Wasps wreak havoc at World Darts Championship

Photo: Wirestock/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

When Jurjen van der Velde stepped onto the stage at London’s Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship, he brought an unexpected piece of equipment: a can of bug spray. Hoping to avoid the wasps that have plagued the tournament, he sprayed the oche area before throwing his first dart.

It didn’t work.

Despite the impromptu treatment, wasps continued to buzz players throughout the event, forcing swats, dodges and even one mid-air dart strike. Van der Velde ultimately lost his first-round match 3–1, proving that aerosol insecticides are no match for an active wasp issue — especially in a large, open venue.

Why the wasps didn’t go anywhere

From a pest management standpoint, the outcome isn’t surprising. Off-the-shelf wasp sprays are designed for direct contact, not long-term control or colony elimination. Spraying an open area without addressing the nest, entry points or attractants offers little more than temporary relief.

In environments like Alexandra Palace, a large, high-traffic and food-adjacent area, wasps are likely responding to odor cues, lighting and accessible food sources. Without exclusion, sanitation and proper nest removal, the insects will simply keep returning.

Incidents like this create an opportunity for PMPs. When consumers see high-profile failures of DIY pest control, it reinforces the value of trained technicians, proper PPE and targeted treatment plans.

It’s also a reminder to educate customers about insecticide misuse. Spraying randomly, especially in public or enclosed spaces, can raise safety, liability and compliance concerns. As a PMP, your role isn’t just to eliminate pests, but to manage risk and apply products according to the label and best practices.

Use stories like this in your marketing, blogs or customer conversations to explain why professional wasp control focuses on inspection, nest location, timing and follow-up, not just a quick spray.

A can of bug spray didn’t solve a wasp problem on one of the world’s biggest dart stages and it won’t solve your customers’ problems either. For PMPs, this headline reinforces a simple truth: effective wasp control requires strategy, not shortcuts.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/wasps-wreak-havoc-at-world-darts-championship/
Sacramento CA

NEPMA unveils new board at annual awards dinner

The New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) hosted its annual dinner and awards meeting on Dec. 3, 2025, bringing together pest management professionals from across the region for an evening of celebration, recognition and leadership advancement.

Board elections and leadership updates

During the meeting, NEPMA held elections to fill two open seats on the board of directors, welcoming Dan Forand of Pilgrim Pest Professionals and Rich Merullo of Ultra Safe Pest Management.

They join current directors Daniel Brady, Kevin Flynn, ACE, PCQI, Jim O’Neil, and Will Weaver, along with NEPMA’s executive board, which continues its leadership with Mike Bourdeau, ACE as president, Courtney Carace, ACE as president-elect, Hope Bowman as treasurer, Kevin Goldman as clerk, and David Flynn as past president.

Jim O’Neil receives Bartlett W. Eldredge award

Jim O’Neil of Rentokil Terminix accepts the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award. IMAGE: NEPMA

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of NEPMA’s highest honor, the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award, to Jim O’Neil of Rentokil Terminix. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional long-term commitment to the betterment of the pest control industry in New England, outstanding community service and the respect of their peers.

Jim O’Neil’s career and contributions

Jim began his career in pest management on November 1, 1990, with Terminix in Windsor, Conn. Following a nine-month training program, he rose quickly within the organization, serving as branch manager in several Connecticut offices including Trumbull and Norwalk — each twice — as well as Suffern, N.Y. During this time, he and his wife Andrea welcomed their two children Patrick and Jennifer.

In 1997, Jim and his family returned to Massachusetts to be closer to extended family, settling in Mattapoisett, where they still reside today. Over the years, Jim managed multiple Terminix branches throughout Massachusetts, including Milford, Taunton, Hyannis and Bourne and also oversaw the Rhode Island operation for more than a year.

Jim’s leadership continued to grow as he served as Regional Service Manager and Regional Support Manager for all New England states, focusing on branch operations, colleague training and customer service excellence. These roles evolved into Territory Support Manager, expanding his responsibilities into New York and Pennsylvania. Following the Rentokil acquisition, Jim joined the Rentokil-Terminix Compliance team, where he currently serves as Compliance Manager for New England and New York, supporting 47 offices across both regions.

Service to NEPMA

Jim became actively involved with NEPMA in 2021 and has since contributed significantly to the Association’s mission. He has served on the Nominating, Legislative and Education committees and currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR) for Vermont.

