Watch out for invasive ants

In addition to Asian needle ants (see p. 44), pest management professionals (PMPs) who took Pest Management Professional’s (PMP’s) 2025 Ant Management Survey this spring revealed several other non-native ant species they have encountered, including the following. Biological and behavioral information was taken from several sources, including the University of Florida, the University of Hawaii, AntWiki.com and The Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations. See more results from this survey in PMP’s July 2025 issue.

Ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum)

Ghost Ant

This species was introduced into the United States from Africa or Asia. It is a small ant, 0.05 to 0.08 of an inch long. It has a characteristic pale, whiteish abdomen, legs and antennae, and a dark-colored head and thorax. Ghost ants can develop very large colonies, with many queens. Colonies can divide or split through budding.

Argentine ant (Linepithema humile)

Argentine Ant

As its common name inplies, this species was introduced from South America. Workers are between 0.06 and 0.08 of an inch long and are light to dark brown in color. They have a one-segmented petiole and 12-segmented antennae with no club. Queens are much larger — up to 0.25 of an inch long. Many fertile queens are present in each nest. Colonies may be extremely large and cover large areas.

Big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala)

Big-Headed Ant

This species is native to Africa. Their common name stems from their soldiers having exceptionally large heads in relation to their body size. The minor workers have a slender body shape and do not have enlarged heads, but can be recognized by the shape of their heads, which narrows abruptly behind the eyes. They have 12 segments in the antenna, with a three-segmented antennal club.

Rover Ant (BRACHYMYRMEX PATAGONICUS)

Rover Ant

This species is native to Argentina. Workers are relatively small, 0.06 to 0.08 of an inch. They are reddish-brown with pale tarsi and mandibles, and brownish-yellow antennae with nine segments. Alates are produced in large numbers and are attracted to lights at night.

Central European Bicolored Ant (Lasius emarginatus)

Central European Ant

This species is native to Central and Southern Europe. Its population in New York City has grown so much that it is also known as the “ManhattAnt.” It has a reddish-orange body and dark brown head and gaster. These ants move fast and forage day and night.

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Sacramento CA

Orkin’s latest head-turning campaign

Scorpion Fried Rice
PHOTO: ORKIN

Soft Shell Tarantula Sushi Roll
PHOTO: ORKIN

Vanilla Ice Cream with Black Ants PHOTO: ORKIN

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• Orkin partnered with celebrity chef Richard Blais to create “Bug Bites,” a digital film featuring dishes made from culinary-grade insects
• The campaign targets homeowners through food culture and sustainability messaging rather than traditional angles
• PMPs can apply similar strategies by repositioning expertise into unexpected content that reaches new customer demographics

Taking bugs from ‘yuck’ to ‘yum’

Orkin just served up one of the boldest marketing moves in recent pest control history. The company’s new “Bug Bites” campaign features celebrity chef Richard Blais preparing a five-course meal using culinary-grade ingredients such as ants, crickets, mealworms, tarantulas and scorpions, alongside Orkin Technical Services Manager Ian Williams, BCE, CWCP, PCQI.

This isn’t your typical pest control marketing. Instead of focusing on elimination, Orkin shifted its messaging while showcasing scientific expertise in an entirely new context.

Orkin’s history of bold marketing moves

This isn’t Orkin’s first venture into unconventional advertising territory. The company has a decades-long record of campaigns that push boundaries and generate buzz.

Most notably, Orkin’s “Fake-Out” campaign (2000) featured what appeared to be normal TV commercials until cockroaches crawled across the screen, fooling viewers into thinking real bugs were on their televisions. The campaign was so realistic that some people threw objects at their TVs.

Going back further, Orkin pioneered pest control advertising with “Otto the Orkin Man” animated TV spots in the 1950s, featuring a spray-can cartoon character battling animated pests.

Reaching younger generations

This campaign specifically targets younger homeowners who might not respond to traditional pest control advertising. By connecting with food culture and environmental consciousness, Orkin is building brand awareness with demographics that value sustainability and authenticity.

Lessons for PMPs

1. When planning your marketing strategies, think beyond your immediate industry. Expertise in pest biology, property maintenance or integrated pest management could translate into content that appeals to broader audiences interested in home improvement, sustainability or health topics.
2. Partner strategically. Orkin’s collaboration with a celebrity chef creates credibility and entertainment value that would be impossible to achieve alone. Consider partnerships with local contractors, property managers or environmental groups.
3. Use your technical knowledge differently. Instead of only talking about pest problems, showcase your expertise in areas customers didn’t know you served. Topics like building science, environmental health, or sustainability practices are potential topics that don’t get the shine they deserve.

More about Orkin Pest Control

Founded in 1901 by Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer Otto Orkin (Class of 1999), Atlanta, Ga.-based Orkin is a leader in pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned-and-operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company, owned by Rollins Inc., also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and Mexico. Gary Rollins, Rollins’ Executive Chairman Emeritus of the Board, is also a member of the PMP Hall of Fame (Class of 2012).

More About Jackson Spalding

Jackson Spalding is an award-winning agency known for integrating public relations and marketing strategies to help clients build their brands, protect their brands and capture demand. Jackson Spalding drives reputation and revenue for brands like Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, L.L.Bean, Norfolk Southern and Orkin, among others. Founded in 1995, the independent agency serves local and global clients from its offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Athens, Ga.

