[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.
WorkWave, a Holmdel, N.J.-based provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) for professional pest management and other service industries, named Arjun Ramchandran chief customer officer.
Ramchandran will be responsible for overseeing all global post-sales functions including professional services, customer support, customer success and learning and development. He also will spearhead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement across WorkWave’s key verticals: pest control, commercial cleaning, security and the green industry.
“Arjun’s proven track record in building and scaling world-class, customer-centric organizations presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance our commitment to customer retention and satisfaction,” WorkWave CEO Kevin Kemmerer. “At WorkWave, we aim to deliver exceptional, innovative products that solve our customers’ key business challenges, and with Arjun’s expertise, we look forward to strengthening our customer relationships to ensure they are getting the most value out of our partnership together.”
Ramchandran is a seasoned leader with more than 15 years of experience in the SaaS industry, where he has successfully developed and scaled high-performing, customer-facing teams. His most recent role was CCO at ARCOS, a Vista-backed company where he was pivotal in enabling utility and airline customers to achieve greater efficiency, speed and safety in their mission-critical field operations. He holds an MBA in International Business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications from Manipal Institute of Technology.
“I am honored to be joining WorkWave as chief customer officer,” Ramchandran said. “My priority is to get to know our dedicated customers, and dive head-first into solving their most pressing challenges by working hand-in-hand with our product, engineering and support teams. I am confident that together we’ll deliver a truly best-in-class experience, driving significant improvements in customer satisfaction, engagement and operations.”
About WorkWave
Founded in 1984, WorkWave delivers innovative software and fintech solutions to millions of to the millions of hardworking service professionals. Partnering with more than 8,000 customers worldwide, including lawn care, pest control, commercial cleaning and security guarding companies that rely on its end-to-end SaaS solutions to run and grow their businesses. WorkWave brings together multiple organizations — including RealGreen, Coalmarch, Slingshot, TEAM Software and TaskEasy — top talent, and a leading product portfolio under one roof to become a strong partner to its customers, powering their growth at every stage. Backed by decades of experience, passionate teams, and an unwavering commitment to its customers, WorkWave’s vision is to empower the world’s mobile service workers to build a brighter future.
Developed and powered by Sewer Assassin, the FogTrace is a revolutionary plumbing smoke test machine engineered specifically for pest management professionals (PMPs). The new, trademarked system brings cutting-edge innovation to pest detection by replacing smoke candle systems with a clean, efficient and non-toxic fog.
Identify hidden entry points
FogTrace is tailored for pest control, revealing the hidden routes used by rats, American cockroaches and drain flies to invade homes and businesses through the plumbing system. It’s the ultimate tool for identifying and proving sewer-based pest intrusions that are often overlooked by standard inspections.
No Smoke Candles Needed: Runs on a non-toxic fogging solution — clean, fast and economical
Pinpoint Precision: Highlights cracks, breaches and faulty plumbing connections, exposing pest pathways others can’t see
Designed with PMPs: Industry input ensured the product would be easy to use, portable and affordable for PMPs
How it works
FogTrace fills the plumbing system with a dense, non-toxic fog that escapes through gaps, cracks and openings. Wherever the fog escapes, pests can enter. This makes it simple to locate vulnerabilities in a building’s plumbing — and gives PMPs proof-of-entry points to show their customers.
Whether you’re monitoring for pest activity, performing inspections or confirming exclusions, FogTrace is an essential tool for modern PMPs.
I want to begin this article by stating that, for the most part, I loved my teammates at Schopen Pest Solutions. But employees can be little “time bombs” waiting to go off.
I’ve had techs drive trucks into houses. I once had an employee break his foot by kicking a flat tire that he couldn’t remove from the rim. I had a technician fall off a ladder, fracturing his ankle, and several workers fall through attic spaces.