A life rooted in family and community

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jim is deeply committed to family life. He enjoys time with his wife Andrea; daughter Jennifer and her husband Andrew; son Patrick, his wife Chrissy and their children — Finn, age three (born during PestWorld Boston) and Claire, who recently turned one. Jim is also an avid runner, maintaining a daily goal of at least two miles.

“Jim’s dedication, integrity and passion have made a tremendous impact on our industry and our association,” said NEPMA President-Elect Courtney Carace. “His leadership and service to NEPMA exemplify the values celebrated by the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award.”

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Sacramento CA

VPMA board meeting sets bold course for the year ahead

Bright minds chart a bright future: VPMA sets bold course for the year ahead

The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) convened its board of directors, committee chairs and invited guests for a high-impact board planning meeting designed to build on the successes of 2025 and illuminate a strong path forward for 2026. Guided by newly installed President Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, the association’s brightest minds came together to envision a vibrant future for VPMA’s members and the broader pest management profession across Virginia.

Harlow-Ellis opened the meeting by reaffirming VPMA’s commitment to its mission and vision — promoting ethical, environmentally responsible pest management and serving as the premier resource supporting the industry statewide. With renewed energy and focus, leaders evaluated committee charters, re-engaged both seasoned and emerging contributors and established major organizational goals for the year ahead.

IMAGE: VPMA

Reflecting on a year of achievement: 2025 highlights

Virginia pest management summit success

The 2025 Summit marked the 20th presentation of this long-loved meeting, bringing together professionals from across the state for a refreshed, re-energized and highly engaging program. Attendees praised the Summit’s quality and dynamic sessions, noting that they “couldn’t wait to return to their seats for each presentation.” Many shared that they received practical, immediately applicable information to strengthen both their business operations and technical work. With strong engagement, updated branding and a new venue, the Summit reinforced its reputation as a cornerstone event for Virginia’s pest management community and positioned it for continued growth in the years to come.

Spring recertification webinars meet industry needs

VPMA’s Spring Recertification Webinars continued to deliver high-quality, timely training serving both members and non-members across Virginia. These virtual programs remain one of the Association’s most effective avenues for reaching a broad audience and supporting the ongoing recertification needs of the pest management profession.

Petition for rulemaking gains support

VPMA’s petition to revise Category 8 certification received strong backing, including support from the current Commissioner of Agriculture and 27 public comments from industry members. This effort highlights VPMA’s role in elevating issues that impact members’ ability to hire, train and certify technicians, ensuring these concerns are brought to the attention of regulatory partners along with proposals for meaningful, practical change.

Cat 8 prep course achieves outstanding success

VPMA collaborated with VDACS to deliver comprehensive study materials and expert-led instruction to 45 course participants — all of whom successfully passed the Category 8 exam. Given that the typical Cat 8 pass rate is in the low 30% range, this remarkable 100% success rate underscores the exceptional quality of the preparation, guidance and review provided in the course.

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Strategic areas of focus for 2026

1. Education

• VPMA will continue expanding core educational programs, including WDI Certification, Master Technician training, recertification webinars, the annual Summit and the Jeffrey M. Johnson ACE Prep Course.
• New for 2026, VPMA will launch a WDI Inspector Recertification Course, designed not merely as a refresher but as an advanced “201-level” program that will renew voluntary WDI certification for an additional two years.
• VPMA aims to be a true training partner for members by offering professional-level education that equips technicians to meet customer needs, while reducing the burden of developing extensive in-house training. Professional branding materials — including program logos — will be developed to highlight this commitment to excellence.

2. Legislative and regulatory affairs

VPMA will maintain strong engagement with VDACS, state and federal lawmakers and EPA partners to navigate regulatory changes and advocate for the profession. With many newly elected or re-elected Virginia state legislators, 2026 provides an important opportunity to introduce VPMA to leadership and position the Association as a trusted resource on small business and pest-related issues that representatives and senators may encounter.

3. Professional development

Programs such as the STM Admin Conference, ACE Prep Course and the Leadership Excellence & Action Program (LEAP) will continue to advance leadership and professional excellence within the industry. These initiatives help PMPs build personal and professional skills that support career advancement, strengthen communities and expand business opportunities.

4. Connections and community growth

Recognizing significant opportunities to reach thousands of Commercial Applicators and Registered Technicians across Virginia, VPMA will prioritize outreach and engagement efforts statewide. VPMA not only supports the industry through education and advocacy, but also works to create a strong sense of community among pest management professionals. In 2026, VPMA will host regional spring hands-on training events in each of the four geographic areas of the state, along with Fall 4×4 Social events to encourage networking and relationship building.

