What it means to be a pest management expert

I recently shared a story in the January 2025 “Callback Cures” column regarding a life lesson I learned while working for the late University of Florida medical entomologist, Dr. Jerry Butler.

The field was Jerry’s favorite classroom, and every day with him was filled with teaching moments that have stayed with me throughout my career. Jerry was my mentor and my inspiration for pursuing entomology. Sadly, he passed away in November. To honor such an incredible entomologist, educator and friend, I’d like to share another foundational moment from that summer.

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Key takeaways

• Observation is the first step: Identifying the “unusual” is more important for an expert than having an immediate answer for every specimen.
• The humility of expertise: True professionals are comfortable admitting when they don’t know something, using it as a catalyst for scientific investigation.
• An evolving industry: As pest ranges expand and behaviors evolve, experts must remain ready to encounter and investigate the unknown daily.

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The “mystery” mosquito

We were resetting insect collection traps at a local horse farm when a mosquito landed on my arm. It didn’t look like any of our usual suspects, so I asked Jerry to identify it.

To my surprise, he said he didn’t know.

This caught me off guard. Jerry was the preeminent expert; he was supposed to know everything. How could he not know? Still shocked by his admission, I collected the mystery mosquito so we could take a closer look back at the lab.

Western Treehole Mosquito (Aedes sierrensis) PHOTO COURTESY OF INATURALIST

Redefining the “expert”

On the drive back to the lab, curiosity got the best of me. I asked Jerry how often an expert entomologist came across something he couldn’t identify.

“Every day,” he said. “Being an expert doesn’t mean you have all the answers. There’s just too much out there to know everything. That’s what makes all this so fun. You don’t have to know everything to be an expert. You just need to be comfortable spotting the unusual and be ready to investigate. Your mosquito looked unusual, so we’ll have a closer look.”

I’ve since forgotten what that specific mosquito turned out to be. However, Jerry’s view on what it means to be an expert has remained a core tenet of my professional philosophy.

Investigation over rote knowledge

The challenges we face in the pest management industry are ever-changing. Pests expand their geographic range, behaviors evolve and new invasive species are introduced regularly. No matter how many years of experience you have, every day serves up an opportunity to encounter something new.

Being a pest management expert doesn’t mean you have to know it all — because you can’t. You simply need to be comfortable spotting something unusual and possess the technical discipline to investigate it.

Thank you, Jerry, for your eagerness to share a lifetime of knowledge. I am eternally grateful for our time together and for the chance to experience your passion for entomology firsthand.

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Dr. Michael Bentley is VP of training and technical services for the National Pest Management Association. You can reach him at mbentley@pestworld.org.

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Sacramento CA

Veseris adds national accounts manager to team

Jason Breakfield

Jason Breakfield has joined Dallas, Texas-based Veseris as national accounts manager. He will be based in Mandeville, La. Breakfield brings more than 20 years of sales and operations leadership experience and a proven track record of driving growth and delivering results across the pest control and industrial supply industries.

Breakfield graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor of arts degree in business, management, marketing and related support services. His experience includes a decade with Orkin Pest Control, where he spent six years as a district sales manager and four years as a general branch manager. His career has also included working in the healthcare, materials-handling and automotive industries.

About Veseris

Veseris has been rooted in the pest control industry for more than four decades, originating from the Van Waters & Rogers (VW&R) acquisition of Namco in the 1970s. Headquartered in Austin, Tex., Veseris operates more than 70 ProCenter locations across North America, providing products and digital services like ProTraining to pest management professionals. 

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/veseris-adds-national-accounts-manager-to-team/
Sacramento CA

Nisus contributes to employee-supported dog shelter

James Rodriguez, Nisus

Rockford, Tenn.-based Nisus Corporation is in full swing, supporting employees who are active in their communities and committed to making an impact. Recently, Nisus made a generous contribution to support the cause championed by James Rodriguez, Nisus industry specialist, who is dedicated to helping abandoned and neglected dogs in Las Vegas, Nev.

Rodriguez shared in a news release, “helping dogs in need has always been a soft spot for me, going back decades.” Together with his motorcycle-riding friends from the High Rollers Motorcycle Club, James has worked to make an even greater difference by supporting A Home 4 Spot. The volunteer-based rescue organization provides foster care and medical treatment while finding permanent homes for abandoned dogs. To date, the organization has saved more than 6,500 local dogs.

