J.F. Oakes’ Advantage Flying Insect Trap is equipped with a disposable liner and two fly attractants per trap. It is designed based on research that confirm an ultraviolet (UV) blue color attracts three times more flies than any other color.
The trap attacts both male and female flies with an all-natural fly attractant, Advantage Fly Banquet, which will attract a wide variety of species, including, but not limited to:
stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans)
blow flies (Calliphoridae)
house flies (Musca domestica)
sludge flies (Psychodidae)
bottle flies (Calliphoridae)
large gnats
It is recommended that a thorough inspection of the area involved be carried out, and potential infestation “hotspots” are identified and addressed by sanitation and destruction of breeding sites. Placement of traps can vary from site to site however good results can be obtained by following a few guidelines.
When temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, traps must be placed in shaded areas. As temperatures fall below this, fly activity will diminish and they will seek warmer areas. When this happens move the traps to areas that provide sun exposure.
Place traps outdoors where flies are a problem. The outside perimeter of barns, houses, animal cages etc, are excellent locations.
Avoid strong winds. Strong odors from dead flies may occur if not kept in well-ventilated areas.
Place traps at various locations and heights to determine the most effective placement. Traps should not be placed higher than 3 feet from the ground.
Allow 24 to 48 hours for activation, depending on temperature.
If placing the traps in an area near pre-existing strong odors, sometimes doubling the attractant amount will aid in the trapping process.
Always dispose of the dead flies in a proper manner.
Trap units should be replaced every 10 to 14 days or when trap is full, empty the trap and replenish with new attractant.
These accolades highlight the product’s performance in the protective bedding market. It is made in the USA by Mattress Safe, a protective bedding solutions manufacturer based in Cumming, Ga.
The Ultimate Mattress Encasement is noted for its protective features against bed bugs, microbes and allergens. Additional features include fire retardancy, a six-sided waterproof barrier, commercial-grade durability, breathability and a fabric described as “luxurious.”
“We are proud to be part of an industry that recognizes quality as a necessary condition for meeting the standards of excellence for hygiene and bed bug protection,” Mattress Safe CEO Andrea Hancock said in a news release.
About Mattress Safe
Mattress Safe is a dynamic, family-owned business dedicated to giving a product with quality service.
In 2004, Andrea Poston Hancock, VP of Mattress Safe, wanted the right mattress protector to protect memory foam mattresses that did not require professional cleaning. After researching fabrics to protect memory foam and other mattress types, Hancock and her parents decided to create the company to sell the mattress protectors.
Mattress Safe has now grown from a small company, stocking product in a home garage, to a multi-million dollar corporation with over 27,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse space. The company offers solutions for the control of bed bugs, dust mites, bacteria, incontinence and bed wetting.
Tackle structural and turf pests with confidence using two top-performing solutions exclusively from Veseris: MasterLine I MaxxPro and MasterLine B MaxxPro. These trademarked products are built for professional-grade results and formulated for efficiency.
MasterLine I MaxxPro delivers dependable protection, with 21.4 percent imidacloprid in a convenient, pre-measured format. Each bag contains four 2.25-ounce water-soluble packets, two bags per case — making it easy to mix and apply with precision.
Ideal for termite treatments and general insect control, this low-odor, non-repellent formula works systemically and residually to target termites, carpenter ants, grubs and more. Apply via trenching, rodding or injection around structures and turf to stop pests before they become infestations.
MasterLine B MaxxPro features 7.9 percent bifenthrin for rapid knockdown and long-lasting residual action against more than 75 labeled pests, including ants, fleas, ticks, cockroaches, spiders and mosquitoes. Perfect for perimeter and lawn applications and indoor crack-and-crevice use, B MaxxPro offers unmatched versatility. It’s available in five convenient sizes to suit any job: 16 ounces, 32 ounces, 0.75 gallon, 1 gallon and a 55-gallon drum for large-scale operations.
Backed by Veseris’ expertise, these MasterLine products combine powerful actives, flexible applications, and convenient packaging — giving pest management professionals the tools they need to do the job right, every time.
About Veseris
Veseris is a leading distributor serving professionals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico directly through more than 250 sales and service professionals at 77 locations and in Latin America and the Caribbean through a network of authorized dealer partners. The business serves the expanding markets for pest control (including structural pest, public health, wildlife, vegetation management and turf and ornamental) with an extended offering of products and services, as well as educational and technology resources.
Edited by Mark VanderWerp, BCE, Manager of Education and Training, Rose Pest Solutions, Madison Heights, Mich.
Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). (Photo: Gene White)
Sneaking into packages
Stored product pests (SPP) are most likely to infest products that have been opened, but they also can get into unopened packages constructed of paper and thin cardboard, or wrapped in plastic, foil or cellophane. SPP may chew their way into packages or crawl in through folds and seams. All insect stages — egg, larva, pupa and adult — may be present in infested products at the same time. Food can become infested during production, distribution, in the grocery store or in the home. Products that have been left in storage for a long time are prone to infestation, although foods of any age may become infested. Source: University of Minnesota Extension
Answers to August Tech Test
1. b, 2. d, 3. False, 4. d, 5. True, 6. d, 7. a, 8. True, 9. d, 10. b
Riata Capital Group has sold Greenix Pest Control to Gridiron Capital. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Established in 2011 and headquartered in Orem, Utah, Greenix boasts more than 250,000 residential accounts, served by its 37 branches operating across 19 markets in 16 states. Greenix offers a comprehensive suite of eco-conscious pest control solutions, encompassing general pest control, mosquito and tick management, rodent removal, and specialized services such as bed bug mitigation and termite control.
Riata Capital Group initially partnered with Greenix Chairman and CEO Bob Nilsen in a control recapitalization in December 2020. Over the course of Riata’s investment period, Greenix achieved several critical milestones that propelled its market leadership. The company successfully grew both its household customer base and overall revenues by more than 150 percent, primarily driven by robust organic growth initiatives. Greenix also grew its digital commerce capabilities in this period, and acquired five companies.
“Greenix was set apart by its significant scale, strong customer service and retention, powerful culture and strong leadership from Bob Nilsen when we made our initial investment,” Riata Managing Partner Barron Fletcher stated in a news releae. “We are proud to have helped Greenix develop into one of the strongest independent residential pest control services platforms in the country.”
Nilsen also reflected on the partnership in the news release, stating: “Together with our partners at Riata, we have elevated Greenix to another level in terms of sophistication, service offerings, scale, and market position, all while continuing to serve and treat our customers the right way. Riata’s contributions to supporting our strategic growth, both organically and via acquisition, and strengthening our platform through investments in our team, systems, and technology have been immeasurable. The proof is in the results – over the course of our partnership, we have grown our customer base and revenues by over 150% and tripled our bottom line without compromising service quality and our commitment to customers. Our partnership and experience with Riata set us up well for continued success as we enter this new chapter of growth.”
William Blair served as the primary financial advisor to Riata and Greenix, with Kirkland & Ellis as primary legal counsel. LR Tullius also provided financial advisory services. Goldman Sachs acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Gridiron Capital.
Businesses Uniting to Guarantee Sustainability (BUGS) launched the second edition of the Pest Management Industry Sustainability Guidelines at the annual conference of the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Management Associations (FAOPMA), which took place July 14-16 in Penang, Malaysia.
According to the news release, these guidelines are designed to help pest management professionals (PMPs) worldwide meet the growing expectations of corporate clients and remain competitive in an economy shifting rapidly toward carbon neutrality.
As major corporations and governments commit to net-zero emissions, service providers, including PMPs, are increasingly required to demonstrate measurable environmental credentials as part of procurement processes. These updated guidelines offer a clear, practical framework for pest control businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and align with their clients’ sustainability targets.
“Sustainability is no longer a fringe concern; it is a core business requirement,” said Stephen Doggett, chief editor and chair of BUGS at the launch in Penang. “Organizations seeking pest control services now ask: ‘What are your emissions? Do you align with our Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) goals?’ If companies want to retain contracts and win new business, they need answers.”
The second edition of the guidelines provides a comprehensive roadmap, including:
How to prepare for mandatory climate disclosures
Measuring and reporting emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol
Sustainable procurement and supplier compliance
Transitioning fleets and buildings to low-carbon operations
Avoiding greenwashing and supporting genuine ESG alignment
Achieving competitive advantage through verified sustainability practices
As expectations around procurement shift, these guidelines position pest management companies to respond proactively, ensuring contract eligibility, client retention and long-term viability.
The guidelines can be downloaded as a PDF online from Tiny.cc/ybyo001.
As I took a break earlier today from working on our cover story for September, which profiles three successful Green Leaders in the professional pest management industry, I came across a mid-July news item released by a company that was profiled for our December 2016 cover story: U.S. Pest Protection.
The Nashville, Tenn.-based company, led by second-generation pest management professional Erica Brister, publicly announced in a press release that it had “reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human health, food safety, and the environment by providing effective pest solutions that prioritize human health and environmental safety.”
