WI PWIPM is back with Lunch and Learns throughout the winter months. The first session will take place on Thurs. Dec.11, 2025, at 1 P.M. Eastern via Zoom. Kicking us off is Alex Taylor with Rottler Pest Solutions! Alex will be sharing her knowledge on hiring and retaining women in the pest management industry.
Register here to receive the Zoom link. Please refer to the image below or the attached virtual flyer for more information.
PDF via: WI PIPM
About the host
As the Director of Team Member Engagement & Support at Rottler Pest Solutions, Alex oversees the company’s training, recruiting, safety, and quality assurance programs. One of four directors at Rottler, she leads a team of six professionals focused on empowering team members and maintaining the company’s commitment to excellence and safety.
Before joining Rottler, Alex gained experience in the engineering and commercial door industries, bringing a broad understanding of business operations to the pest management field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL).
A passionate advocate for women in pest management, Alex is one of Rottler’s two female directors and takes pride in helping attract and retain more women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She is active in the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) network and has been a featured speaker at both the NPMA Women’s Forum, where she discussed strategies for hiring and retaining women, and Pestsure, where she presented on the journey of a new hire.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/wisconsin-pwipm-to-host-female-employee-hiring-and-retention-education-opportunity/ Sacramento CA
If you currently own a pest control company, you’re well aware of the attention our industry is getting from private equity (PE) firms.
Chances are, you receive numerous phone calls and emails each week asking whether you’re interested in selling. PE-backed companies and strategic buyers are extremely active in acquiring pest control businesses across the U.S., Canada and Europe. These companies are growing quickly through acquisitions and are leveraging technology to become more efficient and profitable.
Key takeaways
Private equity (PE) has become a major buyer in the pest control M&A market, competing directly with traditional strategic buyers.
PE buyers often pay a premium, offering higher valuations than strategic buyers because they are building a new platform, not just adding routes.
PE can offer a “second bite of the apple,” allowing owners to sell a majority stake, retain equity, and profit again on a future sale.
Selling to PE may offer more flexibility for the existing team and brand, as the PE firm’s goal is to grow the company, not just absorb it.
IMAGE: Getty Images / Sumedha Lakmal
1. They offer competitive valuations
PE firms are often “building a platform,” which means they are buying their first pest control company to build upon. Because they don’t have an existing infrastructure, they can’t achieve the same synergies as a strategic buyer who is just adding “tuck-in” routes. To compete, PE firms often have to pay a premium, which can mean a higher valuation and more cash at closing for the seller.
2. They create a new path for growth
PE firms are not buying your business to dismantle it; they are buying it to grow it. They bring sophisticated management, marketing, and sales expertise. For an owner who wants to see their company reach the next level but doesn’t have the capital or resources to do it alone, PE can be an ideal partner.
3. You can get a “Second Bite of the Apple”
This is one of the most attractive options PE offers. An owner can sell a majority stake (say, 80 percent) to the PE firm, take cash off the table to secure their family’s future, but retain a 20 percent stake in the new, larger company. They then partner with the PE firm to grow the business over the next 5-7 years, after which the PE firm sells the entire company for a much larger valuation. That 20 percent stake is now worth significantly more — this is the “second bite of the apple.”
4. Protect your team and legacy
A strategic buyer often absorbs a new company, folding its brand, trucks, and people into their existing operation. A PE firm, on the other hand, is buying your brand and your team as the foundation for their new platform. They often want the existing owner and management team to stay on, and they are investing in the brand you built, not erasing it.
5. They understand your business
Pest control is no longer a secret. PE firms have done their homework and are drawn to the industry’s recurring revenue, high profit margins, and non-discretionary service model. When you talk to a PE buyer today, they understand the business and speak the language of pest control.
6. They are plentiful
There are now dozens of PE firms actively looking to buy pest control companies, from the very largest to mid-sized regional players. This creates a competitive market for sellers, which drives up valuations and gives PMP owners more options than ever before.
Conclusion
Selling your business is the biggest financial decision you will ever make. While strategic buyers will always be a critical part of the M&A landscape, they are no longer the only option. For PMP owners looking for a premium valuation, a path for growth, and the opportunity for a “second bite of the apple,” private equity buyers are absolutely worth a look.
New video game Kill It With Fire 2, developed by Casey Donnellan Games and published by tinyBuild, will officially launch on Nov. 25, 2025. The player-versus-player (PvP) installment is the perfect game for those with a vengeful feeling of wanting to take out a horde of spiders with an arsenal of weapons of your choice.