I once had a technician admit to stealing a bag of illegal drugs from a customer and quit our company to sell the ill-gotten gain. I also had another tech steal one of our work trucks and disappear for three days. The Chicago Police Department called me and told me they found our stolen truck dismantled and ruined. We never heard from our klepto employee again.
Fallout from an incident
Nicole Gorman
Today, we are catching up with Nicole Gorman of Evans Termite & Pest Control (ETPC), who is, unfortunately, facing some employee issues of her own these days. When we last highlighted the Locust Grove, Ga.-based company in April 2023, she and her team were using several strategies we had discussed in our coaching sessions with great success. I helped Gorman and her husband, Tim Ivey, find money by selling mosquito control jobs to existing quarterly customers. They also streamlined their training and reorganized their routes. These, and other tactics, helped them rocket from $347,146 in 2022 to $455,689 in 2023.
Unfortunately, ETPC’s “time bombs” began to detonate in 2024, and significantly hindered growth. Last summer, one of its techs took a truck home without permission, causing a three-car accident in the middle of the night. There were no serious injuries, thankfully. Still, the incident led to a lawsuit, cost them a tech and took a truck out of commission. The fallout is still being felt by ETPC today, significantly slowing its growth.
ETPC only grew by $10,000 last year, and this year, revenue likely will increase by between $35,000 and $40,000, representing less than 10 percent growth.
I asked Gorman about the accident and how it affected her. “I lost track of the day-to-day minutiae of our company,” she admitted. “I wasn’t focused on my company or the growth but instead had all of my focus on the accident, the lawsuit and getting past this disaster.”
Fail falling forward
While it’s easier said than done, good business owners shouldn’t dwell on their mistakes; instead, they should work with urgency to rectify the issues and move ahead. That’s why I teach my consulting clients the three “F’s”: Fail Falling Forward.
Gorman is an excellent example of this. After the initial shock, she dug in and was determined to prevent this type of problem from happening again.
ETPC has since implemented a five-pronged plan:
Gorman created a list of questions for potential hires to ensure they are more likely to be a good fit.
ETPC now has a three-month probationary period to assess each employee before it offers pay raises or truck privileges.
The first day of training for a new employee involves signing several work documents related to taxes, driving records, vehicle safety videos, ladder safety videos and ETPC’s new and improved company manual. “We used to have a small manual, but now it is 2 inches thick,” she reports with a chuckle.
Gorman is developing a company-specific training manual.
New ETPC employees must complete the Georgia Pest Control Exam and Prep Course, a two-hour, self-paced online study tool.
Focusing on the future
Despite the rough patch the team has endured over the past 12 months, ETPC remains very busy and is gaining traction in its market. Last year, it was voted “Best of Georgia 2024” by the Georgia Business Journal.
Also, the local chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America heard about Gorman’s hobby of breeding butterflies and her interest in lepidopterology, the study of butterflies. The chapter’s leaders asked her to help coordinate a butterfly release for a young girl who is traveling to Puerto Rico. The butterflies will be released in front of the girl and her family to mark the start of the trip.
No matter how difficult running a company can be, Gorman, a second-generation pest management professional, still loves it. “The responsibilities can be overwhelming,” she adds, “but I love being my own boss, and I love working with my husband and family.”
Training, company manuals and interview questions won’t stop all “time bombs” from going off. After all, ETPC recently had a trainee fall through a client’s attic, twice. But it does reduce the liability. ETPC will bounce back from this setback and be stronger for it.
The company recently added another tech. This, along with protocols, standard operating procedures, and setting expectations during training will help guide it past the half-million revenue mark this year.
Continuing its expansion into the insect control market, Liphatech Inc., longtime provider of intelligent pest management solutions, introduces BugScents Sentry Pro.
Liphatech is now the exclusive U.S. distributor of BugScents Sentry Pro to the professional pest management market for rapid detection and monitoring of bed bugs. This product offering follows Liphatech’s strategic partnership agreement with the creators of BugScents, Arctech Innovation Ltd., a U.K.-based product innovation and research and development services company.