“U.S. Pest is fully aligned with the growing movement to make our food supply and environment cleaner,” Brister said. “We are proud to lead the way in offering pest control solutions that eliminate harmful chemicals like glyphosate while delivering exceptional results for our customers.”
The company’s commitment to this viewpoint includes:
Safer alternatives: Consistently prioritizing products and techniques that are effective against pests while being low-risk to families, pets and the environment.
Eco-friendly innovation: Implementing sustainable pest control strategies that protect vital pollinators, such as bees, and prevent contamination of local waterways.
U.S. Pest’s practices align with the national push for cleaner agriculture by prioritizing the safety of families, food production, and ecosystems. Key initiatives include:
Safeguarding pollinators: As a bee-friendly pest control provider and founder of The Tennessee Honey Festival, U.S. Pest protects vital pollinators essential to agriculture.
Preventing environmental harm: Using targeted treatments to prevent contamination of local water sources.
Comprehensive solutions: Conducting thorough inspections and creating customized treatment plans that address pest issues at their source while minimizing chemical exposure.
If your company takes a similar viewpoint, it seems that customers are listening. This is something to consider in your marketing efforts and in conversations with new and even established accounts. It might take a little work up front to articulate what you and your team stand for, and especially to ensure that your team is on the same page regarding the big picture and the talking points. But the end result could help reinforce that professional pest control has the knowledge, the training and most of all, the desire to solve pest problems while protecting public health.
Agawam, Mass.-based Braman Termite & Pest Elimination has acquired Springfield, Mass.-based Fusion Pest Management. Terms were not announced. With this acquisition, Braman expands its residential footprint by an estimated 10 percent in key suburban and rural markets where Fusion had established a trusted presence.
“This partnership is about more than just growth; it’s about alignment,” Braman President and third-generation owner Jerry Lazarus, said in a news release. “Fusion’s personalized, high-quality service mirrors our own core values. Together, we’re expanding what we can offer customers while upholding the pride, honesty and quality they’ve always trusted.”
Fusion Owner Chris Morin agreed, noting in the news release that “joining forces with Braman was a natural fit. Our companies share a commitment to personalized service, integrity and doing right by our customers. I’m confident our clients will continue to receive the exceptional care they’ve come to expect, now with even more resources behind them.”
About Braman Termite & Pest Elimination
Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, a family-owned and -operated business, has been serving residential and commercial customers across southern New England since 1890. A number of the staff have degrees in entomology or biology, and all technicians are licensed, certified and insured. Its wide range of services includes inspection, pest identification and consultation; integrated pest management programs (IPM); one-time treatments and preventive programs; mandated programs for ASI, AIB, USDA, SQF, NOP and FDA; LEED-compliant programs; bird management; termite elimination; mosquito control; industrial weed control; and fly control and bioremediation. Braman is a member of the National, New England and Connecticut Pest Management Associations and recipient of the coveted NPMA QualityPro and GreenPro designations.
Asian cockroaches (Periplaneta japonica) (Photo: Gene White)
Some invasive species, like the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, or SLF) from China, are relatively new to the U.S. Others, like the Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis), have been here for decades but have increased their distribution reach through factors like more favorable weather conditions, “hitchhiking” in furniture or other shipments, or even being more accurately identified from a native species.
Asian cockroaches (Periplaneta japonica) fall into that last category, notes Holly Sanefski, business manager for Perimetek Pest Management Corp., East Syracuse, N.Y. It’s important to note the differences between them and the more commonly encountered German cockroach (Blattella germanica).
Holly Sanefski
“Asian cockroaches can fly, are attracted to light, and are cold-tolerant — all aspects that set them apart from German cockroaches. Surprisingly, they can even survive northeastern winters outdoors,” she says.
Some invasive species appear in the U.S. from strange beginnings. For example, Gambian giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus), which are mostly confined to Florida and are more of an agricultural pest than a structural one (sometimes popping into homes, though, and frightening occupants with their size), are thought to have begun as imported pets that escaped.
There’s also the stranger-than-fiction way the first invasive species to the U.S., house sparrows (Passer domesticus), arrived: Sometime in the 1850s, Nicholas Pike, director of New York’s Brooklyn Institute, paid $200 to import eight of these birds from England. The prevailing theory is that Pike thought the sparrows would biologically control the cankerworms (Geometridae) plaguing city trees, but unfortunately, the birds eat more seeds than insects.