Key game features
Gear up and exterminate – Take on large groups of spiders with up to 45 different weapons and gadgets. Try out newspapers, burning instruments, miniguns, rocket launchers, or something entirely else.
Save the multiverse – Exploration is key in this game as you hunt across seven district worlds, each with its own theme, working to exterminate pesky arachnids. Every level is a unique battle against the spiders!
Complete challenges – Brew magic potions in a bubbling cauldron. Demolish a megapolis as a kaiju-sized madman. Defend a cacti-owned saloon from waves of spiders. Win a drone race in virtual reality. And more!
Play as a Spider – If you start to feel bad for the spiders, take up some time playing as one! An eight-person PvP is the perfect way to flip the script on your friends and get a feel for what it’s like to be a spider.
The game will release across all major platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
More pest control games
For PS5
If you want to spend your holiday weekend with other pest control themed games, there are an abundance of options, including:
Starship Troopers: Extermination: A co-op shooter based on the Starship Troopers movie franchise. Players choose from different classes to fight against alien bugs.
Insectum – Epic Battles of Bugs: A game that appears to involve epic battles with bugs, available on all major platforms, including PS5, Xbox, Steam and Nintendo Switch.
Take control of tough pests with D-Fense NXT, Control Solution Inc.’s (CSI’s) powerful multi-mode aerosol engineered for today’s pest management professionals. Combining three active ingredients — deltamethrin, novaluron and pyriproxyfen — D-Fense NXT delivers rapid knockdown and lasting residual control through multiple modes of action.
With a flexible label that allows use in food-handling areas and even on mattresses, D-Fense NXT is ideal for targeting pests in and around structures — including bed bugs, ants, cockroaches and more. The 360-degree valve ensures precision application, reaching hidden harborage sites from any angle, even upside down.
When treating for bed bugs, apply directly to mattresses, box springs, furniture joints and medical equipment for thorough coverage and ongoing protection. With no personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements listed on the label, D-Fense NXT offers convenience, and confidence in every use. As a premium choice for spot, general surface and crack-and-crevice applications, D-Fense NXT is a trusted, ready-to-use solution that delivers dependable results where it matters most.
About Control Solutions Inc.
Control Solutions Inc. (CSI) is a hybrid manufacturer featuring a broad spectrum of post-patent and innovative products. CSI operates through four main divisions: CSI Pest, Quali-Pro, CSI Production Animal and Martin’s, each focusing on different aspects of pest control, turf and ornamental, animal health, and consumer products.
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 former 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.
Does cleaning near bait stations impact effectiveness?
IMAGE: Unsplash / Towfiqu barbhuiya
In addition to the gel bait lifespan study that appears in this issue, Dr. Zach DeVries, an assistant professor in the department of entomology at the University of Kentucky, is helping to shed new light on what happens when common household cleaners and insecticides contaminate cockroach gel baits. Despite their effectiveness, baits are prone to contamination, and it isn’t uncommon to learn that a client applied a household cleaner and insecticide near or even on baits after an application occurred.
Do common household cleaners and insecticides impact the effectiveness of cockroach gel baits? This is exactly what the DeVries Lab wanted to know.
To answer this question, researchers measured what happened when laboratory colonies of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) were allowed to feed on two commercial cockroach gel baits contaminated with a long list of common household cleaning products and both over-the-counter and professional-grade insecticides.
To test the effects of these contaminants on bait performance, they measured total bait consumption and mortality of the cockroaches. They also exposed the cockroaches to contaminants without a gel bait present to measure mortality from exposure, and again with contaminants applied to plain peanut butter to see whether the ingestion of contaminants in the absence of gel baits could drive mortality.
Surprisingly, most of the contaminants had no significant effect on bait efficacy overall, with most baits exceeding 90 percent mortality within seven days.
These results were informative and not what I expected. But a key takeaway for me from this study is not that contaminated baits are still effective. Instead, don’t be quick to blame bait contamination as the reason a treatment fails the next time you encounter a persistent infestation. Interview the client to determine whether resistance or bait avoidance might be in play.
On Nov. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 10 products containing the new active ingredient isocycloseram, a broad-spectrum contact insecticide proposed for use in structural pest control, as well as agricultural and turf and ornamentals use. For the professional pest management industry, isolcycloseram can be used indoors and outdoors on commercial, industrial and domestic sites for such pests as cockroaches, termites and bed bugs.