The BugScents Sentry Pro combines a patented pheromone attractant and insect-inspired design to lure, trap and detect bed bugs in as little as 24 to 96 hours, offering pest management professionals (PMPs) an effective and efficient tool for monitoring infestations before, during and after treatment. It works even in the presence of a human host and attracts all mobile life stages of bed bug. The product has already found success throughout Europe – including in the U.K. – helping PMPs stay on top of bed bug problems driven by increased travel, climate change and insecticide resistance.
“Liphatech has consistently emphasized ‘intelligent solutions,’ and the optimized design of the BugScents Sentry Pro remains consistent with that mission. As we continue to expand into the insect market, PMPs can also rely on the expert guidance of our experienced team here at Liphatech to help with product selection and insights,” said Matt Titshaw, business manager at Liphatech.
Developed by scientific experts at Arctech Innovation and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the technology behind BugScents Sentry Pro has been designed around bed bug biology.
The trap is designed with the pest, PMP and customer in mind. Every aspect, including the color, texture, size of the opening and thigmotactic channels, has been engineered to guide bed bugs into the trap. It is also built for discretion, with a compact frame that fits under even a divan-style bed. It can be affixed either vertically or horizontally, enhancing flexibility for any bedroom or hotel room application.
With slim, discreet and flexible packaging, BugScents Sentry Pro is designed for use by PMPs in residences and businesses such as hotels and laundromats. Applications of the trap include initial assessment of a bed bug infestation, post-treatment monitoring and continuous monitoring for early detection of new infestations. The trap itself is reusable for approximately one year. The pheromone lures are effective for 3 months and glue boards should be replaced every 2-3 months or when an infestation is detected. Replacement pheromone lures and glue boards are available for order separately from the trap frame in refill packs.
“We are thrilled to partner with Liphatech to bring BugScents Sentry Pro to the U.S. professional pest control market,” said Professor James Logan, CEO of Arctech Innovation. “As bed bug numbers rise globally, BugScents Sentry Pro will be an essential piece of the toolkit for PMPs across the U.S.”
“With active ongoing monitoring utilizing BugScents Sentry Pro products, PMPs in the U.S. will save time locating bed bug infestations, avoid delays in treatment and boost confidence among their customers – essentially transforming their bed bug services,” said Titshaw. “We are especially excited about the future of this partnership and where it takes Liphatech and our customers.”
Liphatech relies heavily on its robust team of experts laden with former PMPs and Associate Certified Entomologists. These experts bring innovative products and strategic insights to every pest challenge – making informed recommendations about the products and techniques needed to solve any pest problem.
Pictured clockwise, from left to right is the Hoover, Ala., team: Kevin VanHook, Rusty Swafford, Tommy Freeman, Collin Miller, Tommy Darby, Alex Kirkland and Wallace Glaze; Gary Knuth of the St. Petersburg, Fla., location; and Derek Jenkins and Nicole DeRuiter of the Rockledge, Fla., office. PHOTO: ARROW EXTERMINATORS
Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators opened two new offices in Florida, and one in Alabama.
The St. Petersburg, Fla., office will be known as the St. Petersburg Commercial Service Center. The Rockledge, Fla., office will be known as the East Florida Commercial Service Center. Both will offer a wide range of commercial pest control services to accommodate the rapid growth of large and small businesses in the Florida region.
The Hoover, Ala., office will be known as the North Alabama Home Service Center. It will provide specialized home services that includes wildlife exclusion, handyman and insulation.
“Being a family-owned and operated company for 61 years, we strongly value family and community,” Arrow Exterminators CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick said. “Our passion is one of the key components of not only providing exceptional service to our customers, but also being involved in the communities where we serve.”
The three offices will help accommodate recent growth and provide career advancement opportunities for the company’s team members. Arrow Exterminators made the announcement before it’s next fiscal year, which runs Aug. 1 to July 31.