Not to be outdone, in 1890 Eugene Schieffelin imported 60 European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) into New York City’s Central Park. Legend has it he was on a quest to bring over all of the birds mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. On the other hand, he had helped sponsor Pike’s sparrow project four decades earlier. He also was heavily involved in the American Acclimatization Society, whose 1871 charter stated a mission of introducing “such foreign varieties of the animal and vegetable kingdom as may be useful or interesting.”
In 1900, Congress passed the Lacey Act before the country was purposely inundated with more non-native wildlife, fish and plants. One of its many objectives is to regulate the introduction of wild birds and mammals in places they typically do not inhabit.
Tony Swilling points to invasive bird species like sparrows and pigeons. “They seem to be an issue from time to time getting into buildings,” adds Swilling, a pest management professional (PMP) for George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
George Williams
Nisus Northeast Regional Manager George Williams, ACE, PHE, notes wild boars (Sus scrofa) have been an invasive pest in the Americas since they were brought over as a food source in the 1500s. Also referred to as Eurasian boars or razorbacks (as any loyal University of Arkansas fan knows), the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports more than 6 million of these pests bring destruction and native species competition to at least 35 states.
Several invasive species have received extensive media coverage, such as the proactive eradication efforts of northern giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia), native to Asia, in Washington state between 2019 and 2024. Native to East Asia, the Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) easily makes headlines in every southeastern U.S. town to which it spreads.
“They are striking in appearance, with distinctive bright yellow, blue and red markings on their abdomens,” notes Desiree Straubinger, BCE, president of industry fraternity Pi Chi Omega, a technical service representative of BASF and a member of PMP’s Editorial Advisory Board. “Female Joro spiders can measure up to 3 inches in length, making them one of the larger spider species. Males are significantly smaller and less colorful.”
Andrew Taylor, BCE, owner of Grace Valley Pest Control in Dahlonega, Ga., is very familiar with the spider and its habitat. He recalls attending a local pest management conference where the speaker encouraged PMPs to leave Joro spiders be, because they neither bite nor pose a health risk to humans.
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, or SLF). (Photo: arlutz73 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)
“Sure, they don’t bite people, but it’s another story when you can’t get to a new client’s front door because of all the webbing,” he quips, noting the webs a female can produce often span 10 feet or more and are very strong. “There is always a sense of calm around here leading up to July, thinking that maybe they have gone away for good. Then August comes, and you realize they never left.”
Andrew Taylor
Meanwhile, with SLF, the public is encouraged to kill on sight. Native to Asia, it was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has been steadily spreading across the country. The Keystone state has a quarantine in place for this pest, and encourages members of the public to squash it, then report it online — or by phone at 888-4BADFLY.
Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus). (Photo: FrankRamspott / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Dr. Chuck Silcox
“Several states have SLF quarantine areas in place to help stop the pest’s spread,” reports Dr. Chuck Silcox, product development manager for AMGUARD. “Quarantine zones may be expanded if new infestations are detected. SLF feed on woody and non-woody plants, piercing the phloem tissue of foliage and stems with specialized mouthparts, and sucking the sap. While feeding, they leave behind a sticky, oozing residue called honeydew, which attracts other insects, causes mold growth and inhibits photosynthesis. Because they can appear in large numbers on a single plant, they can directly cause substantial damage to or even kill parts of the host plant while indirectly affecting the health and productivity of nearby plants.”
Jen Sweeney-Ingram
Jen Sweeney-Ingram, BCE, notes, “Although we now have sightings of spotted lanternfly, they haven’t spread enough yet for us to get regular calls,” and adds that she knows it’s likely just a matter of time before that changes. The technical director of Nashville, Tenn.-based All-American Pest Control says the Top 2 invasive pests in her market are both overwintering species: multicolored Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) and brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys, or BMSB).
Public health
Laura Krueger, BCE, is a Garden Grove, Calif.-based medical and veterinary entomologist for the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District. She points to several invasive mosquito species that also are vectors of disease, such as yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), originating in Africa, and Asian tiger mosquitoes (A. albopictus).
“I don’t think Aedes notoscriptus is expanding outside of California,” Krueger adds, referring to what’s known as the Australian backyard mosquito. “But there are other invasive Aedes species in other parts of the country, like Aedes japonicus, or Asian bush mosquitoes.”
Laura Krueger
George Wynne, ACE, field training manager for ABC Home and Commercial Services in Wimberley, Texas, teases that there are “a variety of varmints.”
“One of our top invasives in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, though, would be tawny crazy ants,” Wynne adds, referring to Nylanderia fulva — which, interestingly enough, was discovered by Texas PMP Tom Rasberry in 2002 and was initially known as the Rasberry crazy ant.