No human health risks of concern were identified when isocycloseram is used according to the registered labels.
The isocycloseram registrations are supported by human health and ecological risk assessments as well as a biological evaluation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). EPA did not identify risks of concern for aquatic and terrestrial plants. EPA preliminarily concluded that the proposed use of isocycloseram may affect insect pollinators from spray application and aquatic invertebrates from spray, seed and soil treatments. It can also cause chronic risks to birds and mammals ingesting treated rapeseed.
The following mitigation measures are found on the products’ labeling to address on- and off-field effects to non-target species, including listed species:
A link to the Bulletins Live! Two web system, with instructions to follow any applicable endangered species bulletins and Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) on the site;
A link to EPA’s mitigation menu where users can choose mitigation options to meet use-dependent point thresholds;
Restrictions for application during rain or when soils are saturated;
Prohibition of aerial application on all uses except corn, cotton, potato and soybean, with additional geographical restrictions included in the label for aerial application on corn and soybean;
Spray drift buffer requirement for aerial, ground and airblast applications;
Prohibition on applications three days before and during bloom for orchard crops;
Prohibition on applications during hours of the day when bees are most active for indeterminate blooming crops;
List of best management practices to help reduce the risk to pollinators and to promote the health and habitat of ground-nesting bees;
Advisory requirement to protect pollinators from isocycloseram-treated seed coating dust; and
Instructions for managing spilled or exposed treated seeds.
Next steps
At press time, EPA has initiated ESA consultation and shared its findings with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. During formal consultation, the Services use the information in EPA’s final biological evaluation to inform their biological opinions. If the agencies “determine in their final biological opinions that additional mitigations are necessary to address any jeopardy/adverse modification determination or to address any unintentional harm known as incidental take, then EPA will work with the registrant to ensure that any necessary registration or labeling changes are made,” the news release says.
PMP will continue to update its readers with new information on the progress of isocycloseram-containing products for the professional pest control industry as it becomes available.
The event is scheduled to hold on Nov. 26, 2025 at the MAN Center Complex, 5 Eleweran Street, Wemabod Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
The MCDP is a compulsory annual refresher training designed to upgrade the skills, knowledge and professionalism of pest control operators nationwide. Developed by major regulatory and industry bodies, the program ensures that practitioners are fully equipped to meet modern standards, follow safe service delivery practices and comply with environmental regulations.
Main theme for 2025:
“Building the Future of Pest Control in Nigeria: Adapting to Climate Change, Embracing Technology and Promoting Professional Standards.”
Sub-theme:
“Enhancing Sustainability through insurance, contracts and effective risk management.”
Key speakers expected at the event:
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi – General Manager
Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba – Registrar
Mr. Ola Oresanya – Commissioner of Environment
PCO Olakunle Williams – National President, PECAN
These leaders will speak on emerging industry trends, climate-driven pest challenges, risk management and the future of pest control regulation in Nigeria.
Organizers:
Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON)
Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA)
Participants are required to register using accurate personal and company details as they will appear on the official e-certificate. After registration, all participants must send their name, email address, phone number, company name and payment receipt to info@pecan.ng.
PECAN Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The program also precedes the PECAN Annual General Meeting, where industry stakeholders will review the past year, set new strategic goals and discuss key advancements shaping pest management practice in the country.
As Nigeria continues to experience changing climate patterns and increasing urban pest pressures, PECAN says this year’s MCDP will be one of the most important learning events for practitioners, regulators and industry partners.
Rodents can be hard to detect until they become costly problems, which is why finding the activity early is critical. New Prelontra Rodent Monitoring Soft Block from BASF is a trademarked, highly palatable, non-toxic soft block designed to detect rodent activity early and effectively. As part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program, Prelontra can help pest management professionals determine if, when and where Selontra Rodent Bait treatments are needed as the next step in eliminating an infestation.
Switching to Selontra delivers fast colony kill thanks to the stop-feed action of the active ingredient, cholecalciferol. Even anticoagulant-resistant rodents only consume enough bait for a lethal dose, leaving more bait for others to consume. This action offers the advantage of time savings, since technicians spend less time refilling bait boxes.
For your rodent control programs, consider early detection with Prelontra, followed by Selontra for fast and effective elimination. Contact your distributor or BASF representative for details.
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.