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Looking ahead: A bright year on the horizon

“Our brightest minds came together to envision an extraordinary year ahead,” said President Shannon Harlow-Ellis. “With renewed enthusiasm, clear goals and the combined strength of experienced leaders and new voices, VPMA is poised to shine even brighter in 2026.”

VPMA will continue developing its 2026 action plan, focusing on elevating member value, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening advocacy and fostering a thriving community of pest management professionals across Virginia.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/vpma-sets-bold-course-for-the-year-ahead/
Sacramento CA

3 actionable tips for buying local pest control companies

3 tips for buying local competitors

Many pest management professionals (PMPs) I meet ask whether I know of any smaller companies they can buy in their market. They proceed to tell me in detail the specific area and type of company they are looking for. I always let them know I will keep them apprised when I get something that fits their appetite.

I also attempt to tell them what they can do to find these companies on their own. After all, I spent many years as a local buyer and completed 40 acquisitions in my market. Here are three significant actions to take if you will be on the hunt in 2026:

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Key takeaways

• Develop relationships first: Proactively meet and build goodwill with all local competitors, as relationships are the foundation for future opportunities.
• Expect inconvenience: Be prepared for the acquisition process to be highly emotional and time-consuming , requiring tolerance for business practices you may not allow in your own company.
• Maintain post-close goodwill: Ensure the seller is happy after the deal is finalized to protect your reputation and future acquisition opportunities.

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1. Develop relationships with all local competitors

This first step requires significant time and effort. When you see your competitors at trade shows, convenience stores and lunch spots, approach them and introduce yourself. You don’t need an agenda other than getting to know people in the same industry.

Exchange cell phone numbers and offer to help them in any way possible. I have loaned equipment and vehicles to competitors when they were in urgent need and had my staff help them with customer relationship management (CRM) training. Of course, you can pick up ideas and insights from them to help better your business along the way, as well.

You should know dozens of competitors in your market. Whenever I was near my competition’s office location, I’d stop in and introduce myself. If I had the chance, I’d buy coffee for their employees. In 35 years, only one owner ever got upset about me dropping by — she later apologized.

PHOTO: VIOLETASTOIMENOVA / E+ / GETTY IMAGES

My staff thought I was extraordinarily talented at buying local competition, but the reality is, I was converting less than 5 percent of the local contacts I had made. My goal was to meet two new companies every week and make two acquisitions every year. Forming relationships is where it starts.

2. Realize opportunities often come at inconvenient times

The process of acquisition is emotional and time-consuming. You will need to expect and understand what you are walking into when you acquire a competitor.

This can include dealing with employee concerns or practices you never would allow at your own company. I once acquired a business where every technician went home for lunch every day and was allowed to have their kids in the company truck before and after school. While we all have accommodated employees’ personal needs at some time or another, be ready for this aspect of the process.

3. Ensure the seller stays happy after the deal is done

An unhappy seller will hurt your chances for future opportunities. Try to maintain a relationship with the seller after the deal closes, such as meeting regularly for coffee and conversation.

One owner, whose business I acquired over 20 years ago, still meets me for lunch every Christmas. Every year, he gives me a collectible White House Christmas ornament. My kids know him as the “White House Christmas ornament guy”.

Buying local companies requires you to get out of your office and invest time and effort into developing relationships that could potentially become prospects. The relationships you create will end up paying dividends in all kinds of ways for you and your business.

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Williamson is an industry veteran and the pest and lawn director for Cetane Associates, a company that offers pest management firms advice on sales, spin-offs and acquisitions, as well as performs valuation and ad-hoc corporate finance assignments. Learn more at Cetane.com.

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Sacramento CA

IN MEMORIAM: Joe Barlok

Joe Barlok

Joe Barlok, ACE, VP of service for RJM Pest Services in New York City and husband, father and grandfather, passed away in late November. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral. Those who would like to reach out to his family with their condolences are invited to post on his Facebook page.

Barlok outlined how his career came to be in his LinkedIn biography:

I was a 20 year old new father and needed a steady job with an opportunity at a career. My hiring wage of $11/hr was the blessing and new opportunity my new family needed. The rest of the work experience is all about relentless hard work, overcoming challenges and dedication to providing only the best service possible. Looking back now on the past 22+ years in the pest control industry I wouldn’t change one day or challenge. I am thankful for all of it and the people I have met and had the pleasure to work with along the way. Starting on the west coast at Lloyd Pest Control in San Diego County they shaped my love and passion for the industry. Moved to the east coast and have been working in NYC since 2009 with Western Pest Services (Rollins), RJS, and JP McHale (Anticimex). Now having the honor and responsibility to lead the service department at RJM Pest Services, I have the opportunity to share the same excitement for high level of quality service that originally inspired me.