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Sacramento CA

Allergy Technologies: ATAHC Asthma

IMAGE: ALLERGY TECHNOLOGIES

Asthma disproportionately affects residents in affordable housing, where pests such as cockroaches, rodents, dust mites and bed bugs are common triggers. The Allergy Technologies Affordable Housing Control (ATAHC) Program now offers a science-backed approach, in conjunction with a healthcare provider, called ATAHC Asthma. This new offering is designed to improve respiratory health by targeting these allergens through integrated pest management and preventative measures. Among ATAHC Asthma’s components is ActiveGuard Mattress Liners, which help prevent both bed bug and dust mite infestations, lowering allergen levels in high-risk homes.

About Allergy Technologies

Allergy Technologies’ mission is to improve the environmental conditions in which people live. This focus led to the establishment of its trademarked ATAHC Program, which has proven to successfully control and prevent the scourge of bed bugs in both affordable housing and other community and hospitality facilities.

Allergy Technologies notes that its flagship product, ActiveGuard Mattress Liners, is “the only EPA-registered product labeled to deliver two-year bed bug and dust mite prevention, preventing future infestations by killing bed bugs and dust mites in the most challenging environments, such as affordable housing.”

ATAHCnow.com/atahc-asthma

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Sacramento CA

Would you like a side of flies with that?

Natasha Wright

When inspecting for common clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella), certain items draw my attention more than most. I tend to drift toward large area rugs, cashmere sweaters, mink coats, wool blankets and pool tables, as these are typical hot spots to find evidence of larval feeding. These items are often what I call “portals to hell,” by which these insidious moths keep emerging until the portal is closed (the source is removed) or protective magic is cast over it to halt the flow of demonic creatures (insecticides are applied to the source).

More than the usual suspects

If you’ve had the (dis)pleasure of conducting many, many clothes moths inspections, you know that sometimes there is no obvious source. Instead of one massive portal to hell, there might be several smaller ones, all contributing to a large or lingering problem. For example, I have picked up many a house mouse carcass and found live clothing moth larvae — as well as their silk, fecal pellets and pupal casings — adhered to the fur.

These artificial fly fishing lures met a cruel fate under an infestation of hungry common clothes moths.

Anything made from wool, hair or fur is on my inspection radar. This includes every piece of furniture with a drawer, as they might have felt linings, as well as pianos, musical instrument cases, poker tables, the fur lining of boots and the forgotten wool gloves in the pockets of winter coats from seasons ago. More obscure sources include Santa Claus figures with woolen beards, caroler dolls in felt coats, horse-hair boxing gloves, stuffed animals made of mohair, and wigs with human hair.

Synthetic fibers soiled with sweat, body oils or urine also are potential sources, so old hats are items I gravitate toward and inspect in detail, as these usually are stored without being washed. I once discovered two tennis balls that had larval silk on them; at first, I suspected the feeding was on the carpet underneath the tennis balls until I found the fluorescent yellow fecal pellets. I later learned that these retired tennis balls became dog toys, so they were saturated with canine saliva.

Aim for total elimination

During an inspection of a home with an aggravating and persistent moth infestation, I opened a tiny closet and found a few cotton sweaters, a broom, cleaning supplies, and a cardboard donut box with the words “Fly Fishing Reels +” written on the side of it in red permanent marker.

The common clothes moth may not be big, but it has a hearty appetite.

If you’re a fan of fly fishing, or follow me on LinkedIn, you might know where I’m going with this. When I read the box, I realized “fly fishing gear” might be associated with fly fishing lures — artificial flies that often are crafted from real feathers and animal fur.

Sure enough, in that cardboard box were slim plastic cases and even tinier cardboard boxes of flies. The clothes moths had gotten there before me and even made their way into the “sealed” plastic cases. These lesser sources might seem more like an appetizer than a full meal, even for clothes moths, but be sure to inspect for even the smallest of “portals” if you are aiming for complete elimination.

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Sacramento CA

Massey Services donates technology through Aeras Foundation

Logo: Massey Services

• Massey Services facilitated a major technology donation to a Tennessee Boys & Girls Club through partnership with the Aeras Foundation
• The donation included 20 iPads, 10 Chromebooks, and accessories to support STEM education for 360 students annually

Massey Services demonstrates community leadership

Orlando, Fla.-based Massey Services recently facilitated a significant technology donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County, Tenn., through its partnership with the Aeras Foundation.

In a news release, Robin Crumley, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County, said, “Our club is so fortunate to have partners who believe in the potential of our young people. We are deeply grateful to Massey Services and the Aeras Foundation for providing much-needed technology that will expand access to learning and help prepare our youth for future careers.”

The donation package included 20 iPads, 10 Chromebooks, 16 sets of headphones, and additional technology that will directly support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming, career exploration and workforce development for approximately 360 students annually.

Why community involvement matters

While this news highlights Massey’s charitable efforts, it also illustrates a critical business strategy that every pest management business owner should consider. Community involvement isn’t just good public relations, it’s smart business positioning.