In addition to Prelontra Monitoring Soft Block and Selontra Rodent Bait, BASF offers many pest control solutions to professionals, including, but not limited to:
In pest management, the focus is often against well-known enemies every day, such as the wood-destroying insects detailed in our Attic pest guide (Part 1): Wood-destroying insects. Yet, the world of entomology is full of surprises and discoveries are being made all the time.
Key takeaways
A new subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes rusti, has been discovered in southern California.
A new subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes rusti, was recently discovered in Florida. The discovery was the result of a research project between students from the University of California Department of Entomology and other industry professionals. Read the full findings here.
This discovery is a significant reminder that even in 2026, professionals are still identifying new species of termites, which has many implications for PMPs in the field regarding proper identification and treatment.
In a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to the industry, the new species was named in honor of a pest management icon. Reticulitermes rusti is named after PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2007) Dr. Michael Rust.
Dr. Huang, a respected industry leader and technical expert, has dedicated his career to advancing the science and professionalism of pest management. Naming this new species in his honor is a permanent recognition of his contributions to the field.
Dr. Mike Rust
Conclusion
This discovery is more than just a scientific curiosity. It underscores the importance of ongoing research in urban entomology. For PMPs, it reinforces the need for continuous learning and proper identification, as the “usual suspect” for a termite infestation may not always be what it seems. We are proud to honor Dr. Huang’s legacy in this way and look forward to what new discoveries the future holds.
Performance you trust, with a look that’s all yours. The same reliable Snap-E trap you know and trust has a custom touch. Kness offers Snap-E Traps in nearly 90 custom colors, allowing pest management professionals and manufacturers to match traps to brand colors, facility standards or environmental settings — without compromising performance.
Engineered for quick, clean, consistent catches, the Snap-E combines a durable, easy-to-clean design with powerful trapping action that ensures results. Its rugged construction and reusable build make it a smart, sustainable choice for professionals who demand performance and precision.
Now, with custom color options, the Snap-E delivers more than just effective rodent control. It reinforces your brand identity and visual consistency across every site.
Smart. Sanitary. Customizable. That’s Snap-E.
About Kness Pest Defense
Per company history, the Ketch-All was invented by a young, widowed father of six, Austin Enos “Brick” Kness, in 1924. Mice were prevalent at the high school in which Kness was a custodian, “and led him to the idea of the ‘box’ trap. He built the first trap from a square oilcan, a Tuxedo Tobacco can, a spring from a curtain rod, and the wood base of a crate. The first night he set his trap, he captured five mice.
“He was elated and showed the teachers and his friends. He was encouraged to build others for his friends and to seek a patent. By 1927, Kness Mfg. Co. was formed to produce the KetchAll Automatic Mousetrap and another of Kness’ inventions, the RotoBow tree saw.”
It’s a common question in the truck: “This tube of gel bait has expired. Is it still good?” In an industry where “waste not, want not” often clashes with “follow the label,” pest management professionals (PMPs) are left wondering about the real-world shelf life of their products.
New research from the University of Florida puts this exact question to the test, examining the long-term palatability and efficacy of cockroach gel baits that were aged up to six months.
Key takeaways
The study found the expired baits remained highly palatable to German cockroaches, which readily consumed them.
All aging points lead to an 87% average mortality rate.
The takeaway for PMPs is “waste not, want not” — expired baits are likely still effective and should be tested before being discarded.
The research: Testing aged baits
Researchers conducted “choice tests” using a lab-reared strain of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). Two caps of bait were placed in each container, one with “rat chow” and one with cockroach gel bait.
IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
The findings: Still Palatable, still effective
The results of the study were definitive and surprising, challenging common assumptions about expired products.
Palatability: The cockroaches readily consumed the old baits. Some baits saw little to no decline in consumption, while others saw steeper declines. Despite changes in water content, all aging points resulted in a greater than 87% mortality rate.
[Image: A close-up of a cockroach gel bait tube showing an expiration date]
Mold formation on baits aged 3-6 months after 80% humidity. IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Conclusion
The practical takeaway for PMPs is “waste not, want not.” While labels provide guidelines, this research shows the active ingredients in gel baits can remain stable and effective for far longer than expected. The matrix (the bait’s food component) also remained palatable for over a decade.
Before you’re so quick to throw that old tube away, this data suggests it’s likely just as effective as the day it was made.
Pest Management Professional (PMP) is working on its 2026 Termite Management Supplement sponsored by Control Solutions Inc., and we want to include you!
