also destroyed the trailer in the backyard where Brad’s older brother had been living since Katrina. Despite their loss, Brad and his twin brother, both volunteer firefighters, came to the rescue for their neighbors who were trapped in their homes. Local heroes to many, the Usea family works tirelessly to assist and rebuild their community, while coping with the tight accommodations of their single family home.

In a similar fashion, Pastor Willie Walker joined Noah’s Ark Missionary Baptist Church in 1998 and had dedicated his life to helping his community including addicts, AIDS patients, the homeless and the poor. Unfortunately, the wind and flood waters of Hurricane Katrina destroyed his church and rendered his congregation homeless.

Despite the reality of the situation, Pastor Walker’s mission never wavered. He continually risked his life by returning to the devastated area to rescue and save members of his community. For two years, he has worked to assist the victims of Katrina, but has not been able to rebuild his beloved church, a safe haven and place of worship for the entire community.

“This show is about the barn raising of the 1900s. Where community comes together to change lives. Louisiana is that life, and this time the community is our nation. To make a real difference along the gulf coast will take the nation. We make that step by bringing builders together, some who lost their houses and business, and others we have met in our 50-state tour,” says Conrad Ricketts, executive producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. “Together we will show the nation that the impossible are just words.”

The Usea Family and Noah’s Ark Missionary Baptist Church episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will air as the season finale on May 18 on the ABC Television Network.

For more information on how to protect your home against termites, please visit www.Termites101.org.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its 5th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.

Deltec Homes is the nation’s leading producer of hurricane resistant structures. Deltec has been in business since 1968 and has never lost a home to high winds. Deltec manufactures the structural components for their homes in Asheville NC and ships them all over the world where they are assembled and finished by local labor. For more information on the event, please go to www.extremeneworleans.com or www.deltechomes.com.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

New Educational Web Site Helps Homeowners Protect Their Homes From Termites

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Termites101.org Explains Termite Identification, Prevention, Treatment and Control

ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2008 – United States homeowners now have a new tool to help them learn how to protect their homes from termites — Termites101.org (http://www.termites101.org). The interactive Web site was created through a partnership between Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. and the members of the Consumer Education Council on Termites (CECT), a group comprised of several of the top termite experts in the U.S — including university experts from Purdue University, Texas A&M University, University of Georgia and Virginia Tech.

Termites101.org was designed to help homeowners understand how to better partner with a termite provider to identify, prevent, treat and control termite activity. The site includes interactive pages, videos, photos and expert articles that explain termite activity, warning signs and treatments. Interactive pages on Termites101.org include a home that highlights termite hot spots and a U.S. map that shows termite activity in specific regions. Visitors can also access easy-to-understand tips on how to deter termites and a downloadable consumer brochure with key information from the site. Homeowners with questions can e-mail a termite expert and submit comments to the site’s TermiteTalk(tm) blog.

“At Orkin, we are committed to educating the public about pests that may affect our families and homes,” said Glen Rollins, president and COO for Orkin, Inc. “We are proud to partner with the Consumer Education Council on Termites to provide this valuable, in-depth resource for homeowners seeking practical information on how to protect their homes from termite activity.”

The site’s helpful articles and blog posts on termite identification, prevention and treatment were written by numerous well-respected U.S. pest control industry and termite education experts. CECT members who contributed to the site include Gary W. Bennett, Ph.D., Purdue University; Brian T. Forschler, Ph.D., University of Georgia; Roger Gold, Ph.D., Texas A&M University; Ron Harrison, Ph.D., B.C.E., Orkin, Inc.; Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Virginia Tech; William H. Robinson, Ph.D., with Urban Pest Control Research Center; and Dan Suiter, Ph.D., University of Georgia.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin, Inc. Named To Training Magazine’S Top 125 For Sixth Straight Year

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2008 – Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. was recognized by Training magazine as part of its prestigious Top 125 list, which was announced at Training’s annual awards banquet Monday evening, Feb. 4. Orkin ranked No. 92. This is the sixth consecutive year the company has been included on the list.

Training magazine, the training industry’s premiere publication, annually selects 125 organizations that excel at human capital development. These companies are chosen based on criteria such as best training practices, evaluation methods and outstanding training initiatives.

One milestone of Orkin’s training success over the past year was the launch of the New Customer Specialists (NCSs) Fast Track Training program. The NCS program ensures new employees are prepared to serve customers as efficiently as possible while concurrently reducing their time in training. The program provides trainees with critical information about Orkin’s pest control business while helping them hone sales skills in an inbound call center environment.

NCSs are evaluated on a number of areas that Orkin targets as key to sales performance. Furthermore, trainees receive feedback in real time which allows them to begin making necessary behavioral changes to improve their sales performance instantly.

“Since the program’s inception, we’ve seen tremendous improvement in the performance of our incoming sales force,” said David Lamb, Orkin’s vice president of Learning and Media Services. “The program allows our sales force to enhance the skills needed to improve their overall performance and helps increase quality assurance across our business.”

Orkin TV, a satellite television network launched in 2006, also plays a vital role in preparing Orkin employees. The interactive distributed learning network creates a live “virtual classroom” for the company’s 8,000 employees across the country. The network includes interactive video-on-demand (IVOD), an integrated satellite receiver and site controller, and direct-to-monitor broadcasting. These features allow branches to communicate with instructors in real time and respond to survey questions using an on-site controller pad. It also provides the ability to play back past programming.

To date, Orkin TV reaches more than 360 of its more than 400 field locations. Through this innovative technology, managers can provide integrated hands-on training to employees in every region the company serves, reaching even those in the most remote sectors that might lack computer or online access. Orkin utilizes a blended learning strategy that provides solutions that enhance performance while engaging the learner.

“At Orkin, we constantly re-evaluate our learning solutions,” said Lamb. “We understand that the continuous improvement of our training programs is vital to developing the best trained workforce that is also customer-oriented and highly reliable. We are honored that Training magazine has recognized Orkin’s model of investing in our employees for the sixth year in a row.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Middle East. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

Orkin Bids Farewell to Ned, The Orkin Man

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Best Wishes Wayne Thomas Yorke

ATLANTA, October 17, 2007 – Orkin, Inc., the 106-year-old pest control company, bids a bittersweet goodbye to its Orkin Man character Ned, performed by Wayne Thomas Yorke. After the successful four-year partnership with Yorke, Orkin looks forward to expanding the portrayal of The Orkin Man, one of America’s most iconic brands, with new advertising agency The Richards Group. The company selected The Richards Group as its advertising agency of record this summer after a careful, four-month selection process.

As The Orkin Man, Yorke served as Orkin’s official spokesperson for television, radio and print advertising. He also volunteered in elementary schools and children’s hospitals during his free time to share with children his passion for insects and Orkin.

“While we will miss working with Wayne Yorke, our partnership with The Richards Group presents exciting new opportunities for Orkin,” said Kevin Smith, chief marketing officer for Orkin, Inc. “The value the agency will bring to our marketing communications efforts in 2008 and beyond will help us further strengthen our well-known brand.”

The Richards Group’s responsibilities for Orkin will include brand and strategic planning and creative development. The agency’s first assignment is to apply its proprietary Spherical® branding discipline to Orkin.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Middle East. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees serve approximately 1.7 million customers. The company serves homeowners and numerous industries including food and beverage processing, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, warehousing, property/facilities management, schools and institutions. Learn more about Orkin on our website at www.orkin.com. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL).

About The Richards Group

The Richards Group, located in Dallas, is the largest independent branding agency in the nation. Agency clients include the standard-setting brands of Advance Auto Parts, Amstel Light, Bridgestone Firestone, Chick-fil-A, Fruit of the Loom, The Home Depot, Motel 6, Skybus, Red Lobster and Zales. Total billings for the agency were $1.2 billion in 2006. The Richards Group can be found at www.richards.com.

Orkin Acquires Local Pest Control Company

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control Offers New Orkin Services

ATLANTA, June 21, 2007 – Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control, a San Luis Obispo, Calif., pest control company with more than 30 years experience in the community, was acquired by Orkin, Inc. on Nov. 7. Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control will maintain its excellent customer service and be enhanced by the added resources of Orkin’s termite and pest control expertise.

“Orkin looks forward to serving the local residents and businesses of San Luis Obispo County with our award-winning customer service and training,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin. “We look forward to welcoming and working with Jim Batchelor employees in our efforts to manage pest activity in the community.”

Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control’s services will be showcased for the first time since the acquisition at a booth at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, Calif., July 25 – August 5, according to branch manager Don Dougherty.

“Orkin has enabled Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control to purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment and additional treatment materials to better manage pests,” said Dougherty. “Our branch now offers Orkin’s continuous termite protection plans, preventative termite service and money-back guarantees for our San Luis Obispo customers.”

Since Jim Batchelor founded the company in 1974, it has steadily grown into a full-service pest control company with 10 full-time employees. Several employees have long-term experience in the industry.

Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control services include residential and commercial pest control, termite control and repair, and pigeon control. In providing these services, the company offers the expertise of the national Orkin brand to San Luis Obispo residents currently experiencing summer pests, including drywood termites, subterranean termites, earwigs, spiders, insects, rodents and birds. Throughout the California coastal region, the company has been recognized for its unique, toxin-free pigeon trapping and feeding system that has been known to catch 65 pigeons at once.

For more information about Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control Inc., please call 805-541-3445.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

New Survey Finds Homeowners Do Little to Protect Themselves Against Common Environmental Health Hazards

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA, June 21, 2007 – A new national survey reveals that homeowners and renters are aware of common environmental threats such as lead, mold, radon, and pest-related diseases, but do not take simple actions to protect themselves and their families.

Orkin, Inc., one of the nation’s largest pest control companies, designed the survey with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the nation’s premier public health agency, and the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), a national scientific organization focused on protecting children from environmental hazards in their homes while preserving affordable housing. The survey polled respondents on health issues in and around the home and whether or not individuals were routinely taking steps to protect themselves.

According to the survey, the majority of homeowners and renters (61 percent) are aware and concerned that pests like ticks, mosquitoes, roaches and rodents may negatively affect their health and nearly all (95 percent) were aware that pests can spread diseases. However, an overwhelming majority (60-70 percent) do not consult a professional to control pests inside their homes.

Similarly, a total of 68 percent of respondents are concerned that other environmental home hazards will negatively affect their health, yet most (70 percent) have never tested or inspected their homes for lead, radon, carbon monoxide or mold.

According to Dr. Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez, behavioral scientist for the CDC’s National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases, “People are aware that pests can spread germs that cause disease, but in the rush of everyday life we can still forget to take actions to protect ourselves, like wearing repellent while working and playing in our own backyard. There is a gap between awareness and action, and we want to narrow that gap by sharing simple steps for prevention in and around the home.”

The CDC, NCHH and Orkin have launched a public awareness campaign to educate individuals on how to protect themselves against hidden home threats. More than half of survey respondents (57 percent) do not seek information about how to mitigate home health risks, yet there are countless ways individuals can reduce common threats.

“Reducing and preventing pest activity are two of the first steps to take toward creating a healthy home,” states Ron Harrison, Ph.D. and director of training for Orkin, Inc. According to Harrison, pests likely to pose health threats in and around the home include:

Rodents, which can contaminate food and transmit diseases;
Cockroaches, which spread germs and trigger asthma attacks;
Mosquitoes, which need only a thimble-full of standing water to breed and can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases; and
Ticks, which transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Pest prevention is crucial to making a home safe. Harrison shares that integrated pest management, which includes sealing cracks and crevices and keeping food in tightly sealed containers, can make a big impact. The majority of survey respondents (65 percent) allow dirty dishes to sit out for more than two hours, a habit that Harrison says is sure to attract potentially disease-carrying pests like cockroaches.

Additionally, trimming plants and bushes away from the house and removing standing water in the yard can help control mosquitoes and ticks. The CDC recommends wearing repellant with DEET when outdoors and carefully inspecting people and pets for ticks once inside.

“Some of the deadliest hazards in the home environment cannot be seen or smelled,” said Rebecca Morley, executive director of NCHH. “Everyone needs to be aware of these hidden home threats and take steps to reduce risks”.

For example, radon — a naturally occurring gas in all parts of the country, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers — can be detected through a $10 test kit available at most hardware stores. If radon is detected, a professional can be hired to mitigate gas exposure to residents in the house.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that sends up to 40,000 people to the emergency room and kills 500 in the U.S. each year. Yet, according to the survey, 50 percent of homeowners and renters did not have a carbon monoxide alarm in their homes. In addition to installing alarms near sleeping areas, ensuring appliances are correctly installed and properly functioning, as well as inspecting and cleaning heating systems and chimneys, can lessen the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Most survey respondents (82 percent) were aware that exposure to lead-based paint can cause developmental delays in children, but the majority had not tested homes for the presence of lead dust. To lessen risk, individuals should wash children’s hands and toys frequently and hire a professional to inspect homes built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned in the United States. Homeowners and renters should also be aware that painting or renovating an older home can place them at higher risk for exposure.