This type of community engagement represents a growing trend among established pest management companies using philanthropic partnerships to strengthen their brand. Large-scale operators recognize that sustainable growth requires more than just effective pest control. It demands genuine community investment that builds lasting relationships with customers and stakeholders.

For smaller pest management companies, this approach still offers valuable lessons. Local community partnerships can differentiate your business from competitors while building trust that leads to long-term customer relationships. Whether it’s sponsoring youth sports teams, supporting local schools, or partnering with community organizations, these investments pay dividends in brand recognition and customer loyalty.

Building your community presence strategy

The Orlando, Fla.-based Aeras Foundation focuses specifically on bridging the technology gap for underserved communities.

Also based in Orlando, Fla., Massey Services was purchased and rebranded in 1985 by the late Harvey Massey, a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2008). Celebrating 40 consecutive years of profitable growth, Massey Services and its subsidiaries employ more than 2,900 team members and serve nearly 1 million customers through 193 service centers across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Tennessee. Massey is recognized for its philanthropic leadership, contributing more than $2 million annually in charitable giving, along with over $100,000 in in-kind support for nonprofit organizations.

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Sacramento CA

PestWorld 2025 early-bird registration period approaching

Early-bird registration for The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) PestWorld 2025 will end on Friday, Sept. 5. The event will take place in Orlando, Fla. from Oct. 21-24 and offers attendees opportunities for networking, education and professional development.

PMPs attending PestWorld 2025 can:

• Earn recertification credits through a diverse educational program featuring several technical tracks.
• Enjoy thought-provoking presentations covering industry innovations, public health and environmental impact, AI business building and more.
• Network with industry leaders and peers from around the world.

To take advantage of the lowest pricing available, interested parties must register by the early-bird deadline. After Sept. 5, regular registration rates will apply.

Pest Management Professionals can register online and are encouraged to use this comprehensive resource to plan their PestWorld 2025 experience.

About the National Pest Management Association

The National Pest Management Association is a nonprofit organization with over 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

Prioritize improving communication skills

Dennis Jenkins

In the July issue, Pest Management Professional asked its Editorial Advisory Board about where industry training falls short. Industry-wide, to me it would have to be in the area of connection with customers. I blame this first on the COVID-19 pandemic, and then on ourselves for not being committed to bringing it back and accepting a new normal of non-contact.

Impersonal outside visits

Before COVID-19, our technicians placed customer interaction very high on their priority lists — and our customers also were involved in getting to know the technicians who were coming into their homes and businesses.

We were all very blessed to be in pest control when COVID-19 hit. But being declared essential was both a blessing and a curse. The blessing was obvious: Our businesses survived, our employees had work and an income, and our customers were gracious enough to allow us to perform our services with minimal contact. Most of us went to an “outside-only” protocol, and we soon realized that outside-only services were almost as effective as a full service.

This was what kept our doors open and our cash flow intact, but it fundamentally changed our relationships with customers. Coming out of COVID-19, we found that our technicians had grown accustomed to doing outside-only services. Many of them also fell into a habit of tagging the door and leaving instead of knocking first.

Derce Kirby of ABC Home meeting customers

For some customers, this was just fine, but others felt like they were not getting all the services they were paying for. I found myself longing for the days when customers would want us to sit down over coffee to get to know the person they were letting into their homes or businesses.

Training improves communication

In light of this situation, we have made a concerted effort to train technicians and instill how important it is to make what we do for our customers personal. We go over such things as:
Using the name of the customer, and making sure you state your name as well.
Removing your hat and sunglasses when you are at the door to address the customer.
Learning the names of the kids who live there and whether they are in elementary, middle, high school or college.
Learning the names of the family or office pets.
Asking — with sincerity — about something the customer told you since your last service, such as a family vacation.

I remember when I first started ABC DFW in 1989. I would have index cards with notes for as many customers as possible, and I would update them with interesting information from each visit so I could get updated on the next visit. Notice how I use the word visit, not service. That is because a visit is personal and a service — especially an outside-only service — is not.

If we can make it a priority to make our services personal, customers will be much more forgiving when insects re-invade between services. They also will tell all their neighbors what a wonderful person they have servicing their homes. These are basic communication skills that took a hit when the pandemic made us all avoid contact with customers. COVID-19 is gone; let’s all make sure our relationships with our customers are not.

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Sacramento CA

FieldRoutes: The fast track to success

IMAGE: FIELDROUTES

Pest control companies continue to face pressure to maintain profitable margins. Though their digital-first focus is growing, too many companies still neglect solutions delivering greater operational efficiency and more happy customers.

FieldRoutes’ State of the Pest Industry Report, a survey of 1,025 companies, found that nearly half, 48 percent, don’t use software to route technicians. 

Bob McElhannon, a FieldRoutes senior account executive, believes all companies, with perhaps the exception of one-person operators, should use routing software.

“Some companies think, ‘Now I’ve got to hire somebody to do that,'” he says. “Not if the software will do it for you.”

FieldRoutes software will do it for you. Among its vital features and capabilities:

• Handling thousands of stops in a single batch.
• Accounting for driving directions, conditions and road speeds.
• Maximizing time windows including preferred days, times and technicians.
• Viewing technician start locations, breaks and final destinations.
• Integrating existing appointments and due dates.
• Optimizing routes based on product volume and property size.
• Supporting commercial vehicle, hazmat and special vehicle routing.
• Adhering to same-side-of-street and bridge height restrictions.