Your termite management insights are invaluable to us. If you offer termite management services, please take a few minutes to answer our 2026 Termite Management Survey and share your successes, challenges and predictions for the coming year. What products and equipment do you rely on most? What are your top opportunities and obstacles for growing termite management revenue? What’s your outlook for your termite management services in 2026? What are your top termite management tips?
We will compile the results in our exclusive 2026 Termite Management Supplement, which will appear in PMP’s January print issue, so you can learn more about your pest control colleagues’ termite management services, too.
To thank you for your time, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50 VISA gift card or a $25 VISA gift card.
Always conduct an inspection of the entire house, from top to bottom
Make sure your customer understands what you’ll be doing around their home, whether it is drilling, installing bait stations or applying liquid treatments
Follow up with customers after treatment to ensure customer satisfaction
Make knowledgeable recommendations to prevent further infestation
Always use professional and well-maintained equipment
Seek out new treatment methods and materials, and keep up on state and local regulations
Know how to explain your termite management service thoroughly and accurately, including how much it costs
Communicate conducive conditions to customers, and document them with photos
Spend time and money to properly train technicians on a regular basis
Offer community awareness programs to educate homeowners who know little about termites
We’re looking forward to bringing you more tips and advice from pest management professionals like you. Please don’t wait to share your thoughts; take our 2026 Termite Management survey now! Thank you in advance for providing your feedback.
After normalizing for one more workday in September, the Pest Index increased about 9 percent year-over-year. This level is near the year-to-date growth rate of 10 percent.
Tim Mulrooney, William Blair equity researcher, said in a release, “Despite concerns around consumer confidence, slowing job growth and the government shutdown, the health of the pest control consumer remains robust. This is a testament to the high recurring revenue model and nondiscretionary nature of the service.”
Dan Gordon, managing member of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, notes, “It’s great to see that revenue growth accelerated across all business lines in September. The results are in line with the general positivity we’re hearing from industry members.”
The month’s results by segment include:
The Residential Pest Index increased 17 percent year-over-year.
The Commercial Pest Index increased 8 percent year-over-year.
The Termite Index increased 13 percent year-over-year.
The Bed Bug Index increased 7 percent year-over-year.
The Mosquito Index increased 14 percent year-over-year.
About the William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index
The William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index tracks the monthly performance of 148 privately held pest control companies across 38 states with a combined annual 2024 revenue of $531 million. The purpose of the report is to track the monthly performance of several U.S. pest markets. It does not include residential door-to-door companies.
Since they can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, a standard “mouse-proof” exclusion job won’t be enough to keep them out.
Key takeaways
Inspection is key: Look for latrines (communal droppings piles) and small, greasy entry points, which are often high on the structure.
Use the right bait: Use strong-smelling baits, like pieces of pecan or walnut.
Check traps frequently: Flying squirrels can die quickly from exposure or stress
Inspection cues
Inspection is key to identifying flying squirrels. Their nocturnal nature means clients rarely see them, reporting only “scratching or rolling” sounds at night. Look for latrines, as they tend to use communal areas for droppings. Entry points are often small and high up on the structure, such as gaps in the soffit, fascia, or roofline.
Trapping and baiting
Flying squirrels are naturally curious, making them respond well to the right bait and lures. For trapping, small cage traps or multiple-catch traps work best. Place them in the attic along known runways or near the latrine. Bait with pecans or walnuts. Pre-baiting the traps (leaving them unset but baited for a few days) can help acclimate the squirrels and lead to a more successful trapping effort.
Exclusion is the main long-term solution for flying squirrels.
Install one-way doors: Identify the primary entry and exit holes (usually marked by grease or gnaw marks) and install one-way doors over them. This allows the squirrels inside to get out, but not back in.
Seal all other points: Meticulously seal all other potential entry points, no matter how small. Pay special attention to the construction gap where the roof and soffit meet the walls.
Remove doors & final seal: After a few days of no activity, remove the one-way doors and permanently seal the final entry points with your exclusion materials.
This combination of a thorough inspection, targeted trapping and meticulous exclusion is the key to solving a flying squirrel problem for good. It’s a technical, detailed job, but it’s what’s required to provide a long-term, professional solution.
Birds and bats in attics are high-liability pests. Not only can they cause significant structural damage and create hazardous messes, but they are also vectors for a host of associated pests, such as mites, bat bugs and fleas. Managing these pests requires specialized knowledge and strict adherence to local and federal regulations.