Mold can cause allergic reactions such as watery eyes and trouble breathing, as well as trigger asthma attacks. While 50 percent of respondents claimed to have allergies, many may not know prevention tips like using water alarms; using dehumidifiers to reduce dampness in homes; removing and repairing water-damaged materials such as carpets, wallboard, and ceilings; and installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

To access a one-page guide on hidden home threats and simple steps to reduce these risks, visit:

Orkin’s Learning Center: www.orkin.com/learningcenter/, or
The National Center for Healthy Housing: www.nchh.org/html/healthy_housing_resources.htm.

Or, for additional information on hidden home threats, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

The Orkin survey was conducted by Persuadable Research between April 25 and 30, 2007. The email interviews were conducted among 1,166 adults (aged 18 and over) nationwide. Of the respondents, 64 percent own their homes while 34 percent rent. At the 95 percent confidence level, the margin of error for the total sample is plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

About the National Center for Healthy Housing

National Center for Healthy Housing is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting practical measures to protect children from residential environmental hazards while preserving affordable housing. NCHH seeks scientifically valid and practical strategies to make homes safe from hazards, to alert low- income families about housing-related health risks, and to help them protect their children. NCHH also works with governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop standards and programs and guide their implementation through insurers, lenders, federal and state laws and regulations, community organizations, and the courts. For more information, visit http://www.centerforhealthyhousing.org.

About the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Orkin Inc. Acquires Four Pest Control Companies In Texas And New York

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Companies Will Expand Customer Service Areas and Add Tenured Employees

ATLANTA, June 6, 2007 – Orkin Inc., the 106-year-old pest control company, has increased its customer base and market share with the acquisition of four pest control companies: Arrow Exterminating Company in Oneonta, New York; Innovative Pest Control in Houston; Future Pest Control in Longview, Texas; and Livengood Pest Control Company in Austin, Texas. The acquisitions were finalized April 27, May 1, May 3 and May 15, respectively.

Arrow Exterminating Company provides pest control service in the central New York state counties of Chenango, Ostego, Delaware, Schoharie, Madison, Broome and Herkimer, and the acquisition will increase Orkin’s customer base in a key New York region. Former owner Steve Stegman spent most of his life working in the pest control industry, beginning with his father’s business on Long Island.

“We look forward to having this business, with its excellent reputation, assist us in continuing to grow in the New York area,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin.

Orkin strengthened its presence on the west side of Houston with Innovative Pest Control, founded in 1993 by John Weigel. The pest control company specializes in commercial pest control and mosquito control and in 2006 produced revenues in excess of $1 million. Orkin will retain all Innovative Pest Control employees and Weigel will remain with Orkin as branch manager.

Future Pest Control will also add experienced employees to the Orkin team. The company was started in 1993 by former owners Jack and Christie Carter. Jack Carter was a former Orkin sales inspector and sales manager. The company will merge with the Tyler, Texas, branch but will continue to operate out of Longview.

Livengood Pest Control, formerly owned by Mike Livengood, will be merged with the North Austin branch.

“With these acquisitions in Texas and New York, Orkin increases its customer service areas and adds valuable tenured employees,” said Hines. “We are confident that these four companies are a great fit for our growing markets.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in North America. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Orkin, Inc. Termite Technicians Named to Industry All-Star Team

Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Three Technicians Honored for Exemplary Service, Knowledge and Teamwork

ATLANTA, May 15, 2007 – BASF Professional Pest Control named three Orkin Inc. termite technicians to its 16-member 2007 Termidor® termiticide-insecticide All-Star Technician team. BASF will honor Orkin’s Charles Gragg of Springfield, Mo., Michael Howell of Pikeville, Ky., and Rodney L. Williams of Doraville, Ga., at a special awards ceremony at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Francisco on July 10.

Launched in 2006, the Termidor All-Star Technician program recognizes the significant contributions technicians make to the pest management industry. A panel of judges composed of senior BASF personnel selected the 16 winners, including Orkin’s three technicians, from a field of 100 entrants. Technicians were nominated for their exemplary customer service, knowledge of termite biology and treatment, and contributions to their pest management company.

“Orkin is proud to have three of our technicians recognized for their contributions to the national pest management industry,” said Glen Rollins, Orkin Inc. president and COO. “Charles, Michael and Rodney are true examples of Orkin’s dedication to industry-leading innovation and training, and excellent customer service.”

Gragg, a 16-year Orkin veteran and two-time President’s Club (Orkin’s top recognition program) winner, is honored to receive the Termidor All-Star award. Gragg attributes his success to the support, encouragement and training he has received at his Orkin branch. According to Springfield, Mo., branch manager Rusty Cooper, Gragg is a well-regarded problem-solver and team player with excellent customer service skills. “Charles is the best termite technician I have seen in 22 years,” Cooper said.

Technician Howell has served in both technician (termite and pest control) and sales roles during his nine years with Orkin. Pikeville, Ky., branch manager Roxie Bowling values Howell’s strong work ethic in striving to effectively treat termites at the first application. Howell’s customers also appreciate his attention to detail, as seen by the long-term relationships Howell has maintained with customers from his former pest control route.

In his six years at Orkin, Williams has developed strong customer relationships and has been recognized as a 2006 President’s Club winner. Mike Gonzalez, service manager for the Chamblee, Ga., Orkin branch, says customers specifically request Williams as their technician because he treats their property as if it is his own. Williams thrives on the challenge of finding ways to make his customers feel secure in how their termite treatment is handled. He carefully explains how he treats and then provides his personal phone number for customer questions.

Orkin’s Atlanta-based Training Center is a vital resource for informing technicians about termite treatment and preparing them to excel in customer service. Orkin leaders have invested approximately $10 million in the company’s Training Center and training capabilities, adding a 13,000-square-foot expansion in 2005, which includes a restaurant kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket layout and warehouse space for commercial pest control technicians. The Atlanta-based facility also includes a full-sized, functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques. Cutaway walls and examples of all common building techniques provide trainees with first-hand examples of what they can expect to find in homes across the country. In recognition for this unique training environment, Orkin was named as part of Training magazine’s prestigious Top 125 list for 2007. This is the fifth straight year the company has been included on this list.

About Orkin, Inc.

“March”ing Ants Usher Fans To The Final Four

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Atlanta-based company colonizes in MARTA station

ATLANTA – March 23, 2007 – Thousands of basketball fans aren’t the only ones colonizing at the Georgia Dome next weekend. Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc., the 106-year-old pest control company, is staking its claim in the unofficial marketing blitz surrounding the 2007 men’s college basketball national championship.

The company installed nearly 2,500 oversized ants throughout the Georgia Dome MARTA station to march thousands of basketball fans to this year’s championship games, which are taking place March 31 and April 2. In fact, according to the Atlanta Sports Council, the 2007 Final Four is expected to draw 75,000 out-of-town fans and generate an economic impact of $53 million in Metro Atlanta alone. And Orkin is antsy to generate local buzz.

“Throngs and throngs of people will experience the Orkin ants marching in the Georgia Dome MARTA station over the next week and during the upcoming basketball games,” said Kevin Smith, vice president of marketing for Orkin, Inc. “Elimination, protection, defender – it’s a perfect parallel from the basketball rounds to Orkin's protective services.”

As part of Orkin’s MARTA station takeover, company banners and posters feature timely slogans like, “Spider Sidelined with Eight Shoulder Injuries” and, “Keep the Termites off the Board.” Additionally, a team of three to six Orkin employees will share bug trivia and hand out coupons during the semi-finals and finals.

According to officials at MARTA, the Georgia Dome MARTA station could easily average 30,000 to 40,000 passengers per day during a special event weekend like the Final Four.

The teams coming to Atlanta will be announced after the Sweet Sixteen – being played this weekend across the country.

About Orkin, Inc.

Despite Varying Temperatures, First Day Of Spring Signals Increased Pest Activity In Many Regions Of The Country

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Tips from Orkin Help Homeowners Guard against Springtime Pests

ATLANTA – March 20, 2007 – Despite the February chill still gripping many parts of the country, March 21st marks the official first day of spring – the season when pests typically spring into action. According to experts at Orkin, Inc., the 106-year-old pest control company, Americans can act now to guard against infestations in the warmer months ahead.

“Temperature and moisture extremes – like recent snows in the Northeast and high temperatures in the Southwest – significantly impact pest activity,” said entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph. D., Director of Training and Orkin's Training Center. “And pests that have been dormant during colder months become more active with increased temperatures.”

Spiders, bees, wasps, termites, ants, ladybugs, blow flies, gnats, aphids, pantry pests such as Indian meal moths and others will soon appear, as they thrive in climates with sustained temperatures of 60 degrees.

Orkin’s pest specialists across the country expect both increasing temperatures and pest activity in the coming weeks, proving that the first day of spring marks the beginning of a warmer season – pest season. As temperatures rise, Americans can expect to see increased activity from certain pests in different regions of the country:

Northeast: carpenter ants
Southeast: cockroaches, spiders, bees and wasps, fire ants, carpenter ants and ladybug beetles
Central/Midwest: cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs and ants – especially carpenter ants
Northwest: bees and ants – especially carpenter ants
Rocky Mountain area: ants
Arizona/New Mexico area: bees, spiders and ants

“Warm-weather pests are more than just a nuisance,” said Harrison. “Many pests present potential health risks for you and your family.”

Bees and wasps pose a risk for humans through toxic reactions to their venom and through allergic reactions. Black widow and brown recluse spiders possess poisonous glands that can cause skin irritation, nerve damage and infection. Pantry pests carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate food and products on your shelves.

According to Harrison, homeowners should act now to reduce pest activity in and around homes:

Seal interior and exterior cracks.
Fit screens and tighten seals on doors and windows.
Keep ventilation systems clear and running.
Vacuum regularly.
Keep all food containers and non-perishables tightly sealed.
Pick up pet food at night, and don’t feed pets outdoors.
Wipe counters, wash dirty dishes and remove trash daily.
Keep plants and mulch two to three feet from homes because they attract many insects.
Eliminate sources of standing water.

About Orkin, Inc.

Avoid Pests When You Get the Spring Cleaning Bug

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Pests such as bees and wasps will spring into action in the warm spring months. You can prevent them from buzzing into your home while spring cleaning.

As you thaw out from winter and nature springs back to life with warm sunlight and blossoming flowers, you’ll likely pack away your scarves and heavy coats for the year. Changes in temperature prompt many to begin cleaning and preparing themselves for the warmer months ahead.

It’s important to remember that pests will be readying themselves for the warm weather, too. You can expect to see an increase in spiders, ants, centipedes, pantry pests such as Indian meal moths, and stinging pests such as bees and wasps as the temperature increases. These pests usually thrive in temperatures above 60 degrees.

“When cleaning, you have a great opportunity to prevent pest problems before they occur,” says Orkin, Inc. entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D. “Pests that have been dormant during the cold months can become more active with increased temperatures, and homeowners can take many steps while cleaning to guard against infestations.”

Warm-weather pests are more than just a nuisance, as they present potential health risks for you and your family. Stinging insects such as bees and wasps pose a risk for humans through toxic reactions to their venom and through allergic reactions. Spiders, such as the black widow and brown recluse, possess poisonous glands that can cause skin irritation, nerve damage and infection. Pantry pests carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate food and products on your shelves.

Welcoming in the sunshine doesn’t have to mean welcoming in spring pests, too. Take the following steps while cleaning to help prevent problems in and around your home:

Seal interior and exterior cracks in and around your home.
Keep ventilation systems clear and running.
Vacuum regularly. You can use a vacuum to remove spiders and their webs as well as other pests and debris.
Clean pantries and closets thoroughly, picking up excess food and removing any products that have been sitting on shelves for several months. Keep all food containers and non-perishables tightly sealed.
Pick up pet food at night. Don’t feed pets outdoors.
Wipe down all counters, wash dirty dishes and remove trash daily to avoid accumulation of any remnants of food that may lure pests. Your crumbs can be a feast to hungry pests.

For more information, please visit www.orkin.com or call (800) 800-ORKIN.

Did You Know?

Spring cleaning provides a great opportunity to prevent against infestations from pests such as spiders, ants, centipedes, pantry pests such as Indian meal moths, and stinging pests such as bees and wasps. The most effective way to prevent pest infestation is to start preparing now. Visit www.orkin.com or call (800) 800-ORKIN for prevention and treatment tips.

Termites: The Silent Destroyer

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Termites will feast on anything made of cellulose, including plants and cotton, and swarm around sources of water and wood. Eliminating brush and standing water around your home will help reduce your risk of infestation.