Prepare for battle
George Wynne
As noted earlier with Asian giant hornets, a proactive campaign against an invasive species can have some success, with public messaging about reporting sightings and in the case of SLF, even creating a dance about how to stomp on sight (see news.vt.edu/articles/2023/10/cals-stompthespot.html, put together by a group of Virginia Tech students who are committed to eliminating the pest).
Some species, like the BMSB, are barely worth the trouble of treating for since their lifespans are short. In many cases, exclusion and sanitation can go a long way toward prevention and control.
For others, of course, like South America’s red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, or RIFA), the black imported fire ant (S. richteri, or BIFA) and the emerging hybrid of the two (creatively, S. invicta x richteri), several professional insecticides are labeled for such infestations. This is especially important when the invasive pests are numerous — RIFA colonies can have up to 500,000 workers — or threatening public health, like these ants do with their potentially deadly sting.
Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, or RIFA). (Photo: Russ Ottens, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)Black imported fire ant (S. richteri, or BIFA). (Photo: Natasha Wright, Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, Bugwood.org)
Australian dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus truncatus). (Photo: Tomasz Klejdysz / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
James Miller
“It’s a very concerning invasive pest, affecting nut growing and processing facilities across California,” Miller explains, adding that the species, also known as the carpophilus beetle, was first detected in the Golden State in 2023. “The USDA cannot find breathing entry holes in their eggs, so fumigation kill steps are not complete. They can reproduce in stored nuts and food facilities as well. They’re tough little buggers! And yet, as it stands, there isn’t a marketable monitoring system for this species.”
Bell Laboratories’ trademarked CADET All-Weather BLOX are available in 18-pound pails as well as new 4-pound bags. Made with the sub-acute active ingredient cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, the 20-gram BLOX offer proven rodent palatability and mold and moisture resistance, indoors and out. The BLOX feature multiple gnawing edges and a hole in the center, allowing technicians to place them on bait-securing rods in tamper-resistant bait stations. CADET’s cholecalciferol active also makes it a great bait option for sensitive accounts where anticoagulant baits are restricted or in areas where anticoagulant baits are banned.
About Bell Labs
Founded in 1974 by the late Malcolm Stack, a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2004), Bell Labs today is based in Windsor, Wis., and manufactures rodenticides and other rodent control products available to the pest control and agricultural industries on six continents. It is led by another Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer, CEO Steve Levy (Class of 2022). Bell’s complete line of products includes rodenticides, tamper-resistant bait stations, smart rodent monitoring devices, glue boards, mechanical traps, and attractants.
Rockwell Labs Ltd and ConidioTec announce the acquisition by Rockwell of the patented Aprehend biopesticide for bed bugs and associated spray application products.
“Aprehend is a perfect complement to our product line with its one-of-a-kind mode of action,” said Dr. Cisse Spragins, Rockwell Labs’ founder and CEO, and a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2018). “I’ve admired the product from afar for some time, along with the excellent job Dr. Nina Jenkins and her team have done developing the product formulation, application technology and treatment protocol, and launching it into the market.
“The Aprehend team has been great to work with through this process, with their commitment to a successful transition. I’m pleased that Drs. Jenkins and [Giovanni] Bellicanta will continue to support the product and its industry users through the transition period, to ensure we maintain the high standards they have set for both technical training and production operations,” Dr. Spragins added in the news release.
“We are delighted to see Aprehend join the incredible product portfolio at Rockwell Labs,” said Dr. Nina Jenkins, founder and CTO of ConidioTec. “It was our aim right from the beginning to find the right partner for Aprehend, to ensure its expansion and continued success in the industry. Rockwell is the perfect home for Aprehend, where it joins our other favorite bed bug product, CimeXa. Rockwell now offers the optimal one-two punch for the control and prevention of bed bugs. I am excited to continue in my role of technical support for industry users, and look forward to seeing everyone at PestWorld Orlando in October.”
Effective immediately, operations and order fulfillment are shifting to Rockwell. Distributor partners and prior ConidioTec direct customers will receive instructions by email for ordering. Contact Rockwell at sales@rockwelllabs.com with any questions. For questions regarding orders placed with ConidioTec prior to Aug. 1, 2025, and associated accounts receivable, contact ConidioTec at orders@conidiotec.com.