Each year, James and the High Rollers host an annual charity ride, where more than 150 riders take to their motorcycles to visit biker-friendly locations across Las Vegas. The event includes sponsorships from local businesses, raffles and additional fundraising efforts. Over 29 motorcycle clubs and numerous independent riders participate in this annual event, with sponsors like Red Rock Harley-Davidson showing strong support.

Nisus CEO and President Lee Barrett said, “James’s commitment to improving his community is extraordinary. At Nisus, we support our people — especially those who are dedicated to making a difference.”

About Nisus Corporation

Nisus Corp. manufactures sustainable pest control, wood protection and agricultural solutions that marry uncompromising standards and cutting-edge research at its production facility in the heart of East Tennessee. Nisus manufactures all of its products in the United States and is an award-winning Responsible Care Member of the American Chemistry Council. Nisus is also a member of NPMA, PPMA, UPFDA and supports Green Pest Management.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/nisus-contributes-to-employee-supported-dog-shelter/
Sacramento CA

How to keep clients prepared for winter pest encounters

PHOTO: LEONID IKAN/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

As a major winter weather system sweeps across the Eastern and Southern U.S. this weekend, keep in mind that pests like rodents and cockroaches are known to seek shelter wherever available. A recent news release by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns of just that.

How common are pests in the winter?

Recent online surveys conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA reveal that 17 percent of Americans encountered rodents in their homes in 2025, and 21 percent have seen a cockroach. These statistics mean that winter encounters are likely to occur and are cause for concern.

“Rodents like mice and rats don’t hibernate. Many pests actively search for warm places to survive. Our homes often provide exactly what they need,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, PMP contributor and senior vice president of public affairs at the NPMA. “These statistics tell us that winter pest problems are real and concerning. But with the right prevention strategies and professional help, these infestations are manageable.”

Rodents and cockroaches have the remarkable ability to squeeze themselves into the tiniest spaces, and as cold sweeps the nation, homeowners are likely to see them around more often. Once inside, they contaminate food, spread disease, trigger allergies and asthma and cause structural damage.

Advice to give your clients

To help clients pest-proof their homes and businesses this winter, NPMA recommends following these essential tips:

• Seal entry points with steel wool and caulk
• Install door sweeps and repair damaged weatherstripping
• Fix leaky pipes and use dehumidifiers in basements
• Declutter storage areas where pests can nest

About the National Pest Management Association

The National Pest Management Association is a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members. It was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food, and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. The association has had many notable leaders over the years, including Pest Management Professional Hall of Famers Bill Buettner (Class of 1998), Dr. Ralph Heal (Class of 2003), Dr. Phil Spear (Class of 2004), and Bob Rosenberg (Class of 2013), to name just a few.

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Sacramento CA

Bird-X: GooseBuster Pro Bundle

IMAGE: BIRD-X

Designed to help deter Canada geese (Branta canadensis), the Bird-X GooseBuster Pro is a single-speaker sonic bird deterrent system that broadcasts a rotating sequence of naturally recorded goose alert and distress calls, along with predator sounds. These audio signals are intended to disrupt typical goose activity patterns and discourage geese from settling in treated areas of up to approximately 1.5 acres. The weather-resistant unit is fully programmable, allowing users to adjust sound selection, intervals, volume, and operating schedules (day, night, or 24-hour use) to suit the application.

For expanded coverage, contact the Bird-X sales department about the GooseBuster Pro Premium Bundle. This bundled solution includes one GooseBuster Pro unit, two 3D Coyote predator decoys, 100 feet of Irri-Tape visual deterrent, and one gallon of Bird Stop liquid bird repellent. When used as directed and as part of an integrated bird management program, these products are well-suited for larger properties such as homeowner associations and apartment communities.

About Bird-X

Bird-X is a global leader in bird control solutions, proudly serving the pest management industry since 1964. For over 60 years, its innovative products have helped protect properties from the costly damage and health risks caused by nuisance birds. From ultrasonic and sonic deterrents to visual, physical and sensory solutions, Bird-X offers a comprehensive line of bird control tools tailored to the unique challenges of each site.

Bird-X is committed to advancing the industry through excellent service, customized training and reliable, high-quality products. Its exclusive, trademarked PCO Select program, designed specifically for pest control operators, offers added value through three essential pillars: the right product, same-day shipping, and trusted quality and performance. PCO Select empowers professionals with the tools, support and confidence they need to deliver bird control services.