“Because of our recent growth over the past year, we saw a need in these markets for home and commercial services; whether it be an existing location we already service or a new area, we are excited to expand our services to customers in these markets,” said Arrow Exterminators President and COO Tim Pollard. “These new locations join Arrow’s growing list of 190 offices throughout the United States and would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Arrow’s 3,500+ team members. What a great way to kick off Arrow’s new fiscal year.”
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.
The product launched nationally in March 2024, and combines three active ingredients with different modes of action, including two insect growth regulators (IGRs), to stop cockroaches at every stage of their lifecycle.
“We’re excited pest management professionals (PMPs) in California can now experience the benefits of Advion Trio, which has been particularly effective for PMPs in other states who use it in their rotations for heavy infestations,” said Marshall Gaster, head of marketing for Professional Pest Management at Syngenta. “This California registration marks a milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide all PMPs with a robust portfolio of cockroach solutions backed by extensive research and development.”
The IGRs in Advion Trio, pyriproxyfen and novaluron, prevent first- and late-instar nymphs from maturing into adults, while the active ingredient indoxacarb targets adult populations. Its highly attractive bait matrix makes it ideal for tough cleanout jobs in residential and commercial spaces, including food-handling establishments, as directed by the label, the company says. Additionally, Advion Trio can be used as part of the SecureChoice Cockroach Assurance Program for guaranteed control when following the program’s protocols.
Advion Trio is the latest addition to the toolbox of Syngenta gel baits, which include:
Advion Cockroach gel bait
Advion Evolution cockroach gel bait
Optigard Cockroach gel bait
Advion Ant gel bait
Optigard Ant gel bait
About Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Based in Greensboro, N.C., the U.S. Syngenta Professional Pest Management division is part of Syngenta Group, a worldwide manufacturer headquartered in Switzerland. Among its many initiatives, Syngenta actively partners with conservation groups around the world to maintain natural environments and eradicate pests that threaten native species. As a developer of innovative pest control products, Syngenta works with conservationists to provide solutions to aid wildlife recovery efforts that help communities boost nature-based tourism and fuel economic growth.
Our company, Akita Pest Control, has long taken pride in using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to our residential and commercial accounts, using the lowest-risk materials whenever possible to solve pest problems. We see it as our company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
From left are Akita’s wildflower seed handout and packet, and the laminated wildflower resource page for its technicians. PHOTO: AKITA PEST CONTROL
That responsibility also extends to protecting bee pollinators. We believe it’s possible to protect homes from pests without harming beneficial insects like bees. We train our team to apply treatments responsibly, and we’re proud to promote awareness of how everyone — from pest management professionals to homeowners — can help support pollinator health. In fact, our founder and president, Bobby Leon, created a laminated page of flowering plant photos that every one of our techs carry in their trucks. It’s a reference guide for them, so if they see one of these plants at an account, they know pollinators are likely to visit. They know they need to consider drift and review product labels before treating.
This season, Leon took us to the next level for marketing and education. Our new “Save the Bees” campaign involves giving away free native wildflower seed packets to customers on visits, to potential customers at community events and to anyone who requests them online at our website while our supplies last. We started with 1,000 packets in May, and based on the positive response, ordered another 1,000 packets in June.
Stuffing Akita’s wildflower seed packets are, from left, Manny Mendez, inspector; Matt Leon, director of operations; and the author. PHOTO: AKITA PEST CONTROL
Each packet is branded with our company logo and includes a flyer explaining the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and practical tips such as:
Plant native wildflowers that support pollinators.
Avoid pesticide use near blooming plants.
Provide fresh water sources for bees.
Leave small patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees.
So far, it has been a fun and different way to connect with our customers and soon-to-be customers. We have nearly two dozen technicians, all of whom embraced the idea. We are fortunate because everyone on our team views their work not just as a job but as a career, a profession and a lifestyle. They are empathetic for pollinators, too, which aligns with our company’s core values and commitment to sustainable pest management.