Save during AMGUARD’s Pest & Green Solutions Fall Savings promotion. No enrollment form. No signing up. Simply order Aug. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2025. Save now on:
Commercial kitchen solutions
Termite and exterior ant control
Bed bug control
Mosquito control
General pest control
Green solutions
Included AMGUARD products:
Avesta CS (lambda-cyhalothrin)
BioMop Plus (bacillus microbial blend)
DrainGel (bacillus microbial blend)
Navigator SC (fipronil)
Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol (dichlorvos)
Nuvan ProStrips (dichlorvos)
Nuvan ProStrips+ (dichlorvos)
Orthene PCO Pellets (acephate)
ProVerde Broad Spectrum Insect Killer*
ProVerde Dust Insecticide*
ProVerde Wasp & Hornet Killer*
Wisdom G L/N (bifenthrin)
About AMGUARD Environmental Technologies
AMGUARD Environmental Technologies is an emerging provider of non-crop and specialty technology solutions for the U.S. public health; pest control; ornamental and greenhouse; golf; lawn and landscape; foodservice and consumer markets. It is the specialty markets division of AMVAC Chemical Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Vanguard Corp.
From its headquarters and labs based in Morrisville, N.C., part of the Research Triangle Park region, AMGUARD discovers, develops and commercializes a diverse portfolio of proven chemistries, innovative technologies and green solutions into diverse markets. Its team is committed to protecting the population from disease vectors, mitigating structural pest damage, creating healthy foodservice environments and outdoor living spaces, and maintaining outdoor sports and recreation venues. Its mission is to provide customers with powerful technology solutions to keep their businesses strong and growing.
* 25(b) category, minimum-risk product through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and is exempt from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
[SPONSORED] Skyhawk Trapmate is the go-to solution for remote monitoring in modern pest control. Its powerful ecosystem of wireless, battery-powered, trap-agnostic sensors runs on a single, intuitive platform—bringing intelligence, adaptability, and efficiency to every layer of your operation.
From field techs to company leadership, Trapmate delivers measurable value. Technicians get real-time alerts that eliminate time-wasting trap checks. Managers gain full visibility into deployments to improve efficiency and identify issues early. Business owners and executives use AI-driven insights to scale operations and retain customers through enhanced service. Trapmate isn’t just a product—it’s a strategic tool for building a smarter, more profitable pest control business.
Don’t let wasps, hornets or spiders take over your customers’ outdoor spaces. Stryker Wasp and Hornet Killer delivers powerful results on contact, up to 20 feet away. Its rapid knockdown formula hits hard and fast, preventing insects from releasing stinging pheromones, and helping reduce the risk of stings to the applicator.
Perfect for tough-to-reach nests in attics, crawlspaces and outdoor areas, Stryker is also electrically non-conductive up to 37,160 volts, making it harmless to use around electrical equipment.
Key features and benefits
Kills on contact from up to 20 feet away
Fast knockdown reduces risk of stings
Safe for use near electrical equipment
No mixing required — ready to use
Also effective against spiders, including black widow and brown recluse species
About CSI
Control Solutions Inc. (CSI) is a hybrid manufacturer specializing in both innovative and post-patent insecticides and insect growth regulators. This dual focus allows the Pasadena, Texas-based company to offer a blend of products that caters to the needs of pest management professionals while maintaining a strong competitive edge in the market.
CSI leverages its position as a subsidiary of the ADAMA Group, one of the world’s largest agricultural chemical companies, to access a wide range of active ingredients and offer an extensive product portfolio.
The company can actually trace its roots to 1958, when President and CEO Mark Boyd’s father, Richard, purchased a small pest control company in Pasadena and founded Ford’s Pest Control. By 1960, Richard Boyd launched Ford’s Chemical to formulate and sell pest control solutions to colleagues and the public. In 1976, he merged the two businesses into Ford’s Chemical and Service. Read more about the history in Pest Management Professional’s anniversary coverage in its July 2018 issue here.
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, center, is surrounded by band members Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, circa 1972.
As rocker Ozzy Osbourne is laid to rest today in his hometown of Birmingham, England, we look back at his unorthodox run-ins with birds and bats.
The legendary singer for Black Sabbath, who successfully launched a solo career and appeared on a wildly popular reality TV show, died July 22 at age 76, weeks after performing at his star-studded Back to the Beginning farewell concert.
When you’re known as the Prince of Darkness, a lack of proper pest control protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) should come as no surprise. Tributes after Osbourne’s death noted he was one of a kind, and fortunately, that pertains to his run-ins with bats and birds.
Osbourne reportedly bit the head off a bat onstage. The infamous event took place on Jan. 20, 1982, in Des Moines, Iowa, during a tour for his second solo album, “Diary of a Madman.” At the time, the singer’s act included tossing raw meat and animal parts into the audience.