While you’re relaxing in your backyard or at the park enjoying the onset of warm spring weather, be aware that intruders could be quietly invading your home. These trespassers can sneak past any locked doors or watchdogs, and are almost too small to spot – they are termites.

Termites, which can live in colonies of up to several thousand, have proven to be one of homeowners’ greatest adversaries, threatening the very roof over your heads. Battling termites can be a pain for you, your family and your wallet. These formidable pests have been around for more than 250 million years and can be divided into two groups: those that live entirely in wood (drywood) and those that tunnel underground (subterranean), making proper identification and treatment essential.

“A termite queen can lay several hundred eggs a day,” notes Paul Hardy, senior technical director for Orkin, Inc. “Termites’ abilities to reproduce so quickly and enter houses undetected make them a formidable pest for homeowners.”

Termites never sleep and are stealthy, silent invaders. Any house or building, regardless of construction type, can be vulnerable to termite attacks. Whether your home is stucco, brick or wood, once termites enter, they work night and day and eat anything made of cellulose, including plants, cotton and wood. Watch out for these signs of an infestation:

Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Pencil-sized mud tubes on exterior walls
Distorted, cracked or bubbling areas of paint on wood surfaces
Swarms of winged insects
Discarded wings of “swarmers”

With the ability to adapt easily to changing environments, termites are a problem nationwide - no one is safe from a termite invasion without proper prevention measures. Use the following information and prevention tips to protect your home against these relentless soldiers:

Seal any places termites might enter, including small cracks and crevices. Termites can enter buildings through cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch.
Termites love to swarm around sources of food, water and moisture, including tree stumps and roots, mulch, firewood and leaves. Remove the accumulation of water and wood sources around the exterior of your home.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear, and trim siding or stucco at least two inches above soil level.
Contact a pest professional at the first sign of an infestation.

For more on termite prevention, visit www.orkin.com. Free inspections are also available by calling (800) 800-ORKIN.

Did You Know?

Termites, which can live in colonies of up to several thousand, have proven to be one of homeowners’ greatest adversaries, threatening the very roof over their heads. No one is safe from a termite invasion without proper prevention measures. For more information about protecting your home against termites, visit www.orkin.com or call (800) 800-ORKIN.

Orkin, Inc. Named To Training Magazine’S Top 125 For Fifth Straight Year

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2007 – Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. was recognized by Training magazine as part of its prestigious Top 125 list, which was announced at Training’s annual awards banquet on Sunday night. Orkin ranked No. 113. This is the fifth straight year the company has been included on the list.

Training magazine, the training industry’s premiere publication, annually selects 100 organizations that excel at human capital development. This year, due to a wealth of exceptional organizations that applied, the magazine ranked the Top 125. These companies are chosen based on criteria such as best training practices, evaluation methods and outstanding training initiatives.

One milestone of Orkin’s training success over the past year was the launch Orkin TV, a satellite television network, in January 2006. The interactive communications network creates a live “virtual classroom” for the company’s 8,000 employees across the country.

The network includes interactive video-on-demand (IVOD), integrated satellite receiver and site controller and direct-to-monitor broadcasting. These features allow branches to play back past programming, communicate with instructors in real-time and respond to survey questions using an on-site controller pad.

“Orkin TV addresses a fundamental challenge of training for our company. Now we’re able to reach all of our employees instantly, regardless of their location,” said David Lamb, Orkin’s vice president of training. “This innovation allows us to uphold the highest — and most consistent — training standards and continue to provide our employees with cutting-edge technology.”

Commissioned by Orkin and developed by three firms specializing in satellite broadcasting and digital content delivery, Orkin TV was the first system of its kind able to deliver IVOD to the classroom and allow participants to view and interact with past broadcast events. Furthermore, the system helps Orkin save time and monetary resources related to traditional employee training. New hires no longer have to travel to the company’s Atlanta headquarters for initial training sessions, nor do they wait for an instructor to visit their region. To date, Orkin TV reaches more than 320 locations, providing access to the interactive technology in every region the company serves.

Orkin’s Atlanta-based Training Center has also been a vital resource in preparing technicians for the field. Orkin leaders have invested approximately $10 million in the company’s Training Center and training capabilities, adding a 13,000-square-foot expansion in 2005, which includes a restaurant kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket layout and warehouse space for commercial pest control technicians. The Atlanta-based facility includes a full-sized, functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques. Cutaway walls and examples of all common building techniques provide trainees with first-hand examples of what they can expect to find in homes across the country.

Lamb recognizes the importance of keeping employees informed and engaged.

“Investing in employee training is crucial for our customers to be completely satisfied,” said Lamb. “We are honored that Training magazine has recognized Orkin’s model of investing in our employees for the fifth year in a row.”

About Orkin, Inc.

Orkin Acquires General Pest Control Company In Colorado.

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Southwest U.S. Expansion a Priority for Orkin

ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2007 – Orkin Inc., the 106-year-old pest control company, has acquired the assets of General Pest Control Company, Inc., headquartered in Durango, Colo. The purchase was finalized on Jan. 3.

General Pest Control Company, Inc. is a 25-year-old, family-run business consisting of five well-established pest control routes in the southwest corner of Colorado (including Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs) and the northwest corner of New Mexico (into Farmington). Orkin will reassign five additional routes from its own Grand Junction and Albuquerque branches to the Durango branch, creating a 10-route branch.

“The leadership of General Pest Control placed great emphasis on training and experience over the years – two qualities Orkin values most. The company will be a great asset to Orkin, and we look forward to continued rapid growth into the Southwest market with this acquisition and merger,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin.

All of General Pest Control, Inc.’s employees, many of whom have considerable tenure, will continue with Orkin. Former General Pest owner, Dwayne Howell, will remain as Durango branch manager and report to Ben Bradham, assistant manager for the Colorado region. Bradham will continue to report to Southwest region manager Steve Breitweiser.

About Orkin, Inc.

Orkin Acquires Three New Pest Control Companies Across U.S.

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Orkin, Inc. Expands in California, New Jersey and Louisiana

ATLANTA, Jan. 10, 2007 – Orkin Inc., the 106-year-old pest control company, has acquired the assets of three companies: Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control Inc. in San Luis Obispo, Calif.; JRG Exterminators Inc. in Millstone Township, N.J.; and Jeepers Creepers Pest Control in Morgan City, La. The purchases were finalized on Nov. 7, Dec. 1 and Dec. 1, respectively.

Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control, founded in 1974 by Jim Batchelor in San Luis Obispo, Ca., will give Orkin a presence between Los Angeles and San Francisco. JRG Exterminators, formerly owned by Mark and Harlene Goldberg, will continue to operate as JRG, using the same trucks, signage and logos from central to southern New Jersey, and as far north as Newark. Jeepers Creepers Pest Control, founded in 1981 by Gerald and Patricia Hotard, will become part of Orkin's Houma, La., branch.

"Each of these companies will be a great asset to Orkin. We look forward to growing into these major markets and welcoming our new employees,” said Bob Hines, director of acquisitions for Orkin.

Jim Batchelor Termite and Pest Control has grown steadily since inception in the 1970s to 10 fulltime employees, and its services include residential and commercial pest control, termite control and pigeon control. The company utilizes a unique toxin-free pigeon trapping and feeding system that has proven to be very successful in the California coastal area.

JRG Exterminators, Inc., has grown to a company of 30 employees since its founding in 1990 and has the unique distinction of retaining every employee that has ever worked for the company. General Manager Hank Thoms and Sales Vice President Glen Zuhl will remain as part of the management team. Although the company performs residential, commercial, termite and wildlife control, they have established a loyal niche market in New Jersey retirement community homeowner associations.

Jeepers Creepers Pest Control has four and half pest control routes, and the company's four technicians will join Orkin's Houma branch.

"These are companies where both employees and customers have had long tenures, which is a major consideration for our acquisition decisions," said Hines. "All three of these organizations have been able to create and maintain the loyalty that we value in both our employees and customers."

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin's almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

In Houses Haunted By Rodents, How Spooked Are Homeowners?

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Orkin Survey Reveals Americans’ Reactions to Rodents and Insects In The Home

ATLANTA – Oct. 30, 2006 – Black cats and full moons are not the only things to beware of this fall. A recent survey by Orkin, Inc., reveals that the majority of Americans (61%) has had or knows someone who has had the eerie experience of finding rodents in the home. One in three adults in the U.S. has seen or heard a rodent in their own home.

Of that one-third, nearly half (48%) said their first reaction was to set traps, and men are almost twice as likely as women to turn to traps. Women instead have a tendency to call a friend or family member to help with the problem (25%).

When asked which creepy crawlers sent shivers up their spines, Americans were more frightened of cockroaches (35%) and rodents (34%) than of spiders (26%). Only one percent of men who spotted the rodents admit to being spooked enough to scream. A small percentage of people (2%) used their own bewitching spells on rodents and chased them with brooms.

Americans share a trait that may illicit more screams than rodents in the home: more than one-fourth of adults (27%) describe themselves as pack rats and have hoarding tendencies. This trend increases with age and proves that there may be more than one rat species creeping around the closets and corners of your home.

As temperatures drop during fall months and rodents attempt to haunt your home and drive you batty, knowing how to prevent infestations is important. “Fear may be the main reason that Americans don’t want rodents in their home, but what they may not realize is that rodents can carry diseases and pose health threats.” says Ron Harrison, Orkin entomologist and director of training and the Orkin Training Center.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, rodent species can spread viruses or bacteria through their urine or droppings that cause diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that causes fever and can lead to kidney failure or other serious illness. A bite or scratch from a rodent can cause rat-bite fever, a bacterial disease that can result in severe illness if untreated. Avoid contact with rodents and take precautions when cleaning rodent-infested areas to prevent these diseases.

“Tightly sealing doors and windows can prevent rodents from entering your home. If they do manage to creep into your house, turning to an experienced pest control specialist is the safest route to treat the problem,” states Harrison.

Other key findings of the study include:

Residents of the Northeast are most likely to have experienced a rodent in the home (42% in the Northeast, compared with just 27% in the West)
Fear of spider infestations declines significantly with age (43% of 18-24 year olds are afraid of spider infestations versus only 21% of those 45 and older)
Fear of rodents in the home increases with age (less than one quarter of young adults fear finding a rodent at home, versus 38% of those 45 and older)

The Orkin survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation between September 14-17, 2006. The telephone interviews were conducted among 1,006 adults (aged 18 and over) living in private households across the continental U.S. At the 95% confidence level, the margin of error for the total sample is plus or minus three percentage points.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Orkin Executive Wins Learning Award At Chief Learning Officer Symposium

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

David Lamb Recognized for Leading Learning Innovation

ATLANTA – Oct. 6, 2006 – David Lamb, Vice President of Learning and Media Services for Orkin, Inc., won a prestigious industry leadership award Thursday at the annual Learning In Practice Awards competition sponsored by Chief Learning Officer magazine. Lamb received a Silver Award in the Learning Innovation category for organizations with fewer than 10,000 employees.

The Learning In Practice Awards, which were announced during Chief Learning Officer’s Fall 2006 CLO Symposium in Austin, Texas, attracted more than 400 top corporate learning executives from around the world to discuss strategies in enterprise education and leadership development.

“This is quite an honor,” said David Lamb. “Our training program is fundamental to Orkin’s success, and I am thrilled that the industry has recognized our efforts.”

Lamb has been instrumental to the development and success of Orkin TV, an interactive satellite television communications network that links the company’s 8,000 employees through first-of-its-kind live broadcast technology.

“David is an exemplary leader and trainer,” said Orkin president and COO Glen Rollins. “We are proud of this recognition and David’s commitment to excellence on behalf of Orkin.”

“Our goal in conferring these awards is to recognize learning leaders who are advancing the industry and clearly demonstrating the link between learning and business performance,” said Norm Kamikow, president and editor in chief of MediaTec Publishing Inc., which publishes Chief Learning Officer magazine. “By building a strong learning culture, David Lamb has enabled Orkin to harness the skills, knowledge, competencies and leadership capabilities of its workforce and gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. We commend him for going the extra distance and for inspiring other learning professionals to champion enterprise education and development.”

A panel of industry leaders evaluated more than 200 nominations for the prestigious awards before selecting the 2006 Learning In Practice Award winners. Each award recipient was presented with an etched crystal sculpture created by artist Susan Jacobs Lockhart as part of a limited series titled “In the Spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright.” The Learning In Practice Award honorees also will be featured in a Special Report supplement to the December issue of Chief Learning Officer magazine.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

About MediaTec Publishing Inc.