Program Brokerage Corp. (PBC) is a full-service brokerage firm specializing in the pest control industry. Since 1934, it has been one of the largest providers of insurance products and services to this industry nationwide, and is the official endorsed broker of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The team’s industry experience and knowledge lets them provide customized coverage to fit each specific requirement in a cost-effective manner.
Coverages offered
General Liability
Property
Inland Marine
Umbrella Excess
Commercial Auto
Territory: Across the United States with the exceptions of WY / AL / HI / SD
All U Need Pest Control offers residential and commercial pest control services through its 12 branches. (PHOTO: ALL U NEED PEST CONTROL)
All U Need Pest Control acquired Pest Control Geeks on July 14, expanding its footprint into Charleston, S.C.
The deal marks All U Need Pest Control’s 12th branch and the company’s first South Carolina location.
“We’re thrilled to continue our expansion into new markets and officially bring the All U Need brand to South Carolina,” said All U Need Pest Control’s Director of Operations Kyle Selbach, BCE. “Charleston is a vibrant and growing community, and we’re proud to bring our culture of service, professionalism and employee-first values to this market.”
The Charleston branch will service customers under the All U Need Pest Control brand. All existing technicians have been retained. “This new branch is led by internal promotions and transfers, which speaks volumes about the alignment of our team and our commitment to growing from within,” Selbach added. He has been in the pest control industry for seven years and currently serves as a Southwest regional board director for the Florida Pest Management Association.
With this acquisition, All U Need Pest Control now operates in three states and serves more than 50,000 customers. The company has a dedicated team of more than 200 employees and more than 30,000 five-star reviews across its locations. The company is known for its customer-first approach, industry expertise, and commitment to excellence.
All U Need Pest Control offers residential and commercial pest control services, subterranean termite treatments, bed bug treatments, rodent removal services, insulation-based pest control, and more. The privately-held company was founded in 2003, and provides pest control services throughout Florida, Texas, and South Carolina.
Target Specialty Products will host the next installment of its free, one-hour Business Growth webinar series, titled “Beyond the Bite: An Integrated Approach to Bed Bug Control,” on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.
Sarah Latyn
This webinar will feature Sarah Latyn, MBS, BCE, Technical Training Manager at Target Specialty Products. It will explore smart, science-based strategies to help you enhance your bed bug services and improve treatment outcomes.
Featured innovations include:
Bed Bug Biology – Using pest behavior to drive better inspection and treatment
Prep vs. No-Prep – When to simplify and when to dig deeper
Non-Chemical Tools – Steaming, vacuuming and beyond
Product Spotlight – Proven products to support your bed bug program
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.
Some people adopt pets from an animal shelter. My Pest Pros adopted the entire shelter. Pest Management Professional (PMP) caught up with Brett Lieberman, president of the Vienna, Va.-based firm, to learn more.
1. My Pest Pros has a long history of community involvement, including sponsoring a Little League team and participating in local “free junk removal and shred” events. But “adopting” Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Fairfax Station, Va., is next-level. How did this come about?
Last July, we were looking for additional community organizations to support. The shelter called us about a mouse problem, and it all clicked. I immediately told them we wanted to do their pest control for free — and they, surprised, immediately said yes.
2. Are the shelter’s pest control problems similar to those of other commercial accounts, like retail or medical facilities?
Yes. The initial mouse problem was solved just by moving some of the dog food and treats into sealed containers. It’s in an old building, so there always will be some rodent maintenance needed. The staff is very good about sanitation, so we use multi-catch and snap traps in rooms where food is stored. We don’t use liquids or dusts, to reduce risk of products spreading or animals coming into contact or contamination. There are no treatments where animals stay or visit, including dog runs. We also have secure exterior rodent bait stations in the parking lot and other public areas.