Fans felt compelled to participate and often brought similar items to shows. On that fateful night, a 17-year-old concertgoer brought a bat to the show, where it landed onstage. Osbourne picked it up, thinking it was a fake rubber bat like the ones used as Halloween decorations, and chomped down on its head, the BBC noted. The impulsive act was widely considered one of the wildest myths in rock and roll history; however, Osbourne himself confirmed it did happen.
Nine months earlier, according to the BBC, Osbourne pulled a similar stunt during a meeting in Los Angeles, Calif., with his record label.
In a “symbolic gesture of peace,” he brought along three live doves he planned to release into the air after giving a speech of thanks, the BBC said. Accounts of what happened next vary, but rest assured, Osbourne bit the head of at least one dove, perhaps two. Whether they were living or dead is under dispute.
Osbourne’s antics on and offstage remain unmatched as millions of fans around the world mourn his passing.
ohDEER, a leading provider of all-natural deer, tick and mosquito control, announces its first Texas location with the opening of ohDEER Northwest Austin. The new location is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jef and Whitney Fair, bringing ohDEER’s eco-friendly services to one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
With a career in the outdoor retail space, Jef Fair brings a mix of operational expertise, environmental passion, and love for the outdoors to his new role as ohDEER owner. Most recently, he served as a software success manager and project manager for outdoor lifestyle brand Orvis. In addition, his connection to sustainable living deepened during his time working at an organic nursery, where he saw firsthand the importance of nature-friendly practices for healthy, thriving landscapes.
“Jef and Whitney are exactly the kind of passionate, values-driven leaders we look for in ohDEER partners,” said Colleen Upham, co-founder and owner of ohDEER. “Jef’s background in outdoor retail and his commitment to environmentally responsible living make him a perfect fit for our brand. We are thrilled they are the first to bring ohDEER to Texas.”
As residents of an area with a high deer population, the Fairs saw a growing need for effective, all-natural solutions to protect local yards and landscapes.
“In Texas, deer will eat almost anything during a drought, and homeowners had no truly effective options to protect their landscapes. ohDEER’s all-natural solutions fill that gap,” said Jef. “I’m happiest spending time outdoors with my hands in the dirt landscaping or a ball at my feet — making ohDEER’s mission to reclaim outdoor spaces for play, rest and connection one that deeply resonates with me.”
About ohDEER
Established in 2006 in Wayland, Mass., by co-founders Kurt and Colleen Upham, ohDEER is a leading provider of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for deer, tick and mosquito control. ohDEER specializes in all-natural products designed to address outdoor pest challenges effectively, ensuring the well-being of both the environment and customers. ohDEER began franchising in 2014 and today has 19 locations spanning across Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Texas and New Hampshire.
Atlanta, Ga.-based Arrow Exterminators has announced the unexpected passing of Robert Lewis. Per the news release, Lewis had been “an integral part of Arrow’s training team in Florida since his family business, Lewis-Cobb Exterminating, merged with Arrow five years ago.”
“We will be forever grateful to Rob for his dedication and service to my family’s company, operating in Florida as Stark Exterminators,” said Emily Thomas Kendrick, CEO of Arrow Exterminators. “It was a privilege for me and many of our Arrow team members in Florida to have met and worked with Rob. All those who knew Rob will forever remember him with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.”
Tim Pollard, President and COO of Arrow Exterminators, added, “I am very saddened by Rob’s passing. He was an important piece in the training arm of Arrow, and I will always be appreciative of his positive impact on the company. The Arrow family offers our thoughts, prayers and support to his wife, Carrie, his father, Roger, and the entire Lewis family at this time.”
No services have been announced at press time. The Pest Management Professional staff offers its condolences to Lewis’ family, friends and colleagues.
About Arrow Exterminators
Family owned and operated since 1964, Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States ranked by revenue. Arrow boasts a modern fleet of more than 3,400 vehicles, 190 service centers, over 3,500 team members with revenues exceeding $450 million and has been named a Top USA Workplace for four years in a row. Chairman Joe Thomas is a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2009). Featuring QualityPro accreditation by the National Pest Management Association, the company offers innovative and environmentally responsible services to protect homes and businesses of customers in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
For more than 20 years, UF/IFAS has proctored those exams for test-takers, but that will end in a few months because the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) selected another contractor to take over all pesticide exams in Florida.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, Everblue, an online exam provider, will be the sole provider of the exams, and will offer online and in-person tests. A new fee structure also will apply. Everblue will charge $59 for in-person exams and $32 for online exams.