High-liability pests: Birds and bats are high-stakes jobs due to the parasites (mites, bat bugs) they carry and the legal protections (e.g., Migratory Bird Treaty Act) that govern them.
Bat exclusion: Bat control is exclusion, not elimination. It must be done using one-way doors and after the maternity season to avoid trapping flightless young.
Bird control: Bird management involves a combination of trapping, repellents and robust exclusion (netting and spikes) to prevent re-entry.
Treat for parasites: Always treat for associated pests after removing the primary host. Once their main food source is gone, parasites will migrate into the living space in search of a new host.
Photo: Kate McGovern
Birds (pigeons, starlings, sparrows)
Birds can gain entry to attics through damaged vents or soffits, creating nests that are both a fire hazard and a source of contamination.
Inspection cues for birds:
Nesting Material: Look for dried grass, twigs and feathers, especially near vents or in eaves.
Droppings: Large accumulations of bird droppings are a key sign.
Noise: Clients will report hearing chirping, scratching, or flapping.
Entry Points: Visually inspect the exterior for damaged vent covers, holes in the roofline, or gaps in the soffit.
Treatment strategies for birds:
Trapping & removal: Use live traps or, where permitted, bird-specific repellents. All actions must be in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and local laws.
Exclusion: The primary long-term solution is to repair all damage and install bird-proof exclusion materials, such as hardware cloth over vents, bird netting, or spikes on ledges.
Sanitization: After birds are removed, all nesting material and droppings must be safely removed (using proper PPE) and the area must be sanitized.
PHOTO: ERIC ARNOLD
Bats
Bats are highly beneficial animals and are often protected by state and federal law. “Bat control” is strictly “bat exclusion,” and a deep understanding of their biology is required.
Inspection cues for bats:
Droppings (Guano): Piles of guano, which will crumble and reveal shiny insect parts, are a key indicator.
Stains: Look for greasy, dark rub marks around small entry points (as small as 3/8 of an inch).
Noise: Clients may report high-pitched “squeaking” or scratching, usually at dusk or dawn.
Treatment strategies for bats:
Timing is critical: Bat exclusion must not be performed during the maternity season (typically late spring to late summer), as this will trap the flightless young inside, leading to their death and a severe odor/sanitation problem.
One-way doors: Identify all primary entry points and seal all secondary holes. Install one-way doors or exclusion tubes over the primary entry points.
Removal: Allow several days for all bats to exit through the one-way doors.
Final exclusion: Once all activity has ceased, remove the one-way devices and permanently seal the final entry points.
Associated pests (Mites and bat bugs)
Once the primary host (birds or bats) is removed, any parasites they were feeding on will seek a new host—often the human occupants of the structure.
Inspection cues for associated pests:
Look after removal: The “inspection” for these pests is often a pro-active treatment, as they are too small to see easily.
Client reports: Be prepared for client calls about “mysterious bites” 7-10 days after a bird or bat removal if this step is skipped.
Treatment strategies for associated pests:
Timing: The ideal time to treat is immediately after the hosts have been removed but before the final exclusion and cleanup.
Application: Apply an appropriately labeled liquid or aerosol insecticide (like a pyrethrin) to the infested attic space, focusing on nesting areas and to cracks and crevices in the living space directly below the attic.
Conclusion
Managing birds, bats and their associated pests is a highly technical and high-liability service. It requires PMPs to act as not only technicians but also as experts in wildlife biology and local regulations. A successful job protects the client’s property from the primary pest and protects their health from the parasites they leave behind.
Explore the full attic pest guide
This article is the central hub for our complete guide to attic pests. Dive deeper into specific control strategies for the pests you encounter most often.
Formed in 1952 by Arnold Santoro, Arnold’s Pest Control has offered pest and termite control services to its residential and commercial clients throughout Union County for over 70 years. Arnold’s son-in-law, Brian Denny, joined the business in 1990 and retained ownership in 1996. Under Brian’s leadership, the company became a member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the New Jersey Pest Management Association (NJPMA). The company has been involved throughout its local community, supporting several organizations over the last few decades. For nearly 30 years as owner, Brian has maintained Arnold’s original company’s mission of “fighting pests while keeping families safe.”
