“We’re very proud of the work Don, Brett, Patrick and Kevin did and the knowledge they gained in order to become certified ACEs,” said Donnie Blake, OPC Pest Control President.
Don Partin, General Manager, Brett Partin, Training Director, Patrick Hickman, Service Manager, and Kevin Mills, Sales/Marketing Manager, OPC Pest Control were recently certified as Associate Entomologists by the Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation.
To achieve Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) status, a pest-control operator must have a minimum of seven years of verifiable pest management experience, the knowledge and ability to pass a rigorous test on insect pest control, a current U.S. pesticide applicators license, and a willingness to adhere to the ACE Code of Ethics.
“We’re very proud of the work Don, Brett, Patrick and Kevin did and the knowledge they gained in order to become certified ACEs,” said Donnie Blake, OPC Pest Control President. “It means a lot to have nationally-recognized, certified experts as part of the company.”
The ACE examination includes questions about basic entomology; insect identification, life cycles, and control measures; health impacts of pests; ecological principles pertaining to pest control; environmental impacts related to pest control; integrated pest management (IPM); pesticide safety and health issues; pesticide technology and resources; organizations and associations of significance to the pest control industry; and laws and regulations affecting the industry.
The company’s mission statement shows why this certification is so important: To consistently provide high quality pest solutions through IPM practices and education for our customers, community and staff. Brett Partin, Training Director, said “Everyone benefits from having 4 ACE’s on staff. Our customers are better served, we can educate our community better, and our staff is more thoroughly trained.”
The company was founded in 1972 by father and son team, Lamon and Donnie Blake respectively. It began humbly as a two man operation but has since grown into the largest local independent pest control company in the state of Kentucky and employs over 80 full time staff members. As of the latest poll from 2011, Pest Control Technology lists OPC Pest Control as the 86th largest pest control company in the United States.
This year, OPC also celebrated its 40th anniversary. They are very confident about the future of the business and industry and expect another strong year.
For more information about the Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation, please visit their website.