UF/IFAS exams will remain free until Oct. 1, 2025. UF/IFAS Extension encourages pesticide applicators to register for exams as soon as possible, if they wish to take them at an Extension office, said Brett Bultemeier, director of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
During the transition, services will overlap. UF/IFAS will continue testing for free at UF/IFAS Extension offices through Sept. 30, 2025. After Aug. 5, 2025, applicators can register using the UF/IFAS pesticide exam website for in-person IFAS tests only.
Applicators will schedule online Everblue exams directly through the FDACS and Everblue, instead via the UF/IFAS exam schedule platform. In-person exams given through Everblue centers will launch no later than Oct. 1, 2025, and a map of locations will be made available.
UF/IFAS will remain involved in parts of the exam preparation, such as offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs). In addition, it will will continue to serve stakeholders through the County Extension Network and the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, said Dr. Brett Bultemeier, Extension Assistant Professor and Director of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
“UF/IFAS will be providing testing up until Sept. 30, and after that, we will continue to serve our stakeholders through recertification, training, preparing for the exam itself, the study manuals for the exam and writing the exam,” Bultemeier added. “This gives us the opportunity to focus on what we do best, which is education.”
About UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/uf-ifas-expands-hours-for-licensing-testing-before-floridas-exam-process-changes/ Sacramento CA
The Termidor brand revolutionized the pest control industry when it was launched in 2000, and is still going strong 25 years later. The revolution includes Termidor HE High Efficiency Termiticide, a groundbreaking formulation that cuts time and labor on the job.
With years of proven field performance, the breakthrough molecular technology in Termidor HE allows for shallow minimum treatment depths, as well as minimal drilling and trenching around a structure — reducing disruption around the home. The Termidor termiticide/insecticide family is nonrepellent, so termites unknowingly cross through areas treated with Termidor and transfer it to other termites in the colony through social interaction, leading to complete colony control in three months or less.
For proven results, backed by an industry-leading Ten-Year Pledge, you can rely with confidence on Termidor HE high-Efficiency Termiticide and the complete Termidor family of solutions that proves that excellence is timeless. Termidor HE is not labeled for termite use in New York.
About BASF
BASF Corp., headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $25.7 billion in 2022.
BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future by combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of its customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. BASF’s portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions.
Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators promoted two employees to its operations team as region vice presidents.
Timothy Beck was promoted to Region Vice President of Region 12, which includes the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida; he had been Service Center Manager in Fairhope, Ala. Doug Patton was promoted to Region Vice President of Region 8, which includes South Texas, Arizona, and Western Louisiana; he recently completed the Service Center Manager Training Academy.
“We are passionate about creating opportunities for our team members to grow and for the communities we proudly serve. As we continue to expand, our commitment to maintaining our unique entrepreneurial and family culture remains at the heart of everything we do,” CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick said. “The value of promoting leaders who not only understand our business at all levels, but even more importantly, understand and embrace our culture, can’t be overstated.”
Beck joined Arrow Exterminators in 2020 through the acquisition of Kelly’s Exterminators, and successfully completed the Service Center Manager Training Academy in 2021. Later that year, he was promoted to Service Center Manager of the newly established Fairhope location. Under his leadership, the Fairhope service center was named the 2024–2025 Service Center of the Year and is on track to reach $3 million in revenue. Beck received numerous company accolades, including three Circle of Diamonds Awards and the Senior Service Center Manager Award.
Patton joined Arrow Exterminators in May 2024 and spent his first year working with regional vice presidents in different markets, forecasting and planning. He began his career in retail with Sam’s Club, where he opened new locations and built teams from the ground up. He later moved into operations at a startup chemical water treatment company, where he helped grow the business from two to 10 employees and expand into seven Southeastern states while significantly increasing revenue. In 2004, Patton joined Wayne’s Pest Control as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, the company grew from $4 million to $80 million in revenue by 2024.
“Both TJ and Doug bring a unique set of skills and a wealth of experience that will be invaluable to our operations team,” Arrow Exterminators President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Pollard said. “Their leadership and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our company’s culture and values, and we look forward to the significant contributions they will make in driving our success forward.”
About Arrow Exterminators
Family owned and operated since 1964, Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States ranked by revenue. Arrow boasts a modern fleet of more than 3,400 vehicles, 190 service centers, over 3,500 team members with revenues exceeding $450 million and has been named a Top USA Workplace for four years in a row. Chairman Joe Thomas is a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2009). Featuring QualityPro accreditation by the National Pest Management Association, the company offers innovative and environmentally responsible services to protect homes and businesses of customers in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