3. Do you make your partnership with them public?
We go back and forth about how much we want to publicize our involvement with this and similar accounts. We just want to give back to the community, and any publicity is secondary. But Bill Hoffman of Hoffman’s Exterminating in Mantua, N.J., was on a marketing panel at PestWorld, where he explained that a significant portion of his marketing budget goes to sponsorships. Soon after, I was approached by organizers of a local Turkey Trot race. Previously, I would have just written a check, but we decided to also set up a tent along the water route. I was there in a cockroach costume, handing out whiskey shots!
4. What other plans do you have with Homeward Trails?
Harper mainly manages pests like UPS and Amazon trucks. PHOTO: BRETT LIEBERMAN
So far, they’ve just been happy with the donated services allowing them to focus more on their mission. I’d like us to do more — like pet food and bedding drives or encouraging our employees to volunteer at the shelter. The other day, we had an in-house event for which we had leftover boxes of donuts. We dropped them off at a homeless services facility for which we also donate services.
5. What advice do you have for other pest control company leaders looking to get more involved in their communities?
While we cannot support every organization that requests financial assistance or donated services, we try to do what we can. We look for organizations whose missions we like and support. With Homeward Trails, it was a no-brainer. Our resident “Chief Pet Pro,” Harper the mini labradoodle, heartily agrees.
VM Products’ trademarked MosquitoCon water-holding receptacle, one of its latest innovations, is a robust and versatile solution to enhance mosquito treatment programs. Its construction integrates a heavy-duty concrete block that ensures stability and resistance against tampering by non-target animals or environmental conditions. This feature, along with its low-profile design, makes it an ideal choice for various settings, ensuring placement security.
Effective mosquito control requires addressing both adult mosquitoes and their immature stages. While adults remain airborne and active, larvae develop in standing water, making it essential to target breeding sites. The receptacle holds 96 ounces of water, creating an optimal environment for targeted larvicide treatment. Additionally, private label options are available, allowing businesses to customize the product with their branding.
As part of the Veseris Mosquito Management Program, MosquitoCon (Veseris #88509) + Natular DT (Veseris #88497) provides pest management professionals with a powerful, easy-to-use solution.
About VM Products
Since 2003, VM Products has been a driving force in the pest management industry. Its team’s dedication extends beyond developing solution-oriented products; they are committed to offering innovative solutions backed by excellent customer service. By actively listening to their customers, the team consistently responds with a focus on exceeding expectations.
In addition to MosquitoCon, VM Products offers a wide range of professional pest control solutions, including:
It featured about three dozen talks and nearly two dozen exhibitors, including PelGar, which sponsored Linares’ presentations. Conference topics ranged from mosquitoes, flies, bed bugs, rodents, pheromones and wildlife to insurance, marketing and artificial intelligence.
After a full day’s work on Saturday, Linares took a red-eye, 10-hour flight to Buenos Aires and arrived on Sunday. Chemotecnica Business Manager Guillermo Tarelli had invited speakers and exhibitors to an Argentinian cookout, known as a roast or an asado, at his home.
Linares built in some vacation time after the event but was soon back to work at Bug Off, the New York City-based distribution and training center he founded in 1987. Learn more about this annual event at JornadasChemotecnica.com.ar.