And there’s not just one way to route. Try six: Intelligent Routing, Manual Route Assignment, Fill Routes, Optimize All Routes, Auto-Scheduled Routes and Recommended Routes.

“There are a lot of ways to get the route density and efficiency,” says Kirk Slack, owner of Dang Pest Control in Tyler, Texas.

“A game-changer for us,” adds Melanie Espinola, operations manager of General Environmental Services in Malden, Mass.

Need better routes? Tighter routes? Smarter routes?

For the best routes, choose FieldRoutes.

FieldRoutes.com

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Sacramento CA

Tell us: What’s the state of your industry?

Photo: miakievy/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images

How is 2025 shaping up for your pest control business so far? Are you busier than ever? Are some pests generating more calls than others, perhaps due to weather conditions in your area? Have you tried new products or equipment and reaping increased revenue as a result?

Tell us all about it by taking our 2026 State of the Industry survey.

We want to know more from pest management professionals (PMPs) like you. Pest Management Professional (PMP) editors will compile the results in an exclusive annual report on the state of the pest control industry (check out the results from last year’s survey).

Please take a few minutes to answer our 2026 State of the Industry survey and share your successes and challenges and predictions for the coming year. What are the pest trends you are seeing? Will your materials and equipment budget change? Have you been able to retain customers and employees this year? What is your outlook for the pest control industry in 2026? We want to know! We will compile the results in our exclusive 2026 State of the Industry Report, which will appear in PMP’s November print issue, so you can see how your pest control colleagues’ year has been, too.

To thank you for your time, you will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $100 gift cards.

Please don’t wait to share your thoughts; take our 2026 State of the Industry survey now! Thank you in advance for providing your feedback.

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Sacramento CA

Bell Labs leader explores smart tech in Target Specialty Products webinar

Patrick Lynch, ACE

Target Specialty Products is teaming with Bell Sensing Technologies president Patrick Lynch, ACE, for an informative webinar, “IPM DEMANDS iQ,” on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.

Lynch, who is also the chief commercial officer at Bell Laboratories, will explore how smart technology has transformed industries by increasing efficiency and profitability, and how it can do the same for pest management professionals.

What will be covered?

• How smart rodent devices simplify the integrated pest management (IPM) process
• How to conduct a rodent census, set accurate thresholds, and monitor results
• Best practices for pulse baiting and rodenticide stewardship

Visit here for more information about the webinar and registration.

About Target Specialty Products

With more than 80 years of industry experience, Target Specialty Products is a leading value-added solutions and service provider of pest control, vector, turf and ornamental solutions, application and aquatic equipment, supplies and education and training programs. Target Specialty Products serves the vector, pest and turf and ornamental management markets from 44 locations across the United States and Canada.

About Bell Laboratories

Bell Laboratories remains steadfast in its mission to deliver innovative, science-driven rodent control solutions while upholding the values that have shaped the company since its founding in 1975 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Malcolm Stack (Class of 2004). Bell Sensing Technologies is a division of Bell Laboratories that develops and supports iQ products. This technology is built around a proprietary app and portal that work with iQ products by gathering and analyzing rodent activity at an account.

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Sacramento CA

Bike-riding brothers shine spotlight on giving back

Raleigh, left, and Bobby Jenkins. PHOTO: BROTHERS BIKE

It has been a busy summer for Bobby Jenkins, owner and CEO of ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin, Texas, and his brother Raleigh Jenkins, president of ABC Home & Commercial Services in Houston, Texas. But a surge in pest populations is not what’s occupying their time; instead, they are spending their summer traveling from Alaska to Texas. By bike.

Their 5,500-mile trek from Anchorage, Alaska, to College Station, Texas, began on June 18 and is expected to end on Sept. 6 when they arrive to watch their alma mater, Texas A&M, take on Utah State in a football game at Kyle Field. You can track their journey on their Brothers Bike website.

The brothers are raising money and awareness for two charities close to their hearts: for Bobby, it’s the Moss Pieratt Foundation and for Raleigh, it’s Mission Lazarus. Their younger brother, Dennis, will bring more details about the campaign in Pest Management Professional’s October “ABCs of Growth” column, which all three Jenkinses take turns writing.

Bobby and Raleigh’s goal has been to ride 70 to 75 miles a day. They are not going it alone, however. ABC Home & Commercial Services retirees Mark Ambrose and Brian Kelly are taking turns driving an RV that follows the brothers on their fundraising journey, and brought bikes so they can ride along, too. Instead of staying in hotels, they all sleep in the RV.

Helping worthy causes

Although they are getting closer to home every day, it’s not too late to support their causes.

The Moss Pieratt Foundation raises funds and awareness to find a cause or cure for the sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC), for a child over the age of 12 months whose death remains unexplained. Formed in July 2015, the Moss Pieratt Foundation honors Bobby’s grandson, John “Moss” Pieratt Jr. Tax-deductible donations make it possible to help the SUDC Foundation advocate for research, raise awareness and assist families. Click here to donate.