Bird-X.com

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Sacramento CA

Allergy Technologies hosts ATAHC Learning Symposium for PMPs

IMAGE: ALLERGY TECHNOLOGIES

Allergy Technologies (AT) convened approximately 30 pest management professionals (PMPs) for its Jan. 6 ATAHC Learning Symposium, a hands-on educational seminar designed to share best management practices, field insights and updates related to the ATAHC Programs. The event was held near AT headquarters in Fort Washington, Pa. Attendees included existing ATAHC professional pest management partners.

The agenda focused on real-world application, emerging challenges and continuous improvement, ensuring that ATAHC subcontractors remain, as Allergy Technologies President Joseph Latino described it in a news release, “at the tip of the spear of knowledge and field applicability.”

While the symposium provided technical education and operational guidance, it served as a platform to reinforce what sets ATAHC apart from other pest management strategies, which reactively spot treat infestations rather than proactively address issues on a property-wide basis.

By replacing frequent callbacks and crisis-driven treatments with a structured, prevention-based model, PMPs benefit from fewer emergency visits, improved route efficiency, streamlined labor deployment and more predictable workloads.

In addition to operational efficiencies, ATAHC offers PMPs a differentiated service model that strengthens relationships with housing authorities and property managers. The program’s data-driven structure, standardized protocols and measurable outcomes help PMPs demonstrate value, reduce client discontent and secure longer-term partnerships in a sector that has historically been difficult to serve profitably.

While ATAHC’s results have been extraordinary, reducing bed bug reintroductions by greater than 98 percent, Allergy Technologies continues to seek ways to improve and fine-tune the program. “The Learning Symposium gathers together supervisors and technicians to discuss the programs, specifics of the programs and if there are ways to make them better,” says Charles Cerbini, Sr., executive vice president at Corbett Exterminating, and consultant to Allergy Technologies, added in a news release. “We want to hear what everybody has to say.”

Cerbini emphasized the importance of collaboration across companies and roles, noting that shared experiences from the field help refine and strengthen the program. “It’s always better to have everybody together because we feed off each other and give information to each other and see what’s worked in the field for this person, what’s worked in the field for this company and try to consolidate and make it better,” he said.

About the ATAHC

ATAHC (Affordable Housing Control and Prevention), is a comprehensive, property-wide platform developed by Allergy Technologies to address persistent pest challenges in affordable housing. Originally launched to combat bed bugs, the initial Program has since expanded into ATAHC Complete, a fully integrated model that addresses bed bugs alongside other structural public health nuisance pests such as cockroaches and rodents. The approach emphasizes early detection, long-acting preventive measures, collaboration with residents and property management and sustainable cost control.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/allergy-technologies-hosts-atahc-learning-symposium-for-pmps/
Sacramento CA

Sprague Pest Solutions appoints three Operations Managers

Tacoma, Wash.-based Sprague Pest Solutions announced the appointment of three operations managers across its growing footprint. The new roles include two internal promotions and one external hire, reflecting Sprague’s investment in developing talent and operational excellence as the company grows. 

Hiring breakdown

Jennifer Bowerman, ACE operations manager, Tacoma branch. Bowerman joined Sprague in 2013 and has spent more than a decade building strong relationships with customers. She is a graduate of Sprague’s Leadership Development Program and Technical Development Program and in 2025 earned her Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification. 

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Kaleb Carpenter, ACE operations manager, Spokane Branch. Carpenter joined Sprague in 2020 and earned his ACE certification in 2025. Before Sprague, he gained experience in water damage restoration and municipal maintenance. In this role, he becomes the second Operations Manager as the branch’s operations continue to expand. 

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George Agosto, operations manager, Tacoma branch. Agosto brings a diverse background in food service and food manufacturing management, aligning well with Sprague’s work supporting food manufacturing and hospitality customers. He also has management experience within a plumbing and heating company, adding to his broad operational skill set. 

“These appointments reflect our focus on growing leaders from within while also bringing in experienced professionals who strengthen our teams,” said Shane Hartnett, ACE Director of Operations at Sprague. “They each bring technical knowledge, leadership and a focus that supports our commitment to quality and excellence at every level.”

About Sprague Pest Solutions

Sprague Pest Solutions, celebrating its 100^th anniversary, delivers comprehensive pest management to highly regulated industries across ten Western states. Since 1926, the family-owned company has advanced the mission that the world deserves to eat safer foods and to live and work in healthier environments, using science-based strategies to protect public health and essential supply chains. 

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Sacramento CA