Grill and Chill: Linares (center) is surrounded by, from left, PelGar’s Andrej Branc, Chemotecnica Business Manager Guillermo Tarelli, and Tarelli’s three daughters, Candelaria, Guillermina and Catalina. Tarelli’s wife, Florencia, took the photo. PHOTO: FLORENCIA TARELLI
A full house: “I continue to be impressed by attendees at this event,” Linares says. “They are respectful and attentive and don’t talk or look at their phones during presentations. They’re eager to learn and follow up — swarming speakers after each presentation with thoughtful questions.” PHOTO: ANDREJ BRANC
Don’t cry for him, Argentina: On May 12, Linares presented an update on the state of rodent control in New York City. On May 13, he presented ways to overcome severe German cockroach infestations in their accounts. PHOTO: ANDREJ BRANC
Roast Boast: The sign translates into “The best roast is eaten at this grill.” Linares confirms it could be true. It was displayed at Guillermo Tarelli’s asado in Buenos Aires. PHOTO: ANDY LINARES
Did you know that an uninsulated 5-square-foot attic access can significantly reduce the overall energy efficiency of an attic? Now at a new price point, the TAP Hatchmaster Attic Entrance Cover is versatile, lightweight and durable. It is an excellent solution during a TAP Pest Control Installation Job — helping keep the home free from dust while completing the installation by covering the attic entrance. It also reduces heat loss and provides convenient, year-round access to the attic with an easy-to-use zipper. The TAP Hatchmaster installs with a staple gun in less than five minutes.
About Pest Control Insulation
Pest Control Insulation (PCI) is a Lula, Ga.-based distribution company focused on blended, customized insulation products, accessories and equipment for sale to the pest control industry. As the manufacturer of TAP insulation, PCI’s national customer base includes some of the largest pest control services companies in the country. In 2023, PCI generated approximately $24 million of revenue. It is now a brand of TopBuild Corp.
Two leaders with Sprague Pest Solutions have been elected to serve on the boards of their respective state pest management associations.
Continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to industry leadership and involvement are Oregon District Manager Francis Clark, ACE, and Utah Regional Manager Lindsey Marker.
Clark will serve on the board of the Oregon Pest Control Association (OPCA) with one-year term that began July 1, 2025. He will represent southern Oregon and support initiatives to strengthen the state’s pest control industry through advocacy, training and innovation.
Sprague has been an active OPCA member since 1991, when the company’s co-founder Larry Treleven joined the organization. Clark’s appointment continues a tradition of leadership following Treleven’s 15 years of service on the board, including a term as president in 2023.
Marker will serve on the board of the Utah Pest Management Association (UPMA) with a one-year term that began June 1, 2025. She brings decades of field and operational experience to her role, and will help shape UPCA’s direction for the year ahead.
Her appointment continues Sprague’s commitment to the state of Utah and also builds upon the legacy of Treleven, who played a role in the founding UPCA in 2018. Treleven went on to serve more than a decade as the National Pest Management Association’s State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR), where he represented industry interests in state policy discussions.
“Our story has always been about service — taking care of our customers and giving back to the industry we love,” Sprague Pest Solutions’ President and CEO Ross Treleven said. “Francis and Lindsey stepping into these roles shows how much we believe in lifting our profession through education, advocacy and leadership. We’re incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make.”
About Sprague Pest Solutions
Sprague Pest Solutions provides preventive and remedial pest management and food safety consulting services to leading food processing, agriculture, healthcare and hospitality and distribution facilities across the Western U.S. The company services commercial clients in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and California.
Sprague Pest Solutions’ history page on its website states the company was founded in Spokane, Wash., in 1926 by W.B. Sprague to serve Eastern Washington, and soon after opened a second location in Tacoma, Wash., to serve customers in the western half of the Evergreen State. It was purchased in 1931 by A.H. Treleven Sr., whose grandson Larry Treleven is a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2016). Now in its fourth generation, the Treleven family still leads the company today.
Have you been contemplating selling your pest control company? If you have, now is one of the best times to take action. As the principal and founder of The Aust Group (TAG), a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) firm that specializes in the pest control industry, I’ve had a front-row seat to some of the most favorable market conditions we’ve ever seen.
When I sold my company, Bug Doctor Termite & Pest Control, in 2016, I felt as though I had won the lottery because of the incredible multiple I received. As I write this in mid-June, multiples are still at historic highs. For owners who have invested years of hard work in building their businesses, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to maximize value and secure a strong financial future.