We produce award-winning media, events and resources for a growing audience of business leaders striving to develop, manage and measure high-performing global workforces. Our flagship magazine, Chief Learning Officer, was named “Best New Magazine” by the American Society of Business Publication Editors in its launch year, and it has been nominated for several Neal Awards. In addition to B-to-B magazines, our portfolio includes industry intelligence reports and reference materials, e-Seminars, international symposia, regional roundtables, educational colloquia and a wide variety of robust electronic media. MediaTec Publishing is widely regarded as the leading source of information and insight for workforce development and talent management decision-makers who need to be strategic, effective and successful in new and changing markets.

Orkin, Inc. Presented With Industry Best-In-Class Customer Service Award

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400

ATLANTA, July 19, 2006 – Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc., the 105-year-old pest control company, has received Pest Control Technology magazine and Syngenta Professional Products’ Best-In-Class Customer Service Award. Orkin was honored with the award at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Academy in Las Vegas on July 14.

The Best-In-Class Customer Service Award is part of the NPMA’s Crown Awards program, which was initiated in 2005 and recognizes pest control companies that lead the industry in excellent customer service. Winners are recognized in three revenue categories: large ($6 million or more in annual revenue); medium ($750,000 to $6 million in annual revenue) and small ($250,000 to $750,000 in annual revenue). Orkin, one of 74 pest control companies with 2005 revenues greater than $6 million, was named winner in the large company category.

The five components for the award are customer service recognition, customer testimonials, unique customer service initiatives, peer recognition and extraordinary customer success stories. The judges for the award were Phil Cooper, president of Cooper Pest Solutions; Dr. George Rambo of GR Consulting Services; and Norm Ehmann, former vice present of Univar.

“We are so pleased to be honored with this high distinction,” said Orkin President Glen Rollins. “We strive to provide the highest degree of service, and we are grateful to the Orkin employees who work with our customers in every step of the process.”

Winners of the Best-In-Class Customer Service Award will also be profiled in an upcoming issue of Pest Control Technology magazine.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Mold Threatens Health Conditions In New Orleans

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Orkin, Inc. Partners with National Center for Healthy Housing, Catholic Charities and ACORN to Battle Mold

ATLANTA, June 19, 2006 – Almost a year after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated New Orleans, the aftereffects of extensive flooding and roof damage continue to threaten local residents’ health and property. As residents face mounting pressures from the City of New Orleans to gut or demolish their flood-damaged homes, national pest control company Orkin, Inc., in partnership with several national non-profit partners, treated 98 severely flood-damaged homes in New Orleans for mold infestation.

Working with the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), Orkin donated time and services June 12-16 to assist Catholic Charities’ Operation Helping Hands and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)’s Home Clean-Out in efforts to clean up neighborhoods and restore homes. After volunteers from these organizations identified and gutted damaged homes, many of which were occupied by low- to mid-income, elderly or disabled residents with little to no flood insurance, Orkin’s volunteer team of 13 began work.

The Orkin Ready Response Team – a group of Orkin employees with a vast knowledge of pests, extensive training and years of experience in the pest control industry – applied BORA-CARE® and MOLD-CARE™ products, which are low in toxicity, to help protect homes from mold growth. As a secondary benefit, this application of BORA-CARE® discourages termite activity, which has increased in New Orleans due to wet conditions.

“We are very proud of the Orkin Ready Response Team’s dedication to safeguard public health and property for those homeowners who so desperately need assistance. Orkin is thrilled to join these notable charities in protecting and preparing homes for the safe return of New Orleans residents,” said Glen Rollins, president and COO of Orkin, Inc.

Mold, which can damage health and property, is a major problem for New Orleans residents. Many homes have been abandoned and unopened for nearly a year, allowing harmful mold to thrive. According to NCHH Executive Director Rebecca Morley, mold exposure may cause allergic reactions, such as asthma attacks, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Even dead mold spores pose a risk, especially for children and adults with respiratory problems.

“We recently found indoor mold levels that were 100 times greater than outdoor levels during remediation work, said Morley, who noted that Aspergillus fungi, which can cause infections in susceptible individuals, were among the most frequently detected fungal species.

Orkin and its partners are cautioning flood victims against the sole use of bleach for removal of mold because bleach may not penetrate deeply enough to remove mold from wood structures or prevent it from returning.

“Catholic Charities’ Operation Helping Hands project helps needy homeowners reoccupy their homes in the greater New Orleans area,” said Joan Diaz, project manager of Operation Helping Hands for Catholic Charities in New Orleans. “It is encouraging to work with volunteers from other organizations and companies that share similar philanthropic goals.”

“Our Home Clean-Out Project demonstrates ACORN’s commitment to preserving the homes of residents displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, said Tanya Harris, Lower Ninth Ward community organizer for ACORN. “We appreciated working with Orkin and Catholic Charities on this large-scale effort to rebuild a city in need.”

While these organizations donated volunteers and time, other companies donated products and services: Safety South (safety products), Nisus (BORA-CARE® and MOLD-CARE™ products) and Systems Environmental (sprayers at cost).

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

The following Orkin employees comprised the Orkin ReadyResponse Team:

Frank Meek, Director of Technical Services (Atlanta, Ga.)
Rob Sutherland, Residential Branch Manager (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Jeff Angelo, Residential Branch Manager Trainee (Atlanta, Ga.)
Gary Simpson, Commercial Service Manager (Denver, Colo.)
Ken Colpaert, Commercial Service Manager (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Jim Ansley, Residential Branch Manager (Tyler, Texas)
Eduardo Ramirez, Commercial Branch Manager Trainee (Houston, Texas)
Ernest Butler, Commercial Branch Manager Trainee (Houston, Texas)
Rick Laster, Residential Branch Manager (North Dallas, Texas)
Don Tavlin, Assistant Region Manager (New Orleans, La.)
William Dear, Residential Branch Manager (Wilmington, N.C.)
Joel Perez, Residential Service Manager (Miami, Fla.)
Mark Faliveno, Termite Claims Manager (New Orleans, La.)

About the National Center for Healthy Housing

National Center for Healthy Housing is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting practical measures to protect children from residential environmental hazards while preserving affordable housing. NCHH seeks scientifically valid and practical strategies to make homes safe from hazards, to alert low- income families about housing-related health risks, and to help them protect their children. NCHH also works with governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop standards and programs and guide their implementation through insurers, lenders, federal and state laws and regulations, community organizations, and the courts. For more information, visit www.centerforhealthyhousing.org.

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is the largest health and human service agency in the Gulf South. Since Hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities has served nearly 500,000 people of all faiths and backgrounds. Through more than 30 programs, Catholic Charities addresses housing, hunger, family, health and other issues in eight Louisiana civil parishes. For more information, visit www.ccano.org .

About ACORN

ACORN is the nation’s largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, with over 200,000 member families organized into 800 neighborhood chapters in 99 cities across the country. Since 1970, ACORN has taken action and won victories on issues of concern to our members, including better housing for first-time homebuyers and tenants, living wages for low-wage workers, more investment in our communities from banks and governments, and better public schools. Please visit www.acorn.org to learn more.

Americans Experience Embarrassment Before Fear When Pests Enter Their Homes

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Survey by Orkin Reveals Homeowners’ Pest Perspectives

ATLANTA, June 1, 2006 – According to a recent pest survey by Orkin, Inc., the 105-year-old pest control company, Americans who find pests in their homes feel more embarrassed and annoyed than they do afraid.

Results from the survey – conducted in late April, the unofficial start of this year’s high season for pests – revealed that more than 75 percent of respondents would feel embarrassed if guests came to their homes and saw pests such as insects, spiders or rodents. A smaller portion of Americans – 64 percent – claimed they would feel annoyed to find pests in their homes.

Surprisingly, reactions of embarrassment and annoyance proved more popular than one expected emotional response: fear. Only 15 percent of those surveyed said they would be afraid to find unwanted pests in their home, an ironic figure given the severe public health threats posed by common household pests, including some fly, spider and mouse species.

The Orkin survey also revealed that the older you are, the less likely you are to feel embarrassed when guests spot pests in your home. The survey’s youngest cohort, aged 18-24 years old, appeared most easily embarrassed by pests in the home; 82 percent of them predicted that emotional response given the situation. From there, responses of embarrassment declined among older survey groups. The oldest survey respondents – 65 years of age and older – were least bashful about bugs; 71 percent believed they would be embarrassed if guests found pests in their homes.

“The results of this survey help us better understand what homeowners are thinking and feeling about pest infestations in their homes in a season when pest sightings are prevalent,” said Ron Harrison, Orkin entomologist and Director of Training and the Orkin Training Center. “These insights will help us tailor our training and customer service programs to better equip our inspectors and pest specialists, furthering our mission to provide the world’s best pest control service.”

Other key findings presented by the survey include:

65 percent of respondents agree that finding pests in the home is one of the telltale signs of spring.
Nearly three out of four people believe you can still find pests in your home even if you care for your home; the same number believe that pest infestations don’t have to be accepted as facts of life, but issues that can be corrected.
42 percent of men surveyed believe pest infestations are a mark of a dirty home. Women are more understanding; only 24 percent of them agree.
For city-dwellers, pests come with the territory; only 14 percent of metro-area respondents expressed shame at pest sightings in their homes, compared with 24 percent of non-metro residents.
66 percent of Americans agree that calling a pest control company is the most effective way to get rid of household pests.
- 75 percent of those with annual household incomes exceeding $75,000 agree.
- 68 percent of those with annual household incomes less than $25,000 also agree.

The Orkin survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation between April 21-24, 2006. The telephone interviews were conducted among 1,045 adults (aged 18 and over) living in private households across the continental U.S. The margin of error for this study is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.7 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Orkin, Inc. Launches Company-Wide Interactive Satellite Television Network

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Pest Control Leader Collaborates with Three Firms to Pioneer One-of-a-Kind Technology, Revolutionize Training

ATLANTA, April 12, 2006 – Orkin, Inc., the 105-year-old pest control company, today announced the launch of Orkin TV, an interactive satellite television communications network that links the company’s 8,000 employees through first-of-its-kind live broadcast technology.

Commissioned by Orkin and developed by three firms specializing in satellite broadcasting and digital content delivery, the system creates a live “virtual classroom” for Orkin’s employees across the country. While satellite television networks have been available to businesses for years, Orkin TV is the first to deliver interactive video on-demand (IVOD) to the classroom, through a system that also allows employees to play back past programming (much like digital video recorders found in many homes) and participate in past broadcast events. Furthermore, IVOD participation is tracked and recorded in Orkin’s learning management system.

Orkin Satellite Television’s Distinguishing Features

Interactive Video-on-Demand – Orkin’s branches will have the ability to play back past programming stored on each receiver’s hard drive. While viewers of “on-demand” video are not able to communicate live with the instructor, they can respond to questions in real time and view survey results.
Integrated Satellite Receiver and Site Controller – Allows viewers to communicate with instructors in real-time – as if in a live classroom – and respond to survey questions via a site controller keypad. Results are tabulated and displayed immediately.
Direct-to-Monitor Broadcasting – One of the features of the system is that programs are delivered to TV monitors that are dedicated to use by the satellite system – an important benefit for Orkin’s workforce, many of whom do not have access to a computer.

Orkin is using the satellite training system to add interactive distance learning to its award-winning employee training programs. The system will help Orkin save time and monetary resources related to traditional employee training, as new hires will no longer have to travel to the company’s Atlanta headquarters for initial training sessions or wait for an instructor to visit their region. And, the time needed to make a new employee productive will be cut in half.

“This technology addresses a critical need for companies like ours that are growing steadily across many different regions,” said Orkin president and COO Glen Rollins. “We’ll be able to maintain the highest training standards while reaching more people, more often, and at a lower cost – regardless of their location.”

Ramiro Banderas, Orkin’s director of media services and Orkin TV, noted, “By adding the video on-demand component to our training, we’re able to start training new technicians just days after they’re hired. Before, it would take six to eight weeks to teach them the skills necessary to be productive and ready to work. Now it will only take three to four.”

Plus, because the training sessions are broadcast live to the branches and recorded digitally for on-demand playback, Orkin trainees receive consistent, uniform messaging from the company’s best instructors, said Craig Goodwin, Orkin’s director of training. This benefit is also useful for special announcements from company executives – in the event of good news and emergencies.

“This system allows us to communicate at the speed of business,” added Banderas. “For the first time in Orkin’s history, we can reach out and touch nearly every employee immediately.”

All three technology firms involved played a vital role in pioneering the groundbreaking system. GlobeCast, a subsidiary of France Telecom, developed the platform for satellite delivery. One Touch Systems, Inc. and Helius, Inc. collaborated to create the satellite receivers equipped with hard drives for digital video storage and software applications for the viewer response capabilities.

Orkin launched the network on January 20 with a nationwide address from Orkin, Inc. President Glen Rollins; the company’s first two-week satellite-based training sessions kicked off the following Monday. To date, Orkin TV reaches more than 320 locations, giving employees in every region access to the interactive technology.