Brian Denny, owner of Arnold’s Pest Control, said in a release, “Selling my business was one of the most important events of my life. Using The Aust Group to represent my business was one of the best decisions. I could not imagine going through the acquisition process without them. They did all the work! Stuart’s team of Dan, Nick, Chris and Jake worked like a well-oiled machine. Their guidance, insight and support eliminated a lot of the stress of selling a business. The Aust Group gave me a realistic valuation that was exceeded by the actual sale price. I got multiple offers and was able to choose one that was a perfect fit for me, my employees and my company. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who is ever thinking of selling their business.”
Stuart Aust, principal and founder of The Aust Group, said, “It was a pleasure for our team to represent Brian in the sale of Arnold’s Pest Control to Excel Pest Services. Having known Brian for many years, it was rewarding to learn more about the company he built. We’re excited for Brian, his team and the entire Excel organization as they continue growing into one of the region’s leading pest control providers.”
The Aust Group represented Arnold’s Pest Control as the exclusive financial advisor on this transaction. The transaction closed on October 16th, 2025 and additional terms of this transaction were not disclosed.
About Excel Pest Group
Based in River Edge, N.J., Excel Pest Group strives to use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to best fit the needs of its customers and the environments in which they live. Excel is partnered with Johns Hopkins Lyme Research Center, providing them with key field knowledge and outcome data to improve Lyme Disease outcomes.
New Roban Blocker is a rodent and pest barrier designed to provide protection for the premises. Made from coarse stainless steel interwoven with durable synthetic fibers, it forms a highly effective physical barrier to keep pests out.
With its spongy texture, Roban Blocker easily fits snugly into cracks, crevices and gaps, offering flexibility and ease of use during installation. It is available in 10-foot-by-4-inch rolls.
About PelGar
Based in the United Kingdom, PelGar provides products and expertise in more than 60 countries worldwide, including the United States. The company supports customers who are directly involved in controlling nuisance pests, national campaigns against the vectors of disease, and local and national Conservation in Partnership (CiP) projects. PelGar’s global network of experienced staff and in-country resources guarantee an exceptional level of service.
Critter Control, a Rollins, Inc.-owned company focused on humane wildlife removal, has announced the opening of its newest franchise location. The location will provide California’s Southwest Riverside and Northwest San Diego Counties with inspection, prevention, exclusion and removal services for raccoons, bats, rodents, snakes and other nuisance wildlife species.
The franchise is owned and operated by area native Steven Moran, with a goal of helping people in his community handle wildlife encounters as humanely as possible.
As cold temperatures take hold in Riverside and San Diego Counties, local wildlife species have begun entering homes to safely spend the cooler season someplace warm with reliable access to food. Moran urges area residents not to approach animals found in their homes, as they often carry dangerous diseases and may even attempt to attack people or pets if they feel trapped. Homeowners should seek out a trained professional who can humanely handle the situation and seal the home’s hidden entry points to prevent future indoor critter encounters.
Steven Moran, franchise owner of Critter Control of Southwest Riverside County, said in a release, “I love the people in my community and I love all these local critters; I’m going to do everything I can to keep them both safe. There are plenty of humane critter removal and exclusion tactics to deploy; I’m going to respectfully get animals out of homes and then seal off all entry points to ensure no other wildlife gets inside again.”
Joe Felegi, general manager of Critter Control, added, “Home critter issues are starting to become a major nuisance for local residents. Even though it’s California, temperatures still come down during the winter months; critters are seeking out local homes to stay warm. Steven is going to make sure no one gets stuck sharing their space with rats or raccoons all winter, while maintaining a keen focus on their humane treatment.”
About Critter Control
Established in 1983, Critter Control is a nuisance wildlife removal service that prioritizes the humane removal of animals from homes and yards. With the launch of each new franchise comes an intensive, hands-on training session to ensure the success of each new franchise operator. The training sessions are held at Critter Control’s Atlanta headquarters, with simulated environments that prepare teams for any wildlife scenario.
Sacramento, Cali.-based Pro Active Pest Control took part in supporting families in need through a turkey drive coordinated by local NBC-TV affiliate KRCA. The company donated 100 turkeys to the drive, contributing to over 18,000 collected during the event.
Jason Reboja, director of operations for Pro Active, said in a news clip by KRCA, “I had my team go out and hunt them down last week and make sure they were ready for pickup today. We’re proud to give back to the community that we serve.”
This was the 18th annual turkey drive run by the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services in partnership with the KRCA news station. The event allowed community members to donate in person on Nov. 14 and continue donations online after the fact.
About Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) was founded in 1976 to nourish community members in need of food. Today, it serves as the largest hunger relief organization in Sacramento County and the regional food bank, supporting a network of 111 partners to provide nutritious, meaningful food to our neighbors in need.
About Pro Active Pest Control
Pro Active Pest Control was founded by Kyle Turner, a seasoned pest control technician who, after working for other pest control providers in Northern California and Arizona, recognized the need for a pest control company that prioritized both its customers and the environment. As a family-owned and locally-operated business, Pro Active Pest Control understands the importance of providing exceptional customer service and solutions that are both effective and affordable.
J.F. Oakes’ Pro-Pest Silverfish trap includes a highly effective, specially formulated, individually packaged, exclusive attractant that is appealing to both common silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) and grey or long-tailed silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudatum).
The Pro-Pest Silverfish trap is available as two traps per sheet, allowing flexibility of having two smaller traps (each at 4.5 x 3.75 x 0.75 inch) or one larger trap (9 x 3.75 x 0.75 inch).
Pro-Pest Silverfish traps are manufactured with heavy-duty cardboard, a printed black interior and double-sided tape for easy placement.
Easy-to-follow directions and a tracking chart are printed on the bottom of each trap. Pro-Pest Silverfish traps are discreet and easily placed to pinpoint silverfish infestations.
Contact your local distributor for pricing and availability, or contact J. F. Oakes at 800-844-9296 or sales@jfoakes.com.
About J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing
As a salesman of termite and rodent control products for a major chemical manufacturer for 26 years, Jim Oakes worked closely with both industry distributors and pest control companies all over the southeastern U.S. Recognizing a need for product lines specifically designed for the pest control industry, Oakes founded J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing in May 1989.
With his experience and knowledge of termites and treatments, the first lines Oakes introduced were drill bits and spray hoses. Sheffield Masonry Drill Bits were designed with an emphasis on using quality European steel for durability and a full selection of shanks, diameters and lengths commonly used by pest control companies. Chemtrol, now known as Chemoak, was designed with consideration to chemical resistance, safety factors, working pressures, flexibility and ease of use.
Eight individuals completed the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) Premier Technician program on Nov. 6. The program, which is designed to take an in-depth look at pest management and strengthen a professional’s knowledge of the industry, takes at least 18 months to complete.
Premier Technician is a course designed to elevate a pest management professional’s knowledge of the industry through the in-depth study of at least eight key areas, including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, flying insects, occasional invaders/stored product pests, rodents, wood-boring inspection or WDIR Accreditation and wood-destroying organisms.
The Premier Technician program offers a continuous series of courses to help professionals develop a deeper and clear understanding of pest infestations from discovery to treatment. Individuals who complete the program must have worked in the industry for at least one year and must complete the Wood-boring beetle/Inspection course or have WDIR Accreditation through NCPMA.
In order to maintain the Premier Technician designation, professionals must continue to take at least one, 8-hour course every two (2) years.
Thermal-Acoustic-Pest Control (TAP) Pest Control Insulation is the only product registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help prevent and eliminate 21 potentially destructive and disease-transmitting pests from entering homes. It also holds Energy Star and UL classifications, ensuring thermal efficiency throughout the year.
Pest management professionals who offer TAP Pest Control Insulation report great success and have built client loyalty as trusted pest management providers in their area. In addition to the product, the Pest Control Insulation (PCI) team offers sales and installation programs and access to exclusive content, tools, equipment and maintenance support at no additional cost.
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.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, Veseris is hosting Matthew Remmen, senior technical market development manager at Envu. Included in this webinar will be information about how to strengthen margins while delivering greater value to customers with the latest pest management innovations and market insights for 2026. Highlighting new research on Barricor EMC, acquisitions of In2Care and Scion, and proven strategies to expand mosquito and general pest programs for growth.
Austin, Tex.-based Veseris is a leading distributor and service partner for the pest management, public health, and environmental science industries. Veseris provides pest management professionals with a range of tools and training resources designed to help grow businesses and deliver greater value to customers.
About Envu
Envu was founded in 2022, built on years of environmental science experience, for the purpose of advancing healthy environments for everyone, everywhere. Envu offers dedicated services in professional pest management, forestry, ornamentals, and more. The portfolio of the Cary, N.C.-based manufacturer consists of more than 180 trusted and well-known brands. Envu employs more than 900 people, operates in 100 countries, and has four global innovation hubs.