Timson Green, a friend and former co-worker, shares his remembrances of Barlok as follows:

In the pest management industry, there are what I call the “Fantastic Few.” They are people committed to providing their clients with the best possible experiences, and they work hard to ensure that every detail is perfect. They understand that exceptional customer service is a powerful tool for motivation and reward, and they are dedicated to helping their clients create lasting memories.

Rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs and flies are some of the pests we constantly deal with in many markets around the country. These pests are normally found in dark, creepy areas of sub-basements, crawlspaces, near sewer injector pits and in voids of pipe chases.

Joe often said, “If you can’t find it, you can’t fix it. Dark and creepy areas are where most of our development happens.”

Joe had always been a hands-on team player and team leader, an expert who believes in developing the next wave of problem solvers. Leadership is about making everyone else better.

There are three key areas to running an organization: the financials, the development of others, and the standardization of service expectations. Joe checked all the boxes when it comes to these capabilities and set the tone for pest management professionals to emulate. His vision was rooted in building an experienced team, providing exceptional service, and guaranteeing proven results.

It is in the valley that we slog through the lush grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to summit life’s next peak. There is no growth on the top of a mountain. Leadership is not about being the best; rather, it’s about making everyone else better.

Joe Barlok will forever be remembered as a face of the Fantastic Few.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/in-memoriam-joe-barlok/
Sacramento CA

Georgia Pest Control Association gives back to Atlanta community

The Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA) partnered in a service project at the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) on Dec. 4, 2025. 

Over 40 people representing 10 member companies, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the GPCA staff sorted and packed food as a giving back opportunity.  The team prepared over 16,500 pounds of food to be delivered to food banks and other outreach stations throughout the state, providing support for those dealing with food insecurity. 

The service project is one of many recent initiatives from the GPCA. Previous projects have included:

• GPCA PestVets coat drive: run in collaboration with the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program, the GPCA has collected thousands of coats for Veterans across the yearslong partnership.
• Partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which thus far has raised over $1 million for cancer research efforts.
• Hosting meetings for Pi Chi Omega, the professional fraternity for the structural pest control industry.

About the Georgia Pest control association:

Founded in 1950 with only 16 members, the GPCA has grown to include over 85 percent of all pest control operators in Georgia. With a focus on all facets of the pest control industry that promote economic growth, the GPCA seeks to encourage professionalism, school operations, commercial establishments, home management, education and community involvement.

About the Atlanta Community Food Bank

As a member of Feeding America, its mission is to fight hunger by engaging, educating, and empowering our community. The ACFB works with nearly 700 community-based nonprofit partners to distribute 9 million+ meals across metro Atlanta and north Georgia each month.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/georgia-pest-control-association-gives-back-to-atlanta-community/
Sacramento CA

Skyhawk Trapmate and Insects Limited: Trapmate InsectaDetector

IMAGE: SKYHAWK TRAPMATE

The new Trapmate InsectaDetector, developed in partnership with Insects Limited, is a precision sensor–based device designed to automate crawling insect monitoring and deliver early-warning intelligence. Pheromone lures attract target insects into the device, guiding them onto a glue board while high-precision sensors record each pass-through. These time-stamped counts are transmitted through the Trapmate Hub using the same proven, self-powered technology found across the Trapmate ecosystem. Integrated seamlessly into the Trapmate software platform, InsectaDetector eliminates manual glue-board checks, provides customizable notifications and helps technicians detect activity trends early — reducing labor, improving accuracy and strengthening proactive pest management.

About Skyhawk Trapmate

Skyhawk Trapmate is a division of Skyhawk, a U.S.-based company specializing in remote monitoring technology for pest and wildlife professionals. Trapmate’s wireless, battery-powered sensors provide real-time trap activity and data to enhance technician efficiency, reduce service visits, and increase client retention.

About Insects Limited

Insects Limited has been an industry leader in pheromone-based monitoring and control solutions for over 40 years. With a strong foundation in research and development, Insects Limited provides sustainable, science-based tools for the pest control and food protection industries. Based in Westfield, Ind., the company was founded in 1982 by David Mueller, BCE, a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2019).

Trapmate.ai

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Sacramento CA