The technology has caught the attention of other large and geographically diverse companies. Helius and One Touch are currently working with an American automaker and two retailers on similar systems. The automaker has already converted its network to accommodate the satellite technology, but is waiting to see how well IVOD performs for Orkin before adopting the on-demand aspect for itself.

About Orkin, Inc.

About GlobeCast

GlobeCast – a subsidiary of France Telecom – is a global content management and delivery company for professional broadcast. Via its worldwide satellite and fiber network, the company manages and transports 10 million hours of video and other rich media yearly for its core customer base of broadcasters, as well as corporate, government and retail clients. GlobeCast is network agnostic and ingests once to deliver content to any network via multiple platforms, including direct-to-home satellite, cable, video-to-mobile, IPTV/video-over-ADSL, desktop broadband, and more. It is now the world’s largest provider of delivery services to live television-over-mobile operators and in 2005, it won Cable & Satellite International’s Product of the Year award for Best Outside Broadcast Technology for WING Content Exchange, its IP-based file delivery platform. The company’s global presence includes 15 teleports and technical operations centers throughout Europe, America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. For more information visit, www.globecast.com.

About Helius, Inc

Helius Inc. provides leading business-class data broadcasting solutions through secure and reliable delivery of broadband IP over satellites and local area networks. Helius products serve as the communications bridge between the satellite transmission and terrestrial integration of business-critical data, addressing in particular the stringent requirements for video transmission. This reliable and secure integration gives organizations the ability to implement new high bandwidth applications such as digital signage, distance learning, and corporate sales training and deliver these applications from satellite distribution straight to employee desktops. For more information, visit www.helius.com.

About One Touch Systems, Inc.

Since pioneering highly interactive distance-learning in 1989, One Touch has been extending the reach of traditional classroom training to a distributed workforce with measurable and certifiable results. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., One Touch has a premier customer list that includes Ford, Safeway and JC Penney. Currently, our customers use One Touch classroom training for SOX compliance, on-going employee certification, management training, and human resource messages. Over 1 million users, spanning theglobe,use a fully interactive One Touch solution everyyearat a fraction of the cost of traditional "in classroom" training. For more information, visit www.onetouch.com.

Orkin, Inc. Named to Training Magazine’s Top 100 For Fourth Straight Year

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

ATLANTA, March 6, 2006 – Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. was recognized by Training magazine as part of its prestigious Top 100 list, which was announced at Training’s annual awards banquet on Sunday night. Orkin ranked No. 74. This is the fourth straight year the company has been selected to the list.

Training magazine, the training industry’s premiere publication, annually selects 100 organizations that excel at human capital development. These companies are chosen based on criteria such as training practices, evaluation methods and outstanding training initiatives. Orkin will be highlighted in a feature article in the March issue of Training.

Orkin’s training department, called Orkin University, includes 26 performance improvement specialists. The team operates under the acronym SERVE (speed, execution, ROI, versatility, and excellence) to ensure that training is efficient, effective and aligned with company strategy -- supporting employee development from the top down. In 2004, the Aspen learning management system was deployed to further enhance the training department’s efficiency, allowing Orkin to track all training events, including online training and testing.

Training is also effective. To date, Orkin leaders have invested approximately $10 million in the company’s Training Center and training capabilities, ensuring that trainees can make use of activity-based learning tools such as the pest control industry’s only hands-on training center in the United States. The Atlanta-based facility includes a full-sized, fully functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques. Cutaway walls and examples of all common building techniques provide trainees with first-hand knowledge of what they can expect to find in houses across the country. In 2005, Orkin completed a 13,000-square-foot training center expansion, which includes a restaurant kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket layout and warehouse space for commercial pest control technicians.

Orkin’s Vice President of Training David Lamb knows the importance of keeping employees informed and engaged.

“For the fourth year in a row, we are honored to be recognized by Training magazine as one of the nation’s best company’s for employee training,” said Lamb. “At Orkin, we believe that customer service starts with investing in our own people first, and this recognition confirms that we are on the right track with our unique training program.”

In addition to dedicated trainers, Orkin’s division vice presidents and region managers spend three days a week coaching employees in the field to ensure that training is effective. Management’s involvement is another way the training department guarantees that department strategies are aligned with company objectives.

About Orkin, Inc.

Tulsa Orkin Man Earns Pest Control Industry’s Top Award

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0500

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 11, 2006 – Orkin, Inc. Pest Control Technician Norbert Brungardt was named Residential Technician of the Year for 2005 by Pest Control Technology (PCT) Media Group and Syngenta Professional Products. Brungardt, of Orkin’s Tulsa, Okla. branch, will be recognized at a special ceremony at the National Pest Management Association Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., in February 2006.

Launched in 1996, the Technician of the Year Awards honor pest control technicians for their commitments to the profession and their contributions to their individual communities.

Brungardt was selected this year’s Residential Technician of the Year for his outstanding service and customer care, loyal customer base and valuable mentorship of new technicians. Selected from a group of more than 20 finalists, he is the third Orkin technician to receive a Technician of the Year award in the program’s 10-year history.

Ranked No. 1 among the 53 Orkin service technicians in the Tulsa region, Brungardt’s dedication to residential pest control has already earned recognition: in his 12 years with Orkin, he has received the Orkin Excellence Award and won the company’s Quality Service Award seven times. Orkin, Inc. President and COO Glen Rollins is delighted Brungardt received this national honor.

“Norbert is a wonderful representative for the extraordinary service our employees provide in the pest control industry,” said Rollins. “His commitment to service excellence has distinguished him as a model and mentor for residential technicians. Outstanding technicians like Norbert help Orkin keep long relationships with our customers, and we are very proud of his selection as Residential Technician of the Year.”

Brungardt also receives high praise from his customers, many of whom feel comfortable calling him at home when they have pest problems. The closeness of these client relationships is part of what fuels Brungardt’s enthusiasm for residential service.

Each year candidates are nominated by their companies for Technician of the Year in three categories: termite, residential, and commercial. One award winner and several finalists are selected in each category. This year Orkin received four honors including Brungardt’s win. Three other Orkin technicians were finalists, including Jeff Copeland in the commercial pest control category, Jerome Bastien in the termite category and Owen Parker in the residential pest control category.

Technicians undergo extensive training at Orkin University, which boasts the pest control industry’s only full hands-on training center in the United States. The $5.3 million Atlanta facility includes a full-sized, fully functional house for hands-on learning of pest and termite control treating techniques, as well as a restaurant kitchen, bar and dining area, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket layout and warehouse space for commercial pest control technicians. For its reputable training programs, Orkin has been named one of Training magazine’s “Top 100” companies for the past four years.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is a provider of essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in North America. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.6 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). To learn more about Orkin, visit its web sites at www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Rollins Customer Care Center Relocates to Newton County

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0500

New Facility Scheduled to Open in February 2006

ATLANTA, Nov. 22, 2005 – Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL), a premier North American consumer services company and parent of pest control provider Orkin, Inc., broke ground today on a new location for its Rollins Customer Care Center (RCCC) in Newton County, Ga. The move from Cliff Valley Way in Atlanta – a space RCCC has outgrown – to Lochridge Industrial Park in Covington will allow Rollins customer service specialists to continue providing exceptional customer service in an environment capable of meeting the department’s growing needs. The new 20,000-square-foot call center is scheduled to be completed in February 2006.

“Orkin safeguards public health and property by controlling pests in homes and businesses,” said Orkin, Inc. President and COO Glen Rollins. “Often the first contact our customers have with our company is with someone from RCCC. These people are very important ambassadors of the Orkin brand. We chose Newton County as our new home because of Covington’s highly regarded workforce, safe environment and expansion capabilities.”

With the company’s lease expiring in April 2006, coupled with the rapid growth of the call center, it was time for a move. Rollins hired a professional site selection company to search more than 630 labor markets to find the best place for relocation. Prime search criteria were a workforce with a strong work ethic, good attendance and low turnover. Other considerations included workforce competition, facility availability, access to the Rollins, Inc. home office, and minimum business disruption to move. Covington prevailed on all criteria.

All current RCCC employees have been offered positions at the Newton County location, and Rollins, Inc. Vice President – Call Center, Jack MacKenzie, expects 80 percent to either move or commute. Rollins plans to hire 40 to 60 new full time employees and approximately 20 part time associates at the facility next spring in time for swarm and pest season.

“RCCC handled just under 1.2 million calls in 2004, and we’re averaging about 23 percent more in 2005,” said MacKenzie. “We’ll need the added employees to serve our growing clientele in the coming seasons, and Newton County offers a high percentage of well-educated people interested in both professional and second-income types of jobs.”

RCCC provides service 18 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The multi-functional center provides services for two regional call centers, termite claims, complaints handling and public relations fulfillment, in addition to regular pest control and termite customer service. RCCC is also responsible for $20 million in sales annually, where it handles the cross marketing sales program and web site leads. The move to the expanded facility will allow RCCC to capitalize on current responsibilities and become more efficient, as well as open the door and provide capabilities for additional functions.

About Rollins, Inc.

Rollins, Inc. is a premier North American consumer and commercial services company. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Orkin, Inc., Western Pest Services, and The Industrial Fumigant Company, the Company provides essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects to approximately 1.7 million customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico from over 400 locations. To learn more about Rollins, visit our Web sites at www.rollins.com, www.orkin.com, www.westernpest.com and www.indfumco.com.

Orkin Termite Training Facility To Be Constructed At UF’S Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka

Mon, 03 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0400

APOPKA, Fla., Oct. 3, 2005 – The O. Wayne Rollins Foundation in Atlanta has pledged $150,000 to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to help establish the Orkin Termite Training Facility at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka.

Construction of the facility – the first of its kind in Florida – will begin in 2006, with completion expected by the end of the year.

John Capinera, chairman of UF’s entomology and nematology department in Gainesville, said the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation gift will benefit Floridians as public and private organizations use the facility to learn about the most effective inspection and treatment methods for subterranean termites, which cause 95 percent of all termite damage in North America. Because of Florida’s climate and soil composition, the state is home to the nation’s largest termite populations, including the highly aggressive Formosan termite.

“Part of the Foundation’s goal is to promote pest control innovation that enhances health and lives,” said Glen Rollins, president and chief operating officer of Orkin and grandson of O. Wayne Rollins, for whom the Foundation is named. "The Orkin Termite Training Facility will provide expert termite education, benefiting homeowners throughout the Southeast and nation.”

UF faculty and staff, along with other industry professionals, will provide statewide training to a wide range of participants including pest control professionals, government employees and students. The termite training facility will also be available for lease by manufacturers and other companies, including pest control firms from northern states where training schedules are restricted by climate.

Faith Oi, an assistant extension scientist at UF and project coordinator of the new facility, said all aspects of home and commercial pest control will be demonstrated, providing trainees with practical experience in treating termites.

“We are very pleased that UF will have this valuable resource for hands-on education, and we are grateful for the enabling gift from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation,” Oi said.

She said the training facility will support integrated pest management (IPM) programs recommended by UF entomologists and Orkin pest control professionals.

“The goal of IPM is to balance the risk of using pesticides with the need to control pests and protect the environment,” Oi said. “The Orkin donation for the termite portion of the training facility will help expedite construction of the general household pest programs as well as lawn and ornamental programs at the facility. This will allow us to educate pest control professionals who participate in the UF-sponsored “IPM in Schools” program, which promotes the use of IPM in educational facilities throughout the state.”

In addition to the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation gift, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has pledged $150,000 to help build the termite training facility.

About the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation

Founded in 1967, the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation provides philanthropic contributions for the support of medical research at colleges and universities, including the role of pests in our environment. The foundation’s geographic focus is predominantly the state of Georgia and the Southeast.

About Orkin, Inc.

Orkin, Inc. Unifies and Responds in Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Pest Control Company Reaches Out to Employees and Other Victims

ATLANTA, Sept. 9, 2005 – Orkin, Inc., the 104-year-old pest control company, is donating its time and services to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.

With 227 affected employees and eight termite, pest control and commercial branches in the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina, executives at Orkin, Inc. and parent Rollins, Inc., one of North America’s largest consumer services companies, are placing their immediate focus on helping employees.

Orkin’s first initiative to its people was to dispatch two trucks on Sept. 3 with disaster relief supplies such as water, food, diapers, pet food, toiletries, generators and sleeping bags to New Orleans and Mobile for distribution, with plans to send additional truckloads of supplies as needed.