With multiples still in the seller’s favor, we’re witnessing a steady flow of pest control companies exiting. We’ve seen numerous younger sellers in their 30s and 40s cashing in. We’re also seeing previous sellers who have waited it out and honored their noncompete agreements reentering the pest control industry with start-up companies.
So, why is the timing so ideal right now?
1. Higher multiples and buyer demand
Strategic buyers and private equity firms are aggressively acquiring pest control companies because of the industry’s stability, recurring revenue and recession-resilient nature. Pest control businesses are viewed as essential services, making them attractive in both strong and uncertain economic environments.
Pest control companies with strong margins, solid management teams and high recurring customer revenue will receive the highest multiples. With so much competition among buyers, sellers often are able to command premium valuations and favorable deal terms.
2. Favorable economic climate — for now
While market conditions are strong today, that may not always be the case. Interest rates, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty could impact buyer behavior and valuations in the future. No one has a crystal ball to see the future. Business owners who wait too long may miss this golden opportunity. Timing is everything.
Additionally, regulatory and tax changes could alter the landscape. For example, potential increases in capital gains taxes in the future could reduce net proceeds for sellers. Locking in today’s high valuation and current tax structure can be a wise financial strategy. The law of gravity — “what goes up must come down” — is a fitting reminder for today’s market. The high multiples being paid for companies won’t last forever.
3. Succession and lifestyle considerations
Many pest control company owners are approaching retirement age or are ready for a new chapter. Whether your goal is to retire, spend more time with family, or pursue a new venture, selling your company can provide the freedom and liquidity to make that possible.
We also work with owners who want to stay involved post-sale through an earn-out, equity rollover or management role. Today’s buyers are often flexible and willing to structure deals that align with your personal and professional goals.
4. Partnering with the right advisor makes all the difference
Selling a business is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s crucial to partner with an advisor who not only understands the M&A landscape but also knows your industry inside and out. As a founder and former owner of a pest control company myself, I understand the challenges you face, the true value of your business and how to position it for maximum return in today’s competitive market.
If you’ve built a valuable business and want to capitalize on a market that’s working in your favor, now is the time to explore your options. Whether you’re ready to sell now or just beginning to plan ahead, a confidential conversation could help you make an informed and strategic decision.
Bed Bug Heat Doctor/Prevsol, a trusted provider of bed bug heat treatment equipment, has added the TR42A Bluetooth Thermo Recorder to its product lineup. The TR42A ensures precise and reliable temperature monitoring throughout the bed bug heat treatment process.
Designed to simplify the documentation of heat treatment success, the TR42A records ambient temperature with high accuracy and transmits data wirelessly via Bluetooth. What sets this model apart is its free app download and cloud service, allowing pest management professionals to store and access temperature logs remotely without incurring monthly fees.
“Accurate temperature tracking is essential for successful bed bug eradication,” says Jeff Zimmerman, CEO of Bed Bug Heat Doctor/Prevsol. “With the TR42A, professionals can not only verify that lethal temperatures are reached and maintained, but they can also document their work with time-stamped records, all without additional software costs.”
Key Features:
Bluetooth connectivity for easy data transfer
Temperature range ideal for heat treatments
Free cloud service — no subscription required
Compact, durable design for field use
About Bed Bug Heat Doctor/Prevsol
Founded in 2013 by Jeff and Shelly Zimmerman, the Bed Bug Heat Doctor/PrevSol mission is to provide products that are safe and easy to use, avoid the use of harmful chemicals, and leverage technology to more quickly and efficiently heat an area for treatment.
Shelly, co-owner and CFO, oversees every part of the operation and manages each department head. Jeff, co-owner and CEO, has a resume that includes over 30 years of experience in the pest control industry, 12 years of which he owned his own pest control business. During that span of time, he personally serviced over 5,000 hotels and treated over 5,000,000 square feet of treatment space, consisting of homes, apartments, condos, and hotels. He is credentialed with a Core and 7A certification.