Mission Lazarus is a nonprofit organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in Honduras and Haiti through a holistic, Christ-centered approach. It addresses the physical, spiritual, educational and economic needs of vulnerable communities and offers healthcare, education, vocational training and spiritual support. Mission Lazarus takes a relationship-driven approach to serving others that affords it the opportunity to understand root causes of generational poverty rather than only addressing the visible crises, in a community. Click here to donate.

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Sacramento CA

Why heat illness deserves your full attention

Holly Hennagin

The monthly Pest Posse Academy Live Training event for June focused on how to prevent heat illness. Presenter Holly Hennagin, the regulatory compliance manager for Woodland, Calif.-based industry distributor Cardinal Professional Products, delivered an eye-opening message: Heat illness isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s deadly. In fact, it’s the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S. Not floods. Not tornadoes. Heat. And that should give every pest management professional (PMP) reason to pause.

Hennagin laid out how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is cracking down nationwide on businesses that aren’t up to speed on heat safety. The agency recently increased inspections and stiff penalties for noncompliance. California already has implemented strict indoor heat regulations, and other states are likely next.

Nationally, if you’ve got technicians working in warehouses where temps hit 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you’re officially on the hook.

For outdoor crews? The rules kick in at 80 degrees Fahrenheit for shade access and 95 degrees Fahrenheit for additional precautions, such as water, rest breaks and yes, even pre-shift safety talks.

But don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you need a big production, just a five-minute huddle in the morning to check the forecast, set expectations and let your team know you’ve got their backs.

The Heat Safety smartphone app from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is free and gives real-time alerts about high-heat days. Learn more and download the app from CDC.gov/niosh/heat-stress/communication-resources/app.html.

4 rules for safety

OSHA expects businesses to provide four simple things to be considered compliant:

• Water that is clean, cool and always accessible
• Shade, especially on jobsites without natural cover
• Training, specifically an annual refresher course for everyone and new-hire onboarding within 90 days of employment
• Rest breaks at a minimum of every two hours

If you miss any of these, you could end up on the wrong side of
a compliance inspection and receive a hefty fine.

Pro tips from the field

Hennagin offered additional pointers on ensuring your team is in compliance, including:
Create and maintain a written heat illness prevention plan. This should be neither a cookie-cutter document nor a static one. Make it specific to your team, your routes, and your service offerings and revisit it often to update as needed.
Use the buddy system. Lone ranger mentalities don’t cut it when temperatures rise.
Create visual reminders. Post signs, share symptoms and keep a laminated quick-reference card in every service vehicle.
Encourage communication. If someone’s on medication, for example, ask them to talk to
their doctor about how heat may affect them.

You might get pushback, but this isn’t about being tough, it’s about being smart. No job is worth a trip to the hospital. Protect your people, follow the rules and lead by example. You can catch the full replay online at PestPosseTV.com/programs/live-training-heat-illness-prevention-9bd621. pmp

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Sacramento CA

Cetane Associates: Pest Control M&A

IMAGE: CETANE ASSOCIATES

Cetane Associates, a longtime expert financial services leader in the delivered fuels industries, has expanded to also serve the professional pest control industry. Led by industry veteran — and PMP magazine online columnist — Bob Williamson as division director, the Cetane team helps pest management firms with advice on sales, spin-offs and acquisitions, as well as performing valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments.

If you’re thinking of selling your pest control business, it is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll ever make. Many sellers underestimate what this process will entail.

You’ve probably put years of your life into the business, and care deeply about your employees and your company’s reputation. It might have been in your family for generations. Getting the right price is essential. But so is finding the right buyer.

Cetane Associates can make a huge difference for you. Cetane Associates specializes in generating maximum interest from qualified buyers to allow you to choose the deal that matches  your priorities.

Cetane Associates has developed a highly successful process that greatly enhances our ability to help all of our clients. But our true strength is a team of experienced industry and financial professionals who work together to support you with exceptional focus, commitment and responsiveness.

We apply our industry knowledge and extensive transaction experience to help you:

• Decide whether this is the right time for you to make a move
• Understand clearly what the experience will entail
• Present your company so it attracts maximum interest and offers from the optimal potential buyers
• Navigate the process every step of the way to a successful completion

Cetane.com

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Sacramento CA

Arrow Exterminators hosts Kickoff Summit

PHOTOS: ARROW EXTERMINATORS

Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators recently held the company’s annual 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Kickoff Summit at The Omni Hotel in Amelia Island, Fla. The two-day event celebrated achievements from the prior fiscal year, which included record-breaking milestones and a total revenue of over $450 million.

The summit also introduced the new internal fiscal year theme, “Dynamic Drive; Uncommon Greatness.” Emily Thomas Kendrick, chief executive officer of Arrow Exterminators, said, “Our success is the direct result of the skill, commitment, and passion of our team. It was an honor to present awards and personally thank those who helped us not only reach but exceed our goals.”

Day one of the summit also featured guest speaker Molly Fletcher, author of Dynamic Drive, who shared her insights about the seven keys to sustainable success.

Day two included a leadership and motivational workshop hosted by Randy Gravitt and Mark Miller for all in attendance. The workshop was based on Mark Miller’s new book, Uncommon Greatness: Five Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership. “Randy Gravitt’s workshop was the perfect way to start our fiscal year, pushing our team to lead at their best,” said Tim Pollard, president and chief operating officer. “It inspired our managers and corporate support leaders to approach Arrow’s future with fresh ideas and renewed energy, leaving with a strong commitment to guide their teams through innovative thinking.”