In an effort to provide employees the opportunity to contribute to rebuilding their coworkers’ lives and homes, Rollins has established the Rollins/Orkin Employee Relief Fund, a campaign enlisting its 8,000 employees to help meet the immediate needs of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Through the month of September, employees are encouraged to make donations to this effort. The Rollins Chairman and President have pledged to personally match all employee contributions given through September. Employees have raised more than $12,000 within just three days of the fund’s establishment and its communication. Additionally, several of the company’s vendors have committed to donating to the fund.

“In the midst of such tragedy, we are thankful and encouraged by the compassion and generosity our employees have demonstrated toward their fellow workers affected by Katrina,” said Gary Rollins, president of Rollins, Inc. and chairman of Orkin, Inc. “As a service company, the well being of our employees is always a top priority and especially important in these difficult times.”

In addition to providing monetary support to employees, Rollins/Orkin are providing emergency housing, compensation, and difficult-to-obtain staples for those displaced by the disaster. From the onset of the storm, Orkin branches in the Gulf Coast area opened their doors to Orkin employees seeking shelter. In the aftermath, the company is also providing transfer and relocation opportunities to those interested employees via Orkin’s more than 400 branches throughout the United States and Canada.

Reaching out to the larger, storm-ravaged community as a whole is also a priority. Representatives from Orkin are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate rodent, pest and mosquito control services in the affected areas. Orkin’s ongoing collaboration with the CDC has been very helpful in disseminating health-related information to Orkin employees who will be providing important services throughout the Gulf Coast. Orkin President Glen Rollins is currently meeting with top government officials in Baton Rouge and other affected areas concerning pest control and prevention to determine how and when Orkin’s services can best be used.

Glen Rollins responded, “We are committed as a company to using our experience and expertise to provide much-needed pest control relief in the face of this disaster. We want our employees and other hurricane victims to know that Orkin is here to help in any way that we can.”

About Orkin, Inc.

The Stinging Truth About Fire Ants

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Fire ants are aggressive pests named
for their fiery stings.

(NAPS)—Despite their size (1/8" to 3/8" long), fire ants are dangerous pests. Americans spend approximately $6 billion annually on control measures, medical treatments and damages related to fire ants, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

According to Orkin, Inc., these reddish-brown insects, named for their fiery stings, are territorial pests that send out alarm pheromones, or signals, climb out of mounds and sting to defend their homes. Fire ant stings typically cause small blisters or pustules to form at the site of each sting. Blisters itch and burn while healing and are prone to infection if irritated.

Of the several species of stinging ants, the red imported fire ant, which has infested more than 321 million acres in 12 southeastern states and Puerto Rico according to the ARS, is the most aggressive. In fact, red imported fire ants pose a much greater threat than their cousins, the native fire ants.

In addition to their painful stings, red imported fire ants are also known for living in large populations throughout the southeastern United States.

"Depending on whether colonies have one or multiple queens, they can contain hundreds of thousands to millions of ants," said Orkin entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D. "While fire ants enjoy warm weather, homeowners should know that extreme conditions send them indoors seeking shelter, food and more favorable conditions."

Common sites for indoor infestations include wall voids, bath traps and shower stalls.

While fire ants are omnivorous and regularly kill insects, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife, they are also attracted to oily, greasy foods and pet food in and around the home.

According to Harrison, the survival instincts of fire ants make successful, long-term control difficult to achieve and best left to a pest control professional. He also recommends:

Regularly monitoring yardsfor mounds and ant activity;
Sealing cracks around doors, windows and air-conditioning units;
Disposing of cardboard boxes and paper grocery bags, which provide shelter sites for cockroaches;
Rinsing cans before placingthem in recycling bins; and
Storing pet food in tightly sealed containers.

For more information regarding cockroaches or other pests, Call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com for a free home inspection.

Did You Know?

Despite their size (1/8” to 3/8” long), fire ants are dangerous pests named for their fiery stings. These tiny insects have infested more than 321 million acres in 12 southeastern states and Puerto Rico.

Scientists Uncover New Way—And Reason—To Battle Cockroaches

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

New research provides more reasons
to hate—and "love"—cockroaches.

(NAPS)—After crawling the planet for more than 350 million years, cockroaches have proven to be one of the world’s hardiest household pests. While cockroaches have long been known to carry disease-causing germs, this year scientists confirmed that they are also a powerful allergen. The good news is scientists also have found a creative way to combat roaches this year—with love.

In March, researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas reported that cockroaches aggravate asthma symptoms in children far more than pets or mites. Their findings were based on a study of 937 inner-city children aged five to 11 with moderate to severe asthma symptoms.

Study results confirmed that cockroach allergens, found in roach saliva, fecal material, secretions and cast-off skin, is the primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city homes, causing a significant increase in the longevity of coughing, wheezing and chest tightness for study participants, said researchers. The report recommended controlling cockroach allergen levels with pest control.

Along with the cockroach allergen survey results, scientists at Cornell University and N.C. State University announced in February that they had isolated the pheromone, or chemical attractant, that female German cockroaches produce to alert males they are ready to mate. Dubbed "blatellaquinone," in honor of the German cockroach’s Latin name, Blatella germanica, the “love pheromone” was synthesized and tested on male cockroaches, who responded immediately. It eventually could be used in poison baits or sticky traps, providing another weapon in the seemingly endless battle against German cockroaches.

Meanwhile, “Make sure that roaches aren’t hitching a ride indoors by monitoring what comes into your home. Also, vacuuming regularly and cleaning up debris and spills are important in preventing cockroaches around the home,” said Orkin, Inc. entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D.

Harrison also recommends:

Storing garbage containers in dry areas;
Sealing cracks around doors and windows, as cockroaches need no more than 1/8-inch to enter;
Disposing of cardboard boxes and paper grocery bags, which provide shelter sites for cockroaches;
Trimming tree branches that overhang the home; and
Contacting a pest control professional to treat for infestations.

For more information regarding cockroaches or other pests, Call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com for a free home inspection.

Did You Know?

According to Ron Harrison, Ph.D, an entomologist at Orkin, Inc., ways to keep a home roach free include: storing garbage containers in dry areas; sealing cracks around doors and windows; and disposing of cardboard boxes and paper bags, which provide shelter sites for cockroaches.

Everyday Pests Can Pose A Health Threat

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

A pest management professional can
help reduce the danger of pests like the
deer mouse, which can transmit
hantavirus.
(Photo courtesy of CDC.)

(NAPS)—Native insects, spiders and even rodents play a vital role in the environment. Certain pests, however, can be hazardous to one’s health, from inflicting painful bites and stings that cause severe allergic reactions to transmitting diseases that may be life-threatening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several pest-related diseases pose a public health concern to those living in North America. To ensure safety, it is important that the public learn to identify and prevent contact with the most dangerous pests, including:

Mosquito. Although approximately the size of a small button, a mosquito can cause big damage. A few of the more than 200 species found throughout North America transmit West Nile virus and other viruses that cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Internationally, mosquitoes cause major health problems through carrying and transmitting infectious agents that cause malaria, lymphatic filarisis and yellow fever.
Rodent. From mice and rats toground squirrels and prairie dogs, rodents are known to transmit diseases by biting humans and contaminating food sources or other surfaces. They also carry fleas or mites, which further spread disease. The common house mouse, recognizable by its grey coat and distinct ears, can contaminate food and surfaces. Deer mice, tan or brown on top with white feet and underbellies, can transmit a hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hantaviruses cause flu-like symptoms and death in more than one-third of cases, and there is no known treatment or vaccine. Norway rats, stocky with grayish-brown coats, can transmit murine typhus as well as contaminate food and surfaces.
Tick. An adult tick has eight legs and is smaller than a sunflower seed. Ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, relapsing fever and tularemia.

"Not only do some pests cause disease, others are responsible for causing severe allergic reactions in humans and even death through bites or stings," said Ron Harrison, Ph.D. and board-certified entomologist for Orkin, Inc. "Fire ants, yellow jackets, hornets and brown recluse spiders are prime examples of the most dangerous pests that do not transmit disease."

Ways to prevent these unwanted pests in homes and establishments include caulking seals on doors, windows and ceiling cracks; cleaning thoroughly and frequently; and, most importantly, contacting a pest control professional for prevention and treatment.

To learn more about North America’s most dangerous pests, visit www.Orkin.com to download a brochure. Call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com for a free home inspection.

Home Ideas

According to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, several pest-related diseases pose a public health concern to those living in North America. Ways to prevent unwanted pests in homes and establishments include contacting a pest control professional for prevention and treatment. Visit www.Orkin.com for a free home inspection.

Mosquitoes: More Than a Nuisance

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Take preventative measures to protect
yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.
(photo courtesy of CDC)

(NAPS)—As the cold weather slowly escapes, we find ourselves looking for more reasons to bask and play outdoors. But be advised: spending time outdoors may come with mosquito-related risks.

Mosquitoes inevitably accompany warm weather and are much more than just a nuisance during outings and picnics. Though typically feared for the dangers they pose internationally where they carry and transmit the infectious agents that cause malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever and dengue fever, mosquitoes should not be taken for granted in North America. Approximately 200 of the more than 3,000 mosquito species worldwide are found in North America, and some are capable of transmitting a number of viruses causing encephalitis (swelling of the brain), including West Nile virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 16,000 people in the United States have become ill with West Nile virus since it was first identified in New York in 1999. Serious symptoms resulting from West Nile virus can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness or paralysis, and the disease can even be fatal.

"Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water with nutrients to breed and survive, making them very hard to control," says Frank Meek, Technical Director for Orkin, Inc. "It is important to take prevention measures seriously to reduce populations and the accompanying risk of diseases."

Most cases of mosquito-related disease show up in late summer or early fall when populations are largely prevalent. Fortunately, a few preventative measures will allow you and your family to continue to enjoy the pleasures of the changing weather:

When outdoors, spray an EPA-approved insect repellent on exposed skin and over clothing.
During prime mosquito biting hours of dusk to dawn, wear long sleeves and pants in addition to repellent, or consider staying indoors.
Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly and have no holes.
Eliminate breeding sites by emptying standing water from objects around the home, including flower pots, buckets, tire swings and children’s wading pools when not in use. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly.

In addition to these preventative measures, professional help is also available through Orkin, the only national pest control provider offering mosquito control and treatment services.

For more information on how to prevent mosquitoes, or for a free inspection, visit www.Orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN. To learn more about mosquito-related diseases, visit www.cdc.gov.

Healthy Ideas

A few preventative measures can help you and your family avoid mosquito-borne illnesses. Professional help is also available through Orkin, the only national pest-control provider offering mosquito control and treatment services. For information on how to prevent mosquitoes, or for a free inspection, visit www.Orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN. To learn more about mosquito-related diseases, visit www.cdc.gov.

Plan Smart To Reduce Pest Activity All Season

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Weather, temperature and landscaping
affect pest activity in and around your
home.

(NAPS)—Spring weather can bring rain showers and flowers, but it can also invite termites, ants and other pests to your homes and yards. Education is key to understanding how weather, temperature and landscaping affect year-round pest activity in and around your home.

According to Orkin, Inc. entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D., different pests become active during specific seasons.

Spring: Spiders, ladybugs, blow flies, gnats, aphids, carpenter bees, termites, ants, clover mites, stored product pests such as Indian meal worms and others thrive in climates with sustained temperatures of 60 degrees.
Summer: Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mosquitoes and fire ants are active in warmer months, as well as ticks, fleas, crickets and cockroaches.
Fall: Rodents, beetles, box elder bugs, ants and ladybugs move indoors as temperatures drop and drier weather approaches.
Winter: Cold weather forces rodents, pharaoh ants, German cockroaches and aphids indoors through migration or being brought in on plants, products or other items.

"As temperatures rise and fall, pest activity changes. Pests constantly seek food and shelter, so your gardens, lawns and homes become vulnerable to infestation," says Harrison.

Infestation is no longer just an annoyance. While certain pests like mosquitoes, rodents and ticks pose health threats to you, your family and pets, other pests attack plants, causing damage to leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruit:

Flowers/Trees/Shrubs: aphids, grasshoppers, bagworms, bud worms, cabbage worms, cucumber beetles, Japanese beetles, bumble-bees, tent caterpillars.
Fruits/Vegetables: aphids, bean beetles, flea beetles, cucumber beetles, cutworms, fruitworms, cabbage worms, rodents, fire ants, white flies, Japanese beetles.
Grass: clover mites, grasshoppers, mole crickets.

Harrison suggests the following tips to reduce pest activity:

Be cautious of placing flowering plants near the deck or patio area, as many insects are attracted to the pollen and nectar produced by flowers.
Keep plants two to three feet from your home, as many insects and rodents are attracted to leaves, flowers and fruit.
Keep mulch at least two to three feet from your home because insects are attracted to the moisture it holds.
Eliminate sources of standing water.
Fit screens and tighten seals on doors and windows.
As pest identification is key to controlling pests, hire a licensed pest-control professional to treat areas in and around your home.