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. Featuring QualityPro accreditation by the National Pest Management Association, the company offers innovative and environmentally responsible services to protect the homes and businesses of customers in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

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Sacramento CA

CEMA hosts annual meeting

Pictured from left during the August 2025 meeting are Brad Dutoit; Drs. Tim Nowatzki and Shripat Kamble; Jeffery Preece, BCE, PHE; and Jerry Heath, BCE. PHOTO: CEMA

The Certified Entomologists of Mid-America (CEMA), a chapter of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), held its annual meeting Aug. 1-2, in Olathe, Kan.

The event kicked off with a social gathering and dinner, giving members a chance to reconnect and network in a relaxed setting. The annual board meeting took place the following morning. Afterward, the group toured the recently transformed Pollinator Prairie, where participants explored the diverse insect life thriving in the revitalized ecosystem around the former chemical collection site.

About Certified Entomologists of Mid-America (CEMA)

CEMA is a regional chapter of the Entomological Society of America dedicated to promoting the study and understanding of entomology in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.

CEMA provides a valuable platform for entomologists to connect, collaborate and expand their knowledge. Open to both Associate Certified Entomologists (ACEs) and Board-Certified Entomologists (BCEs) in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, CEMA fosters a diverse community of professionals.

Members come from various backgrounds, including academia, research and development, product manufacturing, consulting and pest management. This rich diversity of expertise creates a dynamic environment for learning and sharing insights.

CEMA also supports the advancement of entomology by sponsoring several awards annually for outstanding extension projects within the Entomological Society’s North Central Branch.

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Sacramento CA

BASF: Termite Bait Solutions

IMAGE: BASF

Flexibility is key when helping your customers choose the right termite solution. For homeowners who are interested in baiting, BASF offers two excellent options from its termite control portfolio.

For detection, Advance Termite Bait Stations (ATBS) are a premier termite monitoring system. Trelona compressed termite bait is added to the stations only when termite activity is detected.

Trelona ATBS Annual Bait Stations are ideal if homeowners prefer active protection from Day 1. The stations are preloaded with the active ingredient before being installed on the property.

Both options offer fast results because of the station design. Termites can find Trelona Annual and Advance stations quickly, which translates to faster consumption of bait and faster elimination. (Source: 2012 University of Delaware, Graduate Research Dissertation). The stations are also low-profile — sitting right at soil level to reach termite colonies, but not lawnmower blades.

Baiting solutions from BASF aren’t just excellent options for your customers, they’re good for your bottom line because you own the equipment and the accounts. Plus, the flexible label gives you the option of conducting inspections just once a year. The scannable radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags on the station lids make for quick detection and reduces the need to replace stations that might be considered lost because of overgrown shrubbery or other environmental conditions.

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.

PestControl.basf.us

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Sacramento CA

Thomas Pest Services named ‘Best in Pest Control’ by Times Union

Thomas Pest employees react to winning ‘Best in Pest control’ award

Schenectady, N.Y.-based Thomas Pest Services was named the ‘Best in Pest Control’ in the Times Union’s annual “Best Of” awards for the third year in a row. The family-owned company attributes this ongoing recognition to its commitment to relationship-based pest control, a philosophy that prioritizes education, prevention and genuine partnership with customers.

“This award isn’t just about what we do; it’s about how we do it,” said Sarah Thomas-Clark, vice president and co-founder of Thomas Pest Services. “Our customers trust us not only to solve their pest problems, but to treat their homes and families like our own. That trust is what drives us every day.”

President and co-founder of Thomas Pest Services, Bill Clark said, “Winning ‘Best in Pest Control’ for three years in a row reflects our entire team’s heart and hustle. We’re grateful to our customers for voting, and even more grateful that they’ve welcomed us into their homes time and time again.”

About Thomas Pest Services

Thomas Pest Services has been protecting the health, homes, and pets of the Capital Region and Hudson Valley for three generations, offering people-first pest programs and guaranteed satisfaction. Committed to community support and customer care, Thomas Pest Services believes in treating little things like big things.

About Times Union

The Times Union is the leading news organization in New York’s Capital Region. The newspaper focuses on local news and watchdog reporting. It has won numerous state and national awards for its work on both print and digital platforms.

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Sacramento CA

Standard operating procedures provide structure for success

Photo: mladenbalinovac / e+ / getty images

How many of you use standard operating procedures (SOPs)?

Go ahead, keep your hands up nice and high. Hmm, there’s not too many of you. How many of you have your SOPs in writing and use them on a daily basis? How many of you know how to create procedures and protocols?

This is a huge problem in our industry. Whenever I first interview a new pest control client about their SOPs strategy, it’s rare that they actually have something in writing. But SOPs are not just some random business jargon; they are essential to running a business.

SOPs can help your employees feel more confident in decision-making, create consistency throughout your company and protect your business from mishaps. SOPs set expectations for your customers and keep your techs organized at each job.