For more information , or for a free inspection, visit www.Orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN.

Home Ideas

According to Orkin, Inc. entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D., different pests become active during specific seasons. Free inspections are available by calling 1-800-800-ORKIN.

Studies Show Bed Bugs Are Still Biting

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Bed bugs continue to dwell in homes,
hotels and even cruise lines.

(NAPS)—You fall into bed after a long day, looking forward to a good night’s sleep. But while you dream, bed bugs become active, crawling out of crevices in search of a meal. Studies show that bed bugs are not only biting, but on the rise.

A new survey by Orkin, Inc. points to a continuing resurgence in bed bug infestations across the United States. Data indicate that bed bugs are invading new territories, increasing the number of states treated from 35 in 2003 to 43 in 2004.

"Bed bugs are continuing to make a strong comeback, and our survey results show that bed bugs are indeed a problem for everyone," said Orkin Technical Director Frank Meek.

Several factors have influenced the rise of this tiny pest, the foremost being that bed bugs are difficult to prevent. The insects can arrive at any moment, transported in travelers’ luggage. Once indoors, they can spread from room to room, hitchhiking on clothing, personal belongings and even vacuum cleaners. Despite the challenges, Orkin has developed a preventive treatment for bed bugs for hotels and other commercial properties that has fared well in field tests, said Meek.

Bed bugs can live over a year without eating and withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit, making them even harder to eradicate. Females are also able to lay one or more eggs per day, an average of 200 or more over a lifetime.

Facts on Bed bugs:

Bed bugs are flat, light tan to brown and oval-shaped until after they feed; then they fill out and turn a reddish color.
The adult is approximately the size of an apple seed.
The nocturnal creatures hide in cracks and crevices during daylight. They also live in mattresses, box-springs, upholstery and hollow posts of beds and other furniture.
Blood is a bed bug’s only food source.
Bed bugs are not known to cause disease, but they bite and can leave itchy welts on a victim’s skin.

Bed bugs can dwell not only in homes, but also in hotels, motels, apartments, dormitories, condominiums, cruise ships and even aircraft. Meek suggests checking for common signs of infestations when traveling. Carefully inspect luggage and clothing for the insects, and check sheets for brown or red spots. Monitor for a musty, sweet odor (like soda pop syrup), and look for welts on the skin. Successfully treating for bed bugs requires the expertise of a licensed pest control professional with specific training and experience.

For more information regarding bedbugs or other pests, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com.

Did You Know?

Studies show that bed bugs are still biting. Bed bugs can live over a year without eating and withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit, making them even harder to eradicate.

To Prevent Termite Damage; Early Detection Is Key

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Schedule an annual inspection to
prevent termite infestation.

(NAPS)—Termites are among the most ancient of pests, surviving for more than 250 million years. Since termites aren’t going anywhere, it is important for homeowners to know about these silent invaders and the potential damage they can cause homes.

Termites are social insects that live in colonies ranging in size from thousands to millions. Termites are also able to adapt to changing environments. An average lot (approximately one-half acre) surrounding a home can support three to four colonies.

According to Paul Hardy, technical director for Orkin, Inc., termites can be a problem for almost everyone."Unless you live in Alaska, your home or building can be a target for termites."

No other structural pest has caused more attention than termites. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause over $5 billion dollars in damage each year in the United States. Because termites can enter your home through cracks as tiny as 1/32", any home, regardless of structure type, is vulnerable to termite attack.

According to Orkin, identifying a termite problem can be difficult, since termites eat wood from the inside out. That’s why homeowners should schedule an annual inspection with a licensed professional.

"Preventing termites from entering your home is important. But if you do have a problem, it takes a professional pest control company to control termites and keep them from coming back," says Hardy.

Signs of termites include:

a temporary swarm of winged insects,
discarded wings from “swarmers,”
cracked or bubbling paint,
wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or
mud tubes on exterior walls.

Homeowners can reduce their chances of termite damage by eliminating moisture and removing wood sources close to the home.Call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com for a free home inspection.

Did You Know?

While most guests visit your home through the door, termites can enter through a crack as tiny as 1/32 of an inch. Homeowners can reduce their chances of termite damage by eliminating moisture and removing wood sources close to the home.

ORKIN, Inc. Named to Training Magazine’s Top 100 for Third Straight Year

Mon, 28 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0500

Atlanta (Feb. 28, 2005) - Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. was recognized by Training magazine as part of its prestigious Top 100 list, which was announced at Training’s annual awards banquet last night. Orkin ranked No. 57th. This is the third straight year the company has been selected to the list, and No. 57 is the highest ranking the company has received.

Training magazine, the training industry’s premiere publication, annually selects 100 organizations that excel at human capital development. These companies are chosen based on criteria such as training practices, evaluation methods and outstanding training initiatives. Orkin will be highlighted in a feature article in the March issue of Training.

Orkin’s training department, called Orkin University, includes 23 performance improvement specialists. The team operates under the acronym SERVE (speed, execution, ROI, versatility, and excellence) to ensure that training is efficient, effective and aligned with company strategy -- supporting employee development from the top down. In 2004, the Aspen learning management system was deployed to further enhance the training department’s efficiency, allowing Orkin to track all training events, including online training and testing.

Orkin University’s outstanding training program is also effective, boasting activity based training tools like the pest control industry’s only full hands-on training center in the United States. The $3 million Atlanta facility includes a full-sized, fully functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques. Cutaway walls and examples of all common building techniques provide trainees with a first-hand knowledge of what they could expect to find in houses across the country. Orkin recently completed a 13,000-square-foot training center expansion, which includes a restaurant kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket layout and warehouse space for commercial pest control technicians.

Orkin’s Director of Training Craig Goodwin knows the importance of keeping employees informed and engaged. “We’re excited and honored to be recognized by Training for the third straight year as one of the nation’s best company’s for employee training,” said Goodwin. “Our one-of-a-kind training program enables us to provide the best service possible to our customers – and that’s our ultimate goal.”

In addition to dedicated trainers, Orkin’s division vice presidents and region managers spend three days a week coaching employees in the field to ensure that training is effective. Management’s involvement is another way the training department guarantees that department strategies are aligned with company objectives.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is a provider of essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in North America. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.6 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

ORKIN, Inc. Donates Pest Control Services to Family In Need for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0500

Popular ABC-TV Hit Series Works with Pest Control Company to Surprise Lucky Family

ATLANTA, February 15, 2005 – After a successful and emotional first season of providing happiness to several unsuspecting, deserving families, the award-winning ABC-TV hit series, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is at it again. And this time, extreme pest protection is part of the mission.

Orkin, Inc., the 104-year-old pest control company, donated its time and services to a deserving family in the Phoenix area as part of the most recent project for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The pest control package included termite pre-treatment, as well as indoor and outdoor scorpion exclusion. Both termites and scorpions can cause damage to people’s health and property, and scorpions are especially troublesome in Arizona. Proper exclusion of such pests requires the experience of a true pest control professional like Orkin, as termites can enter a home through cracks as small as 1/32”, and scorpions can inflict painful stings that can be fatal to those with allergies.

Orkin pest control professionals worked on site with Ty Pennington and his design team for a week to ensure the family’s dream home was protected from termites and scorpions. Construction began February 6 on a brand new home to fulfill the dreams of Gilbert residents Brian and Nicole Okvath and their six children.

“At Orkin, we believe that effective pest control safeguards property, as well as protects people’s health and increases their well-being. We were thrilled to join “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in transforming and improving the quality of life for the Okvath family,” said Martha Craft, director of public relations and corporate communications for Orkin, Inc.

After the initial demolition of the existing home, Orkin professionals and construction crews worked around the clock until February 11 when the keys to the brand new pre-treated home were handed over to the family. A dream team of close to 1,000 miracle workers accomplished the transformation of a lifetime for the Okvath family.

One of the Okvath’s children, 8-year-old Kassandra, originally wrote to the show requesting a makeover for the Children’s Hospital Floor at the University Medical Center in Tucson. Kassandra has been receiving cancer treatment at the hospital ever since doctors found a softball-sized tumor in Kassandra’s kidney in October 2003.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” answered Kassandra’s prayers by changing white walls to destination themes so kids with cancer can feel like they are on vacation. But what Kassandra and her family didn’t know was that while one team renovated the hospital wing in Tucson, another “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” crew who had been inspired by her completely re-built and pre-treated the Okvath home for pests in Gilbert as well!

In this heart-warming episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” viewers will see how a very special little girl and her unselfish act of giving to other children provided her with the dream home she’s always wanted for her family and also gave children struggling with illness in the hospital something very special as well.

“The reason why we were passionate about this family was because of an absolutely unselfish little girl, instead of asking us for plasmas, or x-boxes or a new house, all she asked was for us to go into the hospital that saved her life and help the children, nurses and parents who lost children. That compassion brought us to tears. We are used to families who contact us about themselves. She contacted us about the nurses and the Moms and Dads, and the absolute compassion she has at the age of eight is simply remarkable. We should all take a lesson from her," said “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Senior Producer Conrad Ricketts.

This episode, entitled “Okvath Family and University Medical Center,” will air Sunday, March 13 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET), on the ABC Television Network.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is a provider of essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in North America. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.6 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). You can learn more about Orkin by visiting our Web sites at www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

About ABC-TV’s "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the President of Endemol USA. The series is Executive Produced by Tom Forman.

Glen Rollins- The (New) Orkin Man: Antsy for Success

Tue, 14 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Click Here to download the PDF article

Take Precautions Against Rodents - For Your Health

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400

(NAPS) – As the weather cools, homeowners may notice some unwelcome visitors seeking indoor shelter. Rodents, which invade homes while looking for food and warmth, can be difficult to keep out no matter what their size or species.

The most common rodent species in the United States are Norway and Roof rats and House and Deer mice. Surprising to many people, rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter, and mice can crawl through holes the size of a dime.

“Not only are rodents hard to control, these filthy pests can be dangerous, contaminating food and spreading diseases in your home,” says Frank Meek, board-certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc. “It’s important to contact a licensed pest control company for help in identifying and eliminating rodent problems.”

According o Orkin, Inc., mice alone contaminate 10 times the amount of food they actually consume. Rodents in general can carry fleas known to spread various types of plague and are also notorious for carrying and spreading diseases such as murine typhus and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially deadly disease transmitted by infected Deer mice through urine, droppings or saliva, was first recognized in 1993 and has since been found in 30 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of September 2004, a total of 379 cases of hantavirus have been reported in the United States, 38 percent of which have resulted in death.

Rodent control in and around the home is one way to prevent disease transmission. Meek says that although rodent control can be difficult, Orkin recommends the following tips:

Securely store food in containers;
Seal holes, gaps and cracks in your home or garage;
Place traps in and around your home;
Store firewood as far from the home as possible;
Remove any piles of debris near the foundation of the home;
Ensure that gutters are directing water away from the home.

For more information regarding rodents or other pests, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com.

Fight the Bite of Bed bugs

Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0400

(NAPS, August 2004) – The phrase “Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite,” may be truer than you think. Studies show that bed bugs are biting.

According to a recent survey of more than 150 pest control companies in the United States , conducted by Pest Control Technology magazine, more than 70 percent that offer bed bug control services have seen an increase in bed bug calls over the last 18 months.

Specifically, Orkin, Inc. has treated for bed bug infestations in 35 states and is predicting a 25 to 30 percent rise in bed bug infestations over the next four to five years.

The resurgence of these hitchhikers began in hotels, followed by infestations in homes, apartments, dormitories, condominiums and cruise ships. Once indoors, bed bugs spread from room to room - on clothing and luggage and even through pipes and vacuum cleaners. What’s more, cleanliness has nothing to do with bed bugs.

“Bed bugs are on the rise and are a serious issue for everyone,” said Frank Meek, board certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc. “Orkin has treated multiple infestations in the past year from small hotels and apartment complexes to luxurious tourist destinations and homes.”

Bed bugs are flat, brown and oval in shape until after they bite; then they fill out and turn a reddish color. The adult is about 3/16 of an inch long, or about the size of an apple seed. Though these nocturnal insects are not known to cause disease, they harbor hepatitis and leave itchy, bloody welts on our skin.

Meek suggests checking for common signs of bed bug infestations when traveling, or if you suspect that you have a problem.

• Carefully inspect luggage and clothing for hiding insects.

• Check sheets for brown or red spots.

• Monitor for a musty, sweet odor, like soda pop syrup (produced from a large infestation).

• Look for itchy, bloody welts on the skin.

Bed bugs are extremely difficult to kill. In fact, adult bed bugs can live for a year without eating, and they can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Successfully treating for bed bugs requires the use of a licensed, pest control professional with specific training and experience.

For more information regarding bed bugs or other pests, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com.