They’re more than just for explaining how to perform a carpenter ant job — they can guide your employees on pricing, safety training, answering phones properly, commercial sales processes, hosting training meetings, ladder safety, customer service responses and more. They also can be the place to keep the most current company organizational chart, so everyone knows who each employee reports to and what the chain of command should be.

No easy task

Like many pest management professionals (PMPs), though, Daniel Nabors admits SOPs are his least-favorite part of the job.

“Sitting down and writing them is tough, even though I see the benefit,” says Nabors, president of Quality Pest Control in Lufkin, Texas. He adds that his frustration with creating SOPs is that every job can be different; not every situation is the same. “We get hyper-focused on what we are going to do without taking into consideration the variables at each home,” he says.

For a long time, these variables prevented him from formalizing his rules for each job. In February, however, I started pushing Nabors to at least create procedures for job safety, ladder maintenance and various pest jobs.

After several months of my preaching SOPs to him, Nabors is now cranking out methods and best practices for all sorts of tasks at Quality Pest Control. He says today his team is diving headfirst into SOPS. “I wish we had done it five years ago because my life would be a lot simpler.”

Continuing the climb

Founded in 2009, Quality Pest Control is a rural company situated two hours north of Houston and an hour west of the Louisiana border. Nabors and his team hit $933,153 last year and are on track to clip $1.2 million this year. He currently has eight employees, including five full-time technicians. They are growing at a rate now where they consistently approach $100,000 each month, including June ($108,000), April ($96,000) and March ($109,000).

A pastor’s kid from Louisiana, Nabors got into pest control after finding a “help wanted” ad in the classifieds in 2003. He started working for Terminix as an outside sales representative, selling more than $20,000 per month. He also married his sweetheart, Brandy, that year, which he believes might have been his best sales pitch.

Nabors enjoyed the work and even showed up to the jobs he sold to lend a hand. This education proved valuable, as he learned many facets of the industry.

When Hurricane Katrina hit on Aug. 29, 2005, the massive storm surge caused widespread flooding, nearly 1,400 deaths and billions of dollars in damage. The compassionate part of Nabors saw the need to help out. The businessman in him saw an opportunity to make a lot of money.

Nabors did hurricane cleanup work for a few months before changing gears again and becoming a postman in 2007. In 2009, he decided to return to pest control as a side gig to his postal duties. In 2013, he was able to purchase a small competitor and decided to focus on Quality Pest Control full-time.

Working with Nabors this year has been great. In addition to creating SOPs, we’ve also worked on developing more effective meetings for his team, which includes adhering to written agendas, using training modules and placing more emphasis on core values.

“We have a lot more communication now,” he reports. “People are more open and honest in our meetings, too, which is helping our culture.”

If I order a burrito in Denver, Colo., from Chipotle, it had better be the same as what I would get in Orlando, Fla. SOPs are what can keep you and your employees consistent, keep your customers informed and will help ensure everyone rows the boat in the same direction. Without protocols, there is too much risk of chaos, anger, frustration, canceled clients and unhappy workers.

Schopen is founder of Schopen Pest Solutions and RV There Yet Pest Consulting, Bartlesville, Okla. You can email him at rvthereyetpest@gmail.com.

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Sacramento CA

Venomous sting puts invasive ant into headlines

(Photo: Jessica Louque, Smithers Viscient, Bugwood.org)

The Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis) has made headlines in recent months, as this invasive species has been confirmed in new parts of the country, further expanding its range across the United States. One important cause for concern surrounding this species is its ability to deliver a painful, venomous sting that can lead to a potentially life-threatening response to those allergic to insect venom.

Dr. Michael Bentley, BCE

The Asian needle ant is native to China, Japan and Korea. It was first discovered in the United States in 1932 but wasn’t formally recognized as a pest here until 2006. Since then, this ant has been reported in several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, New England, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and, most recently, Washington. This list expected to grow as the ant expands its range.

One important concern with the spread of this invasive species is its ability to outcompete other
ants for food, displacing native species and disrupting ecosystems. This species prefers to feed on termites, but workers can be found foraging on a wide range of other arthropods and sugary human foods.

Colony size can vary from a few individuals to thousands of workers depending on the nest site and the time of year. Colonies are both polygynous (multiple queens per colony) and polydomous (multiple nest sites), adding to the layer of challenges when containing and controlling the spread of this invasive pest.

Research is ongoing to develop a formalized control strategy for this species, but anecdotal reports and field recommendations suggest the use of protein-based insecticidal ant baits used according to label instructions can be successful.

Dr. 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

5 ways inflation can hurt (or help) PMPs

Photo: M.photostock / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Inflation, or the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services, has far-reaching consequences across nearly every industry — and pest control is no exception. For pest management professionals (PMPs), inflation brings a mix of rising costs, pricing challenges, labor concerns and even opportunities for business adaptation and growth.

Rising operational costs

Nick Stein

One of the immediate effects of inflation for PMPs is the increased cost of doing business. Materials, chemicals and equipment often see price hikes because of increased input costs. Vehicle costs also rise significantly during inflationary periods. Fuel, maintenance and even new vehicle purchases become more expensive, especially on routes with more windshield time. To combat this, focus on route optimization to help offset rising vehicle and labor costs.

Labor market pressures

Inflation also affects labor costs. As the cost of living increases, employees expect higher wages to maintain their standard of living. PMPs may face pressure to raise wages and offer better benefits to attract and retain technicians, especially in a tight labor market.

These added expenses and competition for quality talent make employee turnover particularly painful during inflationary times, emphasizing the importance of retention strategies.

Pricing dilemmas and customer retention

One of the most difficult challenges for PMPs during inflation is adjusting pricing structures. On the one hand, businesses must increase prices to cover rising costs. On the other hand, they risk losing clients who are also feeling the financial pinch and may deprioritize pest control as a non-essential service.

This puts PMPs in a delicate balancing act: raising prices enough to stay profitable, but not so much that they alienate loyal customers. Transparent communication and customer education become vital. Explaining price changes and reinforcing the value of professional pest control services can help maintain customer trust and loyalty.

Supply chain disruptions

Inflation often goes hand in hand with supply chain disruptions. Global shipping delays, raw material shortages and manufacturing slowdowns serve to increase inflation and can impact the availability of pest control products. This unpredictability requires PMPs to be more strategic about inventory management, possibly purchasing in bulk or diversifying suppliers to mitigate risks.

Strategic opportunities

Despite the challenges, inflationary periods also can offer strategic opportunities. Businesses that streamline operations, invest in automation and renegotiate vendor contracts may improve efficiency and protect margins. PMPs also can leverage technology — like route optimization software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and digital invoicing — to cut costs and improve service delivery.

Marketing also plays a key role during inflation. By emphasizing the preventive nature of pest control and the potential long-term savings from avoiding infestations, PMPs can reposition their services as a wise investment rather than a discretionary expense.

Conquering challenges

Inflation poses real challenges for PMPs, from higher costs and wage demands to pricing pressures and supply uncertainties. However, with careful planning, clear communication and strategic adaptation, they can weather inflationary storms and even come out stronger. For those willing to embrace change and focus on efficiency, inflation can be more than a hurdle; it can be a catalyst for growth.

Stein is a financial director for Cetane Associates, New Milford, Conn. He can be reached at pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

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Sacramento CA

J.T. Eaton: Ultimatum Pest Roach Gel Bait

IMAGE: J.T. EATON

J.T. Eaton is now a distributor for Mylva’s Ultimatum Pest Roach Gel Bait. Mylva is a global leader in insecticides and has carefully crafted this gel to work on American, German, Brown-Banded, and Oriental cockroach species. Available as a case of six packs of four tubes, this gel is designed to be easy to use and place and has long-lasting effects to keep cockroaches away for an extended period of time.

Ultimatum Pest Roach Gel Bait uses a 0.05 percent active ingredient of fipronil, which is proven to have a fast-acting quick knockdown with an effective mortality rate. It’s highly versatile for homes, apartments and commercial spaces. Other features include:

• Allows precise placement in cracks and crevices.
• The gel bait syringe design makes application mess and hassle-free.
• Provides sustained indoor protection, reducing the need for frequent applications.

Use J.T. Eaton Item #ULTROACHBAIT to request it from your favorite distributor.

About J.T. Eaton

Founded in 1932 by Jasper T. Eaton as a mail-order house for pest control products for professional use, J.T. Eaton was brought to prominence when Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer Stanley Baker (Class of 1999) purchased it in 1949. Before his death in 2005 at the age of 87, he built it up to a multi-million-dollar company. Baker was a lifelong innovator, and is credited for creating the paraffin rodent bait block in 1962. He is also credited with developing the modern glue board design, in 1980. In 1999, he helped patent an ant and cockroach product that uses just 1 percent boric acid. Still family-owned and -operated by the Baker family, J.T. Eaton’s product line includes products for rodents, wildlife, bed bugs, mosquitoes and other flying insects and more.

JTEatonPMP.com

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Sacramento CA

Wildlife Control Supplies: Reach-Key PMP Kit

IMAGE: WILDLIFE CONTROL SUPPLIES

The trademarked Reach-Key (Model No. WCSRKKIT1) is a new, time-saving tool for checking bait stations. It offers universal mounting capability for virtually any bait station key. The Reach-Key allows technicians to open and check bait stations without bending or kneeling. Wildlife Control Supplies’ (WCS’) Reach-Key Pest Management Professional (PMP) Kit also features a telescope extension and a carry case. Bait keys are not included in the kit.

About Wildlife Control Supplies (WCS)

WCS was founded in 1998 by the late Alan Huot and his wife, Carol — both experienced wildlife trappers and experts. The company has been helping wildlife and pest control professionals capture, control and prevent wildlife in the field, in commercial buildings and in residential environments ever since. The Suffield, Conn.-based company not only offers a variety of brands and products, but also has developed its own WCS Premium Grade Bait products and breakthrough inventions in response to customer needs.

Other products that WCS offers include:

• Four Chamber Nursery Bat House
• WCS Tube Trap Kit
• WCS Squirrel Standard Trapping Kit
• WCS No-See’Um Chimney Raccoon Trap
• REVEAL X Gen 2.0 Cellular Camera
• SpinAway Rotary Cleaning Kit
• BD-135 Bird Repellent
• Quicklock Duobait Twin Trap Mouse Station
• Soap in Seconds
• Carpenter Bee Cottage Trap
• XL Foundation Vent Covers

ShopWCS.com

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Sacramento CA