Facing Flying and Stinging Insects

Wed, 07 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400

(NAPS) – If you’ve ever failed to heed the warning, “Don’t bug them, and they won’t bug you,” and swatted at bees ( particularly honeybees) or wasps (most notably yellow jackets, hornets and paper wasps), you likely know how painful insect stings can be. But did you know that each year, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to hospital emergency rooms and cause at least 40 deaths in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology ?

However, according to Orkin, Inc., flying and stinging insects are often considered vicious because they are misunderstood. Learning about their characteristics explains why they exist where humans live.

These insects need carbohydrates, fats and proteins to survive. Therefore, they build colonies and nests where they have access to constant food sources, which can include areas near humans and human food.
Flying and stinging insects are also attracted to heat and light. Therefore, like people, they are more active in the outdoors on warm sunny days.

“Bees and wasps are often just a hovering nuisance during warmer months, but they can inflict painful stings when disturbed,” says Frank Meek, board certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc.

“It’s important to exercise caution when coming across insects that fly and sting, as encounters can result
in pain and severe allergic reactions.”

According to Meek, controlling these pests often requires a pest control professional with appropriate equipment and protective clothing. Additionally, to make homes and yards less attractive to bees and
wasps:

• Keep food containers tightly wrapped and secured;

• Don’t leave food or discarded wrappers in the open;

• Cover soda cans. Yellow jackets often enter soda cans unseen;

• Empty garbage cans often and keep them away from your house;

• Fit screens and tighten seals properly on doors and windows; and

• Frequently monitor for nests, and call a licensed pest control professional immediately for treatment and removal.

People who experience severe reactions to insect stings, such as difficulty in breathing, infection at the site of the sting, or aggravated skin disorders, should consult a physician.

For more information, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com.

Don’t Let Pests Settle in for the Winter

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Dinner went well. The boss seemed happy with the food and my family. We went to the living room for a bit more conversation and dessert. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw something scurrying behind the plant in the corner. Hopefully I was the only one who noticed it. I remembered the noises I had heard in the wall the last couple of days. Why do pests always show themselves at the most embarrassing times?

Pests come into homes and commercial establishments in two ways:1) they are carried in on us or on things we bring in, and 2) they come in naturally from outside where they have been living. Fall throughout most areas of the country provides increased opportunities for pests to come in either of these ways.

Consider the following ways we may bring pests inside:

Clothing which has been stored way in the attic or back of the closet is brought out of storage along with pests such as webbing clothes moths or roaches.
Students going off to school use stored suitcases, which may contain pests such as spiders and centipedes. These pests will be delivered to the new residence.
Holiday materials are purchased or brought out for celebrations. Stores may have held these materials from the previous year, and pests such as mice or silverfish may be in them now.
Food and decorations are purchased for the holiday season and may be infested with pest such as grain moths, cigarette beetles, or drug store beetles.
Christmas trees brought in for the holidays may have pests such as aphids or mites associated with them.
Tropical plants are brought indoors to prevent damage from the cold, and often pests such as ants, roaches, or flies are in the soil around the roots in the pot.
Pest such as large roaches, spiders, and centipedes may hitchhike inside on wood brought in for the fire. The internal warmth activates those wanting to hatch or become active.

Pests aren’t shy about inviting themselves in either. Fall’s approach usually causes two conditions that encourage pests to come inside: 1) their food source becomes less available, and 2) temperature changes are not optimum for pests. Therefore, for survival, pests start looking for new sources of food and more comfortable places to live.

For example, rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels typically start moving inside with fall’s approach. Mice do not hibernate or have a resting stage of development, and therefore cold outside conditions make it difficult for them to survive. They can enter through openings as small as 1/4 of an inch, and once they are established inside they will probably stay even when the weather turns warm again. Unlike many rats, which need water daily, mice can go many months without water.

Spider types like the harvester, or daddy long legs (not a true spider), move in for better conditions. (Though it is not a pleasant experience to have one walking on you while you are reading or watching TV, it is a myth they are the most poisonous spider.) Ants which are living under slabs close to structures/houses will move in when soil temperature where they are living gets below freezing. (Usually these ants are not interested in food, just warmth, so ant baits do little to help in this situation.) Ladybugs enter underneath siding and through eaves to attics in the fall to hibernate or pupate. Short warm spells in the winter bring them out of rest. When their outside hunting at these times does not prove fruitful because few insects are out, they return to the warmth of structures.

The summer provides good conditions outside for pest populations to increase, and their survival instincts encourage them to come inside when these optimal conditions decline. It is important to beware of letting them get inside during the cold weather and then to prevent those already in from starting an infestation during this time of year.

Keep Cockroaches From Invading Your Home

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0400

(NAPS) – Cockroaches have been around for more than 400 million years and are a widespread pest problem, constantly seeking sources of food and water – elements that exist in your home. These adaptable insects will consume almost anything, from sugar, water and beer to dust, garbage and human hair. Of the nearly 5,000 known cockroach species, approximately 70 are found in the United States , including the American, German and Oriental cockroaches, which are known to cause problems for homeowners.

In addition to their appearance and eating habits, these filthy pests can spread disease, contaminate food and cause allergies –even asthma. Cockroaches often pick up germs on their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these germs into food or onto food preparation surfaces. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, cockroaches are proven or suspected carriers of the organisms causing diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever and viral diseases.

"Cockroaches are one of the most despised pests, and for good reason," said Frank Meek, board certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc. "They are rapid reproducers and remarkable survivors that enter homes in search of food, water and shelter, while posing multiple risks to our health."

Cockroaches, which are usually nocturnal, reproduce quickly. According to Meek, for every one you see, there could possibly be hundreds more hiding and reproducing in your home. In fact, certain types, such as the German cockroach, can produce up to 48 eggs every 20 to 25 days.

Despite their reproduction abilities and their uncanny knack for survival, keeping cockroaches out of your home is not an insurmountable task.

Orkin professionals recommend these steps to help prevent cockroach populations:

• Remove unnecessary food and water sources;

• Store garbage containers in dry areas away from harborage sites – not under the kitchen sink;

• Seal all cracks and crevices – no matter how small – with screen or caulk. Cockroaches love to stay in tight cracks and crevices where they feel more comfortable;

• Vacuum regularly and clean up spills;

• Remove shelter sites such as cardboard boxes, paper grocery bags and piles of newspapers or magazines; and

• Remember, once cockroaches move into your home, they can be very difficult to get out.

Contact a pest control professional to treat for cockroach infestations.or more information regarding cockroaches or other pests, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com .

Orkin, Inc. Launches New Mosquito Program

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Three-Step Service Helps Homeowners ‘Reclaim Their Yards’

ATLANTA, April 26, 2004 – In response to customer demand and concern about mosquito-borne diseases, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is now offering a new service to help homeowners control mosquito populations this summer. Orkin is the only national pest control provider offering mosquito control service.

Orkin’s three-pronged mosquito treatment service is available in more than 80 cities to help reduce mosquito activity in residential and commercial settings. The treatment begins with an inspection of potential breeding sites. Following the inspection, larvicides may be used in standing water, such as ponds or other water features in the landscape, to stunt the growth of mosquitoes’ offspring before they become biting adults. The service also includes a thorough application of insecticides to the underside of leaves on shrubbery, ornamental plantings and other areas where adult mosquitoes tend to land and rest. The treatments are customized for each customer, but service for an average-sized quarter-acre lot will cost approximately $75 per month and includes scheduling a six-month service agreement. Service is available in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.

While August and September are prime mosquito months in most areas due to warmer temperatures, according to board certified entomologist and Orkin Technical Director Frank Meek, mosquitoes begin breeding as early as February or March in many areas to cause problems during the summer.

“Mosquitoes need only a thimble full of water to survive, which means homeowners must be vigilant,” said Meek. “It’s important to eliminate conditions around your home that attract mosquitoes, such as cracks and standing water around yards, in bird baths, roof gutters, pet food dishes or plant pots.”

More than just a nuisance, mosquitoes can be dangerous. They can spread West Nile virus, encephalitis, malaria and yellow fever, among other diseases. A blood-borne illness, West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes to a variety of hosts, including birds, horses, cats, dogs, bats, rabbits and humans. Most cases of West Nile in humans show up in late summer or early fall, but can appear year-round in warmer parts of the country. This month marked the first probable case of West Nile virus in the United States for 2004 in Ohio.

“We tested the mosquito service last summer and it was extremely successful,” said Meek. “While many city governments provide mosquito control, they don’t treat homeowners’ yards or offer the customized approach we offer. We have had an influx of calls from customers requesting the service, and those who’ve already had the service have thanked us for helping them reclaim their yards.”

More information on Orkin can be found at www.orkin.com. To find out if mosquito control is available in their area, consumers should call 1-800-800-ORKIN.

About Orkin, Inc.

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in North America. With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.6 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Orkin, Inc. named to Training magazine’s Top 100

Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Atlanta, March 1, 2004 – Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. was recognized by Training magazine as part of its prestigious Top 100 list, which was announced at Training’s annual awards banquet last night. Orkin ranked No. 60th. This is the second year the company has been selected to the list.

Training magazine, the training industry’s premiere publication, annually selects 100 organizations that excel at human capital development. These companies are chosen based on criteria such as training practices, evaluation methods, and outstanding training initiatives. Orkin will be highlighted in a feature article in the March 2004 issue of Training .

Orkin’s training department, called Orkin University , includes 23 performance improvement specialists. The team operates under the acronym SERVE (speed, execution, ROI, versatility, and excellence) to ensure that training is efficient, effective and aligned with company strategy -- supporting employee development from the top down. In 2003, the training department increased efficiency, hosting 190 WebX seminars and laying the foundation for delivering interactive distance learning via satellite beginning in 2004.

Orkin University’s outstanding training program is also effective, boasting activity based training tools like the pest control industry’s only full hands-on training center in the United States . The $3 million Atlanta facility includes a full-sized, fully functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques. Cutaway walls and examples of all common building techniques provide trainees with a first-hand knowledge of what they could expect to find in houses across the country. In 2003, Orkin began a 13,000-square-foot training center expansion to include a restaurant kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket layout and warehouse space for commercial pest control technicians.

Orkin’s Director of Training Craig Goodwin knows the importance of keeping employees engaged.

“Investing in our people through training truly sets Orkin apart in the pest control industry,” said Goodwin. “We are constantly improving and redesigning training programs so every Orkin technician can acquire new skills, which allows us to provide the best service to our customers.”

“We work closely with operational managers to learn about new service offerings, such as our new service offering on mosquito control,” continued Goodwin. “In addition, our learning management system allows us to further develop competency models so we can close skill gaps.”

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. is a provider of essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects in North America . With more than 400 locations, Orkin’s almost 8,000 employees in the United States and Canada serve approximately 1.6 million customers. Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL). Learn more about Orkin by visiting www.orkin.com and www.rollins.com.

Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Fri, 13 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Good Night! Sleep Tight! Orkin, Inc. says, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite!”

Bed bugs continue to be a serious issue for everyone in the United States. At Orkin, we’re predicting that the number of bed bug infestations will continue to rise over the next four to five years.

Bed bugs are dwelling not only in homes, but also in hotels, motels, apartments, dormitories, condominiums and cruise ships.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are flat, light tan to brown and oval-shaped until after they feed; then they fill out and turn a reddish color. The adult is approximately the size of an apple seed. Adult bed bugs can live for more than one year without feeding and can sustain extreme temperatures, making them difficult to kill.

Where do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs tend to settle in close proximity to their food source – you! During the day these nocturnal insects disappear in mattresses, sheets, furniture, behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper. At night, they come out to feed, attracted by breath and body heat.

Why are bed bugs a problem?

Bed bugs are a nuisance. When they feed, they can leave itchy, bloody welts (similar to hives) on skin. However, because bites are usually painless, many victims do not even realize that they have a problem until the infestation is large. Also, bed bugs are great hitchhikers. Once indoors, they can spread from room to room, hitchhiking on clothing, personal belongings and even vacuum cleaners. They are difficult to control and require the help of a professional.

How do I know if my home or hotel room is infested?

Bed bugs leave behind brown or red spots on sheets. A large infestation of bed bugs can create a musty, sweet odor, like soda pop syrup. Bed bug bites can leave itchy, bloody welts on the skin. Check for these signs of infestations when traveling, or if you suspect you may have brought the insect into your home.

What do I do if I suspect a bed bug problem?

Because bed bugs are so difficult to kill, treating for them requires the use of a licensed, professional pest management professional with specific experience treating for these pests. Bed bugs are difficult to treat, but despite the challenges, Orkin has developed a preventive treatment for bed bugs for hotels and other commercial properties that has fared well in field tests. It will be available nationwide in late spring 2005.

For a free inspection, visit www.orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN.