Lifelong learning: Why ongoing training is essential for every PMP

Why every PMP should be a lifelong learner

Ongoing training is for more than checking a box on your license renewal form. Those continuing education credits (CEUs) are essential, but they are the bare minimum that you should have. True pest management professionals (PMPs) go beyond that. They seek out new training, look for industry updates, and seek out practical insights to sharpen their skills and knowledge to serve their customers better.

Think of it this way: Pests never stop adapting, so neither can we. Staying current with new safety standards, treatment methods, and pest biology isn’t just about compliance; it’s about confidence and knowing your craft as a PMP. It’s about being ready for the next challenge, whether that’s a new invasive species you encounter or a shift in how customers want their services performed.

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Key takeaways

• CEUs are the minimum: Continuing education credits are necessary for compliance, but true professionalism requires seeking training beyond the required minimum.
• Pests never stop: PMPs must be lifelong learners because pests never stop adapting to new environments and challenges.
• Microlearning boosts retention: New formats like online microlearning can boost retention rates by as much as 25 percent to 60 percent, offering flexible training on the go.
• Mix your training: The best approach is to mix valuable in-person conferences with online resources to fill in knowledge gaps year-round.

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Embracing variety in training

Fortunately, PMPs can opt for training that matches their preferred style of learning. Classroom, in-person, and online methods are readily available.

For instance, The Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations is an industry-leading reference book offered in print. This year, PMP expanded its training options by launching PestControlU.net in partnership with PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Bill Robinson (Class of 2024).

The benefits of online resources and microlearning

Pest Posse TV is another online resource designed to make learning and growing in pest control easy and engaging. Built by PMPs for PMPs, members get access to new live training courses every month on real-world pest control issues you may be facing. These aren’t stuffy or fluffy lectures; they’re hands-on sessions from two industry veterans with more than 60 years of combined experience.

You also get to join a community where you can connect, ask questions, and swap ideas with others who understand what it’s like to be in the trenches every day.

Another Pest Posse TV membership benefit is the microlearning format of the training courses. Instead of sitting through hours of content, you can watch or even listen to short, focus-based lessons that fit into your schedule, not someone else’s. Studies show online learning can boost retention rates by as much as 25 percent to 60 percent, compared with 8 percent to 10 percent for traditional classroom training.

Photo: tadamichi/iStock / Getty Images Plus

With the Pest Posse TV mobile app, training becomes flexible and convenient, allowing you to apply what you learn right away in the field. Because it’s available anywhere, you can stay sharp whether you’re in the office, on the road, or between service calls each day.

Filling the gaps

I’m not saying in-person training doesn’t matter. Face-to-face conferences bring real value, too. You get hands-on learning, networking with other industry professionals, and the kind of conversations that spark new ideas. The best approach is to mix in-person conferences when you can and use online training to fill in the gaps year-round.

In the end, ongoing training is about pride in your craft. A career as a PMP is built on problem-solving, which requires a sharp mind. So, keep learning, keep growing, and use every tool available because the pests aren’t taking a day off, and neither should you from your growth.

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Brusca is co-owner of The Pest Posse.

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Sacramento CA

U.S. EPA registers Syngenta’s Vanecto Cockroach

Syngenta’s latest innovation, the trademarked Vanecto Cockroach gel bait, has received federal registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). State registrations are currently in progress, and Syngenta plans to share additional product information and availability details in early 2026, ahead of the industry’s peak season.

Powered by PLINAZOLIN technology, Vanecto Cockroach introduces the industry’s first new active ingredient in two decades. The product features a novel mode of action — Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Group 30 — labeled to control a broad spectrum of cockroaches, including German, brown-banded, American and other species.

The active ingredient targets the cockroaches’ nervous systems by binding at the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor to inhibit chloride ion flow. This causes muscles to contract without relaxing, leading to exhaustion and death. While fipronil is the only other active ingredient targeting this receptor, PLINAZOLIN technology utilizes a unique binding site. Consequently, cockroaches resistant or tolerant to fipronil can be controlled with Vanecto Cockroach without cross-resistance.

Key product features

• EPA Reduced Risk Status: The product has no signal word on the label and requires no personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Resistance Management: Its novel mode of action makes it an essential rotation partner for populations with suspected or known resistance.
• Bait Matrix: The formulation is designed for high palatability and consumption to ensure thorough population control.
• Horizontal Transfer: A non-repellent formulation with ingestion activity allows for secondary and tertiary transfer, reaching less mobile nymphs more effectively than other gel baits.
• Flexible Label: Applications are permitted on residential, commercial (including food-handling), industrial, and agricultural accounts.

Visit SyngentaPMP.com/PLINAZOLIN for state registration updates and to view the product label.

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Sacramento CA

PMP announces Hall of Fame inductees for 2026

Following a year’s hiatus, the Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Fame committee has proudly voted in the distinguished Class of 2026.

This time around, the committee recognizes six inductees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and industry influence:

Mark Boyd

Mark Boyd

This second-generation pest management professional retired Sept. 1, 2025, after more than three decades as a world-class innovator and visionary. Mark Boyd grew up in the business with his father, Richard, who transformed Pasadena, Texas–based Ford’s Pest Control into a successful formulation and distribution company in the 1960s. With that experience under his belt, Mark went on to found Control Solutions Inc. Under his guidance, CSI has grown into a powerhouse hybrid manufacturer, offering a broad portfolio of post-patent and innovative products across pest control, turf and ornamental, animal health and consumer markets.

Bobby, Raleigh and Dennis Jenkins

Pictured from left are Dennis, Raleigh and Bobby Jenkins, standing behind their mom, Sandra Jenkins, this summer after a successful “Brothers Bike” charity fundraising tour.

As the three sons of PMP Hall of Famer Bob Jenkins Sr. (Class of 2005), the “Jenkins brothers” are individual industry leaders in their own right. Each has built successful, industry-leading independent companies in the Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Texas markets, respectively. The trio has been consistently generous with their time, talent, and treasure, which is evidenced by each brother having served a term as president of the National Pest Management Association. They are also known for their charity work and their current status as monthly columnists for PMP magazine.

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Frank Meek, BCE, PHE, PCQI

Frank Meek, BCE

Meek’s career began in October 1986, and since then, this talented entomologist has served as a beacon of training, troubleshooting and support for thousands of pest management professionals — including a multi-year stint as a PMP columnist. Meek currently serves as the senior technical advisor for Atlanta, Ga.-based Rollins Inc., the parent company of Orkin Pest Control, HomeTeam Pest Defense, Critter Control, Western Pest Services, and more.

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Posthumous Inductee: Gene White, BCE

Gene White, BCE

The industry felt a profound loss when Gene White died unexpectedly Sept. 20, 2022. During his 41-year career, he was not only the global director of vector management for Rentokil, but also a respected and passionate trainer and a talented photographer whose high-quality photos of various structural pests are still in use today. A frequent article contributor to PMP magazine, he was a friend to everyone he met and touched many lives.

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The formal induction of the Class of 2026 is set to take place in October in Grapevine, Texas. Learn more about the PMP Hall of Fame online at PMPHallOfFame.net. More information on the ceremony will be published as it becomes available.

Congratulations to our newest inductees!

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Sacramento CA

Wasps wreak havoc at World Darts Championship

Photo: Wirestock/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

When Jurjen van der Velde stepped onto the stage at London’s Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship, he brought an unexpected piece of equipment: a can of bug spray. Hoping to avoid the wasps that have plagued the tournament, he sprayed the oche area before throwing his first dart.

It didn’t work.

Despite the impromptu treatment, wasps continued to buzz players throughout the event, forcing swats, dodges and even one mid-air dart strike. Van der Velde ultimately lost his first-round match 3–1, proving that aerosol insecticides are no match for an active wasp issue — especially in a large, open venue.

Why the wasps didn’t go anywhere

From a pest management standpoint, the outcome isn’t surprising. Off-the-shelf wasp sprays are designed for direct contact, not long-term control or colony elimination. Spraying an open area without addressing the nest, entry points or attractants offers little more than temporary relief.

In environments like Alexandra Palace, a large, high-traffic and food-adjacent area, wasps are likely responding to odor cues, lighting and accessible food sources. Without exclusion, sanitation and proper nest removal, the insects will simply keep returning.

Incidents like this create an opportunity for PMPs. When consumers see high-profile failures of DIY pest control, it reinforces the value of trained technicians, proper PPE and targeted treatment plans.

It’s also a reminder to educate customers about insecticide misuse. Spraying randomly, especially in public or enclosed spaces, can raise safety, liability and compliance concerns. As a PMP, your role isn’t just to eliminate pests, but to manage risk and apply products according to the label and best practices.

Use stories like this in your marketing, blogs or customer conversations to explain why professional wasp control focuses on inspection, nest location, timing and follow-up, not just a quick spray.

A can of bug spray didn’t solve a wasp problem on one of the world’s biggest dart stages and it won’t solve your customers’ problems either. For PMPs, this headline reinforces a simple truth: effective wasp control requires strategy, not shortcuts.

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Sacramento CA

NEPMA unveils new board at annual awards dinner

The New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) hosted its annual dinner and awards meeting on Dec. 3, 2025, bringing together pest management professionals from across the region for an evening of celebration, recognition and leadership advancement.

Board elections and leadership updates

During the meeting, NEPMA held elections to fill two open seats on the board of directors, welcoming Dan Forand of Pilgrim Pest Professionals and Rich Merullo of Ultra Safe Pest Management.

They join current directors Daniel Brady, Kevin Flynn, ACE, PCQI, Jim O’Neil, and Will Weaver, along with NEPMA’s executive board, which continues its leadership with Mike Bourdeau, ACE as president, Courtney Carace, ACE as president-elect, Hope Bowman as treasurer, Kevin Goldman as clerk, and David Flynn as past president.

Jim O’Neil receives Bartlett W. Eldredge award

Jim O’Neil of Rentokil Terminix accepts the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award. IMAGE: NEPMA

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of NEPMA’s highest honor, the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award, to Jim O’Neil of Rentokil Terminix. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional long-term commitment to the betterment of the pest control industry in New England, outstanding community service and the respect of their peers.

Jim O’Neil’s career and contributions

Jim began his career in pest management on November 1, 1990, with Terminix in Windsor, Conn. Following a nine-month training program, he rose quickly within the organization, serving as branch manager in several Connecticut offices including Trumbull and Norwalk — each twice — as well as Suffern, N.Y. During this time, he and his wife Andrea welcomed their two children Patrick and Jennifer.

In 1997, Jim and his family returned to Massachusetts to be closer to extended family, settling in Mattapoisett, where they still reside today. Over the years, Jim managed multiple Terminix branches throughout Massachusetts, including Milford, Taunton, Hyannis and Bourne and also oversaw the Rhode Island operation for more than a year.

Jim’s leadership continued to grow as he served as Regional Service Manager and Regional Support Manager for all New England states, focusing on branch operations, colleague training and customer service excellence. These roles evolved into Territory Support Manager, expanding his responsibilities into New York and Pennsylvania. Following the Rentokil acquisition, Jim joined the Rentokil-Terminix Compliance team, where he currently serves as Compliance Manager for New England and New York, supporting 47 offices across both regions.

Service to NEPMA

Jim became actively involved with NEPMA in 2021 and has since contributed significantly to the Association’s mission. He has served on the Nominating, Legislative and Education committees and currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR) for Vermont.

A life rooted in family and community

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jim is deeply committed to family life. He enjoys time with his wife Andrea; daughter Jennifer and her husband Andrew; son Patrick, his wife Chrissy and their children — Finn, age three (born during PestWorld Boston) and Claire, who recently turned one. Jim is also an avid runner, maintaining a daily goal of at least two miles.

“Jim’s dedication, integrity and passion have made a tremendous impact on our industry and our association,” said NEPMA President-Elect Courtney Carace. “His leadership and service to NEPMA exemplify the values celebrated by the Bartlett W. Eldredge Award.”

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Sacramento CA

VPMA board meeting sets bold course for the year ahead

Bright minds chart a bright future: VPMA sets bold course for the year ahead

The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) convened its board of directors, committee chairs and invited guests for a high-impact board planning meeting designed to build on the successes of 2025 and illuminate a strong path forward for 2026. Guided by newly installed President Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, the association’s brightest minds came together to envision a vibrant future for VPMA’s members and the broader pest management profession across Virginia.

Harlow-Ellis opened the meeting by reaffirming VPMA’s commitment to its mission and vision — promoting ethical, environmentally responsible pest management and serving as the premier resource supporting the industry statewide. With renewed energy and focus, leaders evaluated committee charters, re-engaged both seasoned and emerging contributors and established major organizational goals for the year ahead.

IMAGE: VPMA

Reflecting on a year of achievement: 2025 highlights

Virginia pest management summit success

The 2025 Summit marked the 20th presentation of this long-loved meeting, bringing together professionals from across the state for a refreshed, re-energized and highly engaging program. Attendees praised the Summit’s quality and dynamic sessions, noting that they “couldn’t wait to return to their seats for each presentation.” Many shared that they received practical, immediately applicable information to strengthen both their business operations and technical work. With strong engagement, updated branding and a new venue, the Summit reinforced its reputation as a cornerstone event for Virginia’s pest management community and positioned it for continued growth in the years to come.

Spring recertification webinars meet industry needs

VPMA’s Spring Recertification Webinars continued to deliver high-quality, timely training serving both members and non-members across Virginia. These virtual programs remain one of the Association’s most effective avenues for reaching a broad audience and supporting the ongoing recertification needs of the pest management profession.

Petition for rulemaking gains support

VPMA’s petition to revise Category 8 certification received strong backing, including support from the current Commissioner of Agriculture and 27 public comments from industry members. This effort highlights VPMA’s role in elevating issues that impact members’ ability to hire, train and certify technicians, ensuring these concerns are brought to the attention of regulatory partners along with proposals for meaningful, practical change.

Cat 8 prep course achieves outstanding success

VPMA collaborated with VDACS to deliver comprehensive study materials and expert-led instruction to 45 course participants — all of whom successfully passed the Category 8 exam. Given that the typical Cat 8 pass rate is in the low 30% range, this remarkable 100% success rate underscores the exceptional quality of the preparation, guidance and review provided in the course.

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Strategic areas of focus for 2026

1. Education

• VPMA will continue expanding core educational programs, including WDI Certification, Master Technician training, recertification webinars, the annual Summit and the Jeffrey M. Johnson ACE Prep Course.
• New for 2026, VPMA will launch a WDI Inspector Recertification Course, designed not merely as a refresher but as an advanced “201-level” program that will renew voluntary WDI certification for an additional two years.
• VPMA aims to be a true training partner for members by offering professional-level education that equips technicians to meet customer needs, while reducing the burden of developing extensive in-house training. Professional branding materials — including program logos — will be developed to highlight this commitment to excellence.

2. Legislative and regulatory affairs

VPMA will maintain strong engagement with VDACS, state and federal lawmakers and EPA partners to navigate regulatory changes and advocate for the profession. With many newly elected or re-elected Virginia state legislators, 2026 provides an important opportunity to introduce VPMA to leadership and position the Association as a trusted resource on small business and pest-related issues that representatives and senators may encounter.

3. Professional development

Programs such as the STM Admin Conference, ACE Prep Course and the Leadership Excellence & Action Program (LEAP) will continue to advance leadership and professional excellence within the industry. These initiatives help PMPs build personal and professional skills that support career advancement, strengthen communities and expand business opportunities.

4. Connections and community growth

Recognizing significant opportunities to reach thousands of Commercial Applicators and Registered Technicians across Virginia, VPMA will prioritize outreach and engagement efforts statewide. VPMA not only supports the industry through education and advocacy, but also works to create a strong sense of community among pest management professionals. In 2026, VPMA will host regional spring hands-on training events in each of the four geographic areas of the state, along with Fall 4×4 Social events to encourage networking and relationship building.

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Looking ahead: A bright year on the horizon

“Our brightest minds came together to envision an extraordinary year ahead,” said President Shannon Harlow-Ellis. “With renewed enthusiasm, clear goals and the combined strength of experienced leaders and new voices, VPMA is poised to shine even brighter in 2026.”

VPMA will continue developing its 2026 action plan, focusing on elevating member value, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening advocacy and fostering a thriving community of pest management professionals across Virginia.

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Sacramento CA

3 actionable tips for buying local pest control companies

3 tips for buying local competitors

Many pest management professionals (PMPs) I meet ask whether I know of any smaller companies they can buy in their market. They proceed to tell me in detail the specific area and type of company they are looking for. I always let them know I will keep them apprised when I get something that fits their appetite.

I also attempt to tell them what they can do to find these companies on their own. After all, I spent many years as a local buyer and completed 40 acquisitions in my market. Here are three significant actions to take if you will be on the hunt in 2026:

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Key takeaways

• Develop relationships first: Proactively meet and build goodwill with all local competitors, as relationships are the foundation for future opportunities.
• Expect inconvenience: Be prepared for the acquisition process to be highly emotional and time-consuming , requiring tolerance for business practices you may not allow in your own company.
• Maintain post-close goodwill: Ensure the seller is happy after the deal is finalized to protect your reputation and future acquisition opportunities.

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1. Develop relationships with all local competitors

This first step requires significant time and effort. When you see your competitors at trade shows, convenience stores and lunch spots, approach them and introduce yourself. You don’t need an agenda other than getting to know people in the same industry.

Exchange cell phone numbers and offer to help them in any way possible. I have loaned equipment and vehicles to competitors when they were in urgent need and had my staff help them with customer relationship management (CRM) training. Of course, you can pick up ideas and insights from them to help better your business along the way, as well.

You should know dozens of competitors in your market. Whenever I was near my competition’s office location, I’d stop in and introduce myself. If I had the chance, I’d buy coffee for their employees. In 35 years, only one owner ever got upset about me dropping by — she later apologized.

PHOTO: VIOLETASTOIMENOVA / E+ / GETTY IMAGES

My staff thought I was extraordinarily talented at buying local competition, but the reality is, I was converting less than 5 percent of the local contacts I had made. My goal was to meet two new companies every week and make two acquisitions every year. Forming relationships is where it starts.

2. Realize opportunities often come at inconvenient times

The process of acquisition is emotional and time-consuming. You will need to expect and understand what you are walking into when you acquire a competitor.

This can include dealing with employee concerns or practices you never would allow at your own company. I once acquired a business where every technician went home for lunch every day and was allowed to have their kids in the company truck before and after school. While we all have accommodated employees’ personal needs at some time or another, be ready for this aspect of the process.

3. Ensure the seller stays happy after the deal is done

An unhappy seller will hurt your chances for future opportunities. Try to maintain a relationship with the seller after the deal closes, such as meeting regularly for coffee and conversation.

One owner, whose business I acquired over 20 years ago, still meets me for lunch every Christmas. Every year, he gives me a collectible White House Christmas ornament. My kids know him as the “White House Christmas ornament guy”.

Buying local companies requires you to get out of your office and invest time and effort into developing relationships that could potentially become prospects. The relationships you create will end up paying dividends in all kinds of ways for you and your business.

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Williamson is an industry veteran and the pest and lawn director for Cetane Associates, a company that offers pest management firms advice on sales, spin-offs and acquisitions, as well as performs valuation and ad-hoc corporate finance assignments. Learn more at Cetane.com.

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Sacramento CA

IN MEMORIAM: Joe Barlok

Joe Barlok

Joe Barlok, ACE, VP of service for RJM Pest Services in New York City and husband, father and grandfather, passed away in late November. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral. Those who would like to reach out to his family with their condolences are invited to post on his Facebook page.

Barlok outlined how his career came to be in his LinkedIn biography:

I was a 20 year old new father and needed a steady job with an opportunity at a career. My hiring wage of $11/hr was the blessing and new opportunity my new family needed. The rest of the work experience is all about relentless hard work, overcoming challenges and dedication to providing only the best service possible. Looking back now on the past 22+ years in the pest control industry I wouldn’t change one day or challenge. I am thankful for all of it and the people I have met and had the pleasure to work with along the way. Starting on the west coast at Lloyd Pest Control in San Diego County they shaped my love and passion for the industry. Moved to the east coast and have been working in NYC since 2009 with Western Pest Services (Rollins), RJS, and JP McHale (Anticimex). Now having the honor and responsibility to lead the service department at RJM Pest Services, I have the opportunity to share the same excitement for high level of quality service that originally inspired me.

Timson Green, a friend and former co-worker, shares his remembrances of Barlok as follows:

In the pest management industry, there are what I call the “Fantastic Few.” They are people committed to providing their clients with the best possible experiences, and they work hard to ensure that every detail is perfect. They understand that exceptional customer service is a powerful tool for motivation and reward, and they are dedicated to helping their clients create lasting memories.

Rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs and flies are some of the pests we constantly deal with in many markets around the country. These pests are normally found in dark, creepy areas of sub-basements, crawlspaces, near sewer injector pits and in voids of pipe chases.

Joe often said, “If you can’t find it, you can’t fix it. Dark and creepy areas are where most of our development happens.”

Joe had always been a hands-on team player and team leader, an expert who believes in developing the next wave of problem solvers. Leadership is about making everyone else better.

There are three key areas to running an organization: the financials, the development of others, and the standardization of service expectations. Joe checked all the boxes when it comes to these capabilities and set the tone for pest management professionals to emulate. His vision was rooted in building an experienced team, providing exceptional service, and guaranteeing proven results.

It is in the valley that we slog through the lush grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to summit life’s next peak. There is no growth on the top of a mountain. Leadership is not about being the best; rather, it’s about making everyone else better.

Joe Barlok will forever be remembered as a face of the Fantastic Few.

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Sacramento CA

Georgia Pest Control Association gives back to Atlanta community

The Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA) partnered in a service project at the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) on Dec. 4, 2025. 

Over 40 people representing 10 member companies, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the GPCA staff sorted and packed food as a giving back opportunity.  The team prepared over 16,500 pounds of food to be delivered to food banks and other outreach stations throughout the state, providing support for those dealing with food insecurity. 

The service project is one of many recent initiatives from the GPCA. Previous projects have included:

• GPCA PestVets coat drive: run in collaboration with the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program, the GPCA has collected thousands of coats for Veterans across the yearslong partnership.
• Partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which thus far has raised over $1 million for cancer research efforts.
• Hosting meetings for Pi Chi Omega, the professional fraternity for the structural pest control industry.

About the Georgia Pest control association:

Founded in 1950 with only 16 members, the GPCA has grown to include over 85 percent of all pest control operators in Georgia. With a focus on all facets of the pest control industry that promote economic growth, the GPCA seeks to encourage professionalism, school operations, commercial establishments, home management, education and community involvement.

About the Atlanta Community Food Bank

As a member of Feeding America, its mission is to fight hunger by engaging, educating, and empowering our community. The ACFB works with nearly 700 community-based nonprofit partners to distribute 9 million+ meals across metro Atlanta and north Georgia each month.

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Sacramento CA

Skyhawk Trapmate and Insects Limited: Trapmate InsectaDetector

IMAGE: SKYHAWK TRAPMATE

The new Trapmate InsectaDetector, developed in partnership with Insects Limited, is a precision sensor–based device designed to automate crawling insect monitoring and deliver early-warning intelligence. Pheromone lures attract target insects into the device, guiding them onto a glue board while high-precision sensors record each pass-through. These time-stamped counts are transmitted through the Trapmate Hub using the same proven, self-powered technology found across the Trapmate ecosystem. Integrated seamlessly into the Trapmate software platform, InsectaDetector eliminates manual glue-board checks, provides customizable notifications and helps technicians detect activity trends early — reducing labor, improving accuracy and strengthening proactive pest management.

About Skyhawk Trapmate

Skyhawk Trapmate is a division of Skyhawk, a U.S.-based company specializing in remote monitoring technology for pest and wildlife professionals. Trapmate’s wireless, battery-powered sensors provide real-time trap activity and data to enhance technician efficiency, reduce service visits, and increase client retention.

About Insects Limited

Insects Limited has been an industry leader in pheromone-based monitoring and control solutions for over 40 years. With a strong foundation in research and development, Insects Limited provides sustainable, science-based tools for the pest control and food protection industries. Based in Westfield, Ind., the company was founded in 1982 by David Mueller, BCE, a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2019).

Trapmate.ai

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Sacramento CA

Podcast explores how being a BCE boosts professional possibilities

Podcast explores how being a BCE boosts professional possibilities

Tune in to “The BCE Podcast” and you’ll instantly grasp what the next 45 minutes will cover, thanks to its catchy theme song: “They’re buggy, they’re nerdy, they’re talkin’ six legs / Buzzin’ on the airwaves with their field note pegs / From beetles to bees, they just can’t get enough / Geeking out on bugs — yeah, the nerdy stuff! / Not for fame, not for clout, just because they care / It’s the bugcast, boys and girls — science in the air!

Adam Holt, BCE, and Chelle Hartzer, BCE, PCQI, teamed up in July to create and host the show. While the podcast is not affiliated with the Entomological Society of America (ESA), which runs the board-certified entomologist (BCE) program, it is dedicated to exploring the opportunities available to those who have earned or are thinking of sitting for the BCE exam.

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Key takeaways

• The BCE designation is a key credential that demonstrates commitment to a career path and is essential for roles like consulting.
• “The BCE Podcast” provides an unfiltered look at the exam process, with guests sharing their study experiences, challenges and whether they passed on the first attempt.
• Professionalism is mandatory for the designation, as the ESA requires BCEs to adhere to a strict code of ethical standards to maintain certification.

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The path for the future entomologist

The podcast’s mission is clear: “We envisioned a platform for nerdy future entomologists to potentially discover their path forward in becoming a BCE and what direction they want to take their career,” says Holt. Both Holt and Hartzer struck out on their own after years of working for various companies in the pest control industry, making them ideal mentors for those considering the professional leap.

Hartzer owns 360 Pest Consulting, where she helps small- to mid-size pest control companies reduce callbacks, boost customer satisfaction, empower staff with expert training and solve complex issues using proven strategies and scientific solutions. Holt owns NameDatBug Consulting Services, delivering practical, expert guidance to companies in the commercial, residential, agricultural, hospitality and pest control sectors.

The value of the credential

Holt knows firsthand the career opportunities the designation presents. “I wouldn’t be able to be a consultant without my BCE,” he notes. He strongly encourages the pursuit of the certification because “it adds that credential to what they already have and shows commitment to that next level of their career.”

The BCE is more than just a title; it signifies professionalism. The ESA requires those who earn the certification to adhere to a strict code of ethical standards to maintain their status.

IMAGE: “THE BCE PODCAST” is hosted by Adam Holt, BCE and Chelle Hartzer, BCE, PCQI

Unfiltered assessments of the exam

Each episode features a current BCE who talks candidly about themselves and their jobs, sharing their wisdom with the audience. The hosts always ask their guests the same four questions:

1. When did you earn your BCE and how has it impacted your life?
2. What was preparing for the BCE like for you?
3. What advice do you offer to others who are currently studying for the BCE?
4. What’s your favorite bug?

Guests run the gamut from those who earned their BCE decades ago to “baby BCEs” who have had the designation for only a couple of years. The podcast also provides an unfiltered look at the inherent challenges of sitting for the exam. Guests have openly shared whether they passed the first time, the types of questions that tripped them up and how their education — whether in school or in the field — provided assistance.

Knowledge, networking and the ESA family

Holt and Hartzer believe strongly that knowledge is power. They and their guests take an honest look at how advanced credentials build credibility, advance careers and propel sustainable pest management technologies in the entomology field.

“We hope listeners want to be part of a bigger picture: the ESA family,” Holt says. The hosts also hope listeners take away the message that networking and fostering professional relationships are important, noting the power of tools like LinkedIn in advancing a career. The overarching message is that advanced knowledge and community are the engines that propel the professional entomologist forward.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/bce-podcast-career-boost-professionalism/
Sacramento CA

Douglas Products: ProFume

IMAGE: DOUGLAS PRODUCTS

Douglas Products helps food manufacturers and their distribution partners control rodent and stored product pests that present health and safety risks throughout warehouses, logistics and shipping centers, food processing and packaging facilities, and other food storage sites around the globe. Douglas Products also provides the expertise, training and resources pest management professionals need to deliver some of the most effective and reliable fumigation solutions on the market, including ProFume gas fumigant.

ProFume is labeled to control rodents and all life stages of stored product pests in structures and containers used to store, process and transport most raw or processed commodities. By mitigating the spread of infestations that can compromise food safety, work environments, public health and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance, ProFume applications help food companies to confidently deliver high-quality products to their customers — all while protecting their facilities and hard-earned reputation.

Rodents, in particular, present a growing challenge as they commonly gain access to food manufacturing and distribution centers through breached wall cavities, foundational cracks, worn-out exclusion devices and pallets of incoming goods. Effectively controlling these vectors of disease can help to prevent the spread of E. coli, salmonella, listeria, leptospirosis and other foodborne illnesses.

Whether you need to control a current infestation or prevent one from developing, ProFume gas fumigant provides an ideal complement to your service offerings.

About Douglas Products

Douglas Products is a specialty products provider of brands and services for global agriculture and structural pest management. Douglas Products is a Brightstar Capital Partners portfolio company, based in Liberty, Mo.

Profume.com/warehouse

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/douglas-products-profume/
Sacramento CA

Allergy Technologies expands pest prevention program in Philadelphia, Pa.

Allergy Technologies Affordable Housing Control

Allergy Technologies, the manufacturer of ActiveGuard mattress liners and creator of the ATAHC Program, has entered into a new agreement with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) that will expand ATAHC’s implementation from 3,500 homes to more than 8,400 residences across Philadelphia’s affordable housing communities.

This expansion marks the largest deployment of ATAHC to date and positions Philadelphia as a national leader in proactive, sustainable pest-prevention for vulnerable residents.

The agreement includes a continuation of PHA’s 2024 upgrade to ATAHC Complete, the most comprehensive version of the platform. ATAHC Complete combines the original ATAHC Bed Bug Program with the structural-pest program called ATAHC Plus into one unified solution.

ATAHC Bed Bug, ATAHC Plus and ATAHC Complete replace reactive models with a proactive system that combines initial screening and remediation with long-term monitoring and prevention. Using long-acting solutions such as ActiveGuard Mattress Liners, ATAHC creates a protective barrier against bed bug re-infestation. But the Program’s true strength lies in its holistic design — one that engages residents, property managers, pest-control professionals and community stakeholders in shared accountability. This approach not only ensures consistent access for treatment and inspection but also builds trust between residents and property staff. Most importantly, ATAHC employs residents to act as Program liaisons, facilitating a more seamless experience and offering a career development pathway.

“Early detection and sustained prevention are essential, but the heart of ATAHC’s success is partnership,” said Joseph Latino, president of Allergy Technologies, in a news release. “ATAHC Complete is designed to deepen those partnerships. By working hand-in-hand with residents and housing staff, we not only reduce reintroductions and infestations but also dramatically reduce day-to-day disruptions and the operational strain caused by recurring pest issues.”

Program results

As the first site in the nation to implement the ATAHC Bed Bug, the Philadelphia Housing Authority experienced a reduction of bed bug reintroductions by greater than 97 percent over the first 4 years of Program inception, a 35 percent reduction in projected bed-bug-related operating expenses and a 40 percent reduction in resident and staff contact time with pest-management professionals.

“With this new agreement, nearly 5,000 more Philadelphia households will gain access to a Program that has consistently and measurably changed the quality of life for residents and property staff,” said Gus Carey, founder and managing director of Allergy Technologies, in a news release. “Affordable-housing residents deserve solutions that work and ATAHC Complete brings an even higher level of reliability, control and support to communities that need it most.”

Allergy Technologies expects the expanded ATAHC footprint in Philadelphia, now enhanced with ATAHC Complete, to serve as the “gold medal” blueprint for affordable-housing communities nationwide seeking long-term, cost-effective and resident-centered pest prevention.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/allergy-technologies-expands-pest-prevention-program-in-philadelphia-pa/
Sacramento CA

Unified Purchasing Group: Exclusive Discounts

IMAGE: UNIFIED PURCHASING GROUP

UPG members enjoy exclusive discounts on leading brands, including Verizon Wireless, Staples, ADP, UniFirst and more. Simply join the 55,000-plus other smart businesses already saving money with the power of group purchasing. Becoming a UPG member is free and easy, and there are no purchasing minimums or obligations.

About UPG

Unified Purchasing Group (UPG) is a group purchasing organization, otherwise known as a “GPO.” UPG combines the purchasing power of collective businesses to leverage better pricing, improved service levels, and dedicated account representation from suppliers. Leveraging a GPO increases your buying power and can simplify your procurement processes. The wide-reaching network and negotiating power of a GPO is challenging for an individual procurement professional to match on their own.

A GPO enables the spend from various industries to combine and increase buying power for individual private entities and it works for businesses of all size, from small businesses to large enterprise operations. When you partner with a GPO like UPG and utilize our exclusive contracts, you can grow market share in your industry quickly with no up front costs. It’s free to become a member and there are no long term contracts or purchasing minimums, so you have nothing to lose.

UPG has been a proud supporter of the pest management industry for nearly two decades, and as a long-time sponsor of PestWorld, we are pleased to help pest management professionals across the country save money. We partner with brands you know and trust to bring you savings on the products and services you need to run your business. UPG has more than 50,000 companies who are using their free membership to secure exclusive discounts to lower their spend and increase their competitive edge in today’s market.

Visit online today to increase your organization’s purchasing power and save.

UPG.org

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/unified-purchasing-group-purchasing-power/
Sacramento CA

Outsmarting cockroaches: New strategies and product innovations

The cockroach remains one of the most persistent and challenging pests for the industry, driven by factors like urbanization, changes in climate and evolving customer expectations around food safety. As cockroaches adapt to existing products, resistance management, timely application and the rotation of dusts, sprays and baits are critical to maintaining effective control. To help pest management professionals (PMPs) form their playbook against this prominent pest, technical experts from top industry suppliers share their latest insights on new formulations and strategic thinking.

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Key takeaways

• Proactive shift: A new strategic mindset positions products like Alpine WSG not just as reactive cleanout tools, but as a cornerstone for preventive, long-term cockroach control.
• Resistance management: Utilizing baits with proprietary matrices, multiple modes of action and rotational use, such as Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait and Ultimatum Roach Gel Bait, is crucial for overcoming bait aversion and chemical resistance.
• Targeted delivery: Baits and flowable dusts, including Avert DF and Temprid Dust, are essential for reaching voids and inaccessible harborage areas, improving efficacy and long-term control.
• Non-repellent flexibility: Non-repellent, residue-free formulations with flexible labels allow for routine service protocols in sensitive environments like food-handling areas and schools.

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Dr. Jason Meyers

BASF

“Recent internal messaging and field data confirm the high efficacy of non-repellent insecticides when used proactively, shifting the mindset from reactive cleanout to strategic, preventive control.

Alpine WSG water-soluble granule insecticide is more than a cleanout tool; it’s a strategic, preventive solution for long-term cockroach control. While traditionally deployed in high-pressure accounts, its non-repellent formulation and reduced-risk designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) make it ideal for routine service protocols in sensitive environments such as food-handling areas, schools and multifamily housing. The flexible label allows for indoor and outdoor applications, including spot, crack-and-crevice and broadcast treatments, with a clear, residue-free formulation that ensures customer satisfaction.

We predict Alpine WSG will be viewed not as a reactive tool, but as a cornerstone of a preventive cockroach control strategy, supported by the Phantom termiticide/insecticide, PT Phantom II pressurized insecticide (valuable for resistance management and cleanouts), Avert DF dry flowable cockroach bait (which reaches voids) and Alpine cockroach gel baits.”

Alpine WSG IMAGE: BASF

Heather Patterson

Control Solutions Inc.

“Cockroach baiting remains a key component of professional management, as combining a targeted delivery with an attractive formulation brings the insecticide directly to the areas where cockroaches hide, harbor and feed. CSI has added Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait to its product suite to help PMPs overcome common challenges they face while managing cockroach infestations: bait aversion, resistance and variable performance under field conditions.

Formulated with a proprietary matrix and two modes of action, applicators can count on this bait to deliver fast-acting and long-lasting results. Not only is it effective against small and large cockroach pest species, killing through both contact and ingestion, but it also offers superior performance in tough conditions. As new and novel innovations, including formulation technology, new chemistries and AI-integrated tools, become available, early adopters will have the opportunity for value-added services that can offer a competitive edge.

Formulated with a proprietary matrix and two modes of action, applicators can count on this bait to deliver fast-acting and long-lasting results. Not only is it effective against small and large cockroach pest species, killing through both contact and ingestion, but it also offers superior performance in tough conditions. As new and novel innovations, including formulation technology, new chemistries and AI-integrated tools, become available, early adopters will have the opportunity for value-added services that can offer a competitive edge.”

IMAGE: CSI

Isabelle Lucero

J.T. Eaton

“Insecticidal baits can combat cockroach resistance through rotation, as well as cause secondary (and even tertiary) mortality. J.T. Eaton offers the state-of-the-art Ultimatum Roach Gel Bait, which targets multiple cockroach species with long-lasting palatability and efficacy. This is thanks to its hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) matrix and an active ingredient of 0.5 percent of fipronil.

Fipronil’s mode of action is a central nervous system disruptor that blocks the GABA-gated chloride channel, causing hyperexcitation and mortality, resulting in quick knockdown after consumption or contact. With its easy-to-use, mess-free applicator, Ultimatum Roach Gel Bait can be placed precisely to target where cockroaches have been seen, including in sensitive environments. A central tenet for mitigating the negative effects of cockroach pests — such as the spread of pathogenic organisms or metabolites that cause severe allergies and asthma — is source reduction.

Fipronil’s mode of action is a central nervous system disruptor that blocks the GABA-gated chloride channel, causing hyperexcitation and mortality, resulting in quick knockdown after consumption or contact. With its easy-to-use, mess-free applicator, Ultimatum Roach Gel Bait can be placed precisely to target where cockroaches have been seen, including in sensitive environments. A central tenet for mitigating the negative effects of cockroach pests — such as the spread of pathogenic organisms or metabolites that cause severe allergies and asthma — is source reduction.”

IMAGE: J.T. EATON

Matt Remmen

Envu

“Targeting inaccessible spaces is critical for control. Temprid Dust has two highly effective active ingredients (one newer to pest management use) and a flowable silica aerogel carrier that penetrates deep into these spaces and starts working immediately. Temprid Dust can quickly and consistently control even hard-to-manage pests such as American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), helping PMPs reduce callbacks and deliver more reliable results. Envu also offers the indoxacarb-based Endius cockroach gel bait, which can be applied in food-handling areas against all types of cockroaches.

Urbanization, expanding food service and storage operations and changes in climate will continue to drive infestation pressures — particularly for introduced species, such as the Turkestan cockroach (Blatta lateralis). As people extend their living areas to indoor/outdoor spaces, they may also encounter wood cockroaches (Parcoblatta spp.) and other insects commonly misidentified as peridomestic cockroaches, creating additional service opportunities.

Resistance management will continue to be critical as cockroaches adapt to existing products, highlighting the need for rotational use of dusts, sprays and baits to maintain effective control. Growing customer expectations around food safety, sanitation and sustainability will further emphasize integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.”

PHOTO: ENVU

Targeting inaccessible spaces is critical for control. Temprid Dust has two highly effective active ingredients (one newer to pest management use) and a flowable silica aerogel carrier that penetrates deep into these spaces and starts working immediately. Temprid Dust can quickly and consistently control even hard-to-manage pests such as American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), helping PMPs reduce callbacks and deliver more reliable results. Envu also offers the indoxacarb-based Endius cockroach gel bait, which can be applied in food-handling areas against all types of cockroaches.

Urbanization, expanding food service and storage operations and changes in climate will continue to drive infestation pressures — particularly for introduced species, such as the Turkestan cockroach (Blatta lateralis). As people extend their living areas to indoor/outdoor spaces, they may also encounter wood cockroaches (Parcoblatta spp.) and other insects commonly misidentified as peridomestic cockroaches, creating additional service opportunities.

Resistance management will continue to be critical as cockroaches adapt to existing products, highlighting the need for rotational use of dusts, sprays and baits to maintain effective control. Growing customer expectations around food safety, sanitation and sustainability will further emphasize integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

<p>The post Outsmarting cockroaches: New strategies and product innovations first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/cockroach-control-innovation-proactive-strategy/
Sacramento CA

CSI: Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait

IMAGE: CSI

Control Solutions Inc. (CSI), a leader in innovative pest management solutions, introduces Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait, the latest addition to CSI’s Bait Solutions line. This proprietary, combination gel bait is truly a killer combination with two active ingredients, abamectin and fipronil.

Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait is highly attractive and palatable to cockroaches and retains moisture with limited dripping in high heat climates, like commercial kitchens. This bait matrix has undergone rigorous scientific testing at major university and third-party laboratories.

The all-in-one combination of fipronil and abamectin active ingredients in Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait combats bait-averse cockroaches and can provide excellent control against even the most difficult infestations. It is designed to work on heavy infestations, cockroach cleanouts, and for long-term maintenance with extended control.

This bait is also a good resistance management tool for pest management professionals (PMPs) looking for a new and effective gel bait option. Research has shown there is little resistance to abamectin in cockroach populations (Lee et. al, 2022), so you get the added benefit of resistance management with the powerful action of fipronil.

You can focus your Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait applications in areas of presumed and current cockroach activity. Common hotspots include cracks and crevices around pipes, faucets, inside cabinets, and behind and underneath appliances. Apply the gel bait in small round spots or in a thin bead (line). For easy application underneath items and appliances, a bead of bait can be placed on a piece of wax paper and slid underneath hard-to-reach areas. The amount of bait applied can be adjusted depending on the level of infestation and the goal for the service (cockroach cleanouts or maintenance).

Fuse Cockroach Gel Bait is highly effective against both small and large cockroaches, as well as stored product pests. This bait starts killing cockroaches and reducing populations within the first day of application and provides continued control up to six months. It also kills cockroaches by both ingestion and contact, so you can kill the cockroaches you see — and the ones you don’t.

About Control Solutions Inc.

Control Solutions Inc. (CSI) is an American manufacturer dedicated to developing innovative, effective and sustainable solutions for pest management professionals. With a long-standing tradition of delivering proven solutions, CSI continues to expand its ever-growing portfolio of innovative products — providing the performance and value its customers rely on in the pest control industry.

CSI-Pest.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/csi-fuse-cockroach-gel-bait/
Sacramento CA

PMP case study: Mealworm cases that weren’t stored product pests

Mealworms are the larvae of yellow mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor), a darkling beetle species. They are generally categorized as stored product pests. However, a PMP must always be prepared for the unconventional. Here are two situations where I encountered these insects far outside their expected habitat.

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Key takeaways

• Look to the exterior: For an inexplicable indoor pest problem, you must always go to the exterior to inspect for invading perimeter pests.
• The power of questioning: Never stop asking questions until you start getting answers that make sense and reveal an unconventional root cause, such as infested fill dirt.
• Be prepared for behavior: Do not jump to the conclusion that a pest problem is what you came to treat; it just might be a behavioral “people problem.”

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From left are the adult, pupal and larval stages of Tenebrio molitor.
IMAGE: GettyImages / Tomasz Klejdysz

Case study 1: Perimeter invasion from infested soil

After finishing a training session with a local pest management firm on Long Island, N.Y., I was informed by a supervisor about a residential account having a persistent problem with mealworms crawling in the basement, first and second floors and attic. The lady of the house was ready to sell just to get away from the mealworms.

The investigation and root cause

The house was newly built in a new development of private homes and no other homes in the area had this issue. An exterior inspection revealed hundreds of mealworms crawling around the back perimeter and up the exterior wall. Poking around in the soil, I found hundreds more very active mealworms.

After asking a few more questions, the answer became clear: to level the land at this specific site, the builder had hauled in truckloads of soil. Wherever the soil was taken from, it was heavily infested with mealworms.

The two-month solution

Our multi-faceted control strategy focused on elimination and prevention:

1. Chemical control: We applied a perimeter residual around the structure and as far out as the label allowed.
2. Exterior trapping: We placed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes—4 feet long, 3 inches in diameter and open on both ends—along the back and sides adjacent to the house. We then placed long paper glue boards inside each PVC pipe.
3. Exclusion: We pest-proofed all the exterior doors and windows leading into the basement.
4. Interior cleanout: Indoors, the initial mealworms were vacuumed and we placed glue boards in each room.

For the next two weeks, the glue boards kept catching mealworms and were replaced as needed. It took about two months until no more mealworms appeared inside the structure.

Case study 2: When the pest problem is people

I was called in because mealworms were appearing in a child’s bedding and his mother was very upset.

The immediate concern was to find the source. However, the solution in this case was not biological, but behavioral: The child was seeking attention. He would buy live mealworms from a pet shop, dump them on his bed and then call his mother for help. In his closet, we found the containers of the mealworms he had purchased.

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In summary

These two cases highlight three essential lessons for every PMP:

1. Always go to the exterior to inspect for invading perimeter pests, even if the problem is reported indoors.
2. Ask questions until you start getting answers that make sense and reveal the true source.
3. Do not jump to conclusions. Be prepared for unusual circumstances or the possibility that the “pest problem” is actually a “people problem.” And last but not least, never turn down an interesting job even if you are tired at the end of the day—the unique cases teach the most.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/pmp-case-study-mealworm-cases-that-werent-stored-product-pests/
Sacramento CA

Atticus: Battle-Tested Chemistry

IMAGE: ATTICUS

Established in 2014, Atticus is a demand-driven manufacturer of battle-tested chemistries with a clear purpose: to Enhance Daily Life. Through its Professional Pest Management & Vector Control portfolio, Atticus delivers trusted active ingredients for consistent, reliable performance across diverse environments.

Key, trademarked products include Tirade Ultra SC (beta-cyfluthrin 11.8 percent), Adjourn SC (deltamethrin 4.75 percent), and Turonyx Ultra FX (beta-cyfluthrin 10.5 percent and imidacloprid 21 percent).

With these products and more, Atticus empowers pest management professionals with dependable, cost-effective tools to safeguard public health, property, and peace of mind.

AtticusLLC.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/atticus-battle-tested-chemistry/
Sacramento CA

Rodent control insights from 9 industry leaders

Successful rodent management is essential not only to structural integrity but also to human health and safety, given that commensal rodents have the ability to spread more than 35 diseases and cause damage to our structures and resources. To remain successful amid evolving regulatory pressures and increasingly resilient pests, PMPs must move beyond routine treatment and embrace a holistic, adaptive strategy.

Experts from across the industry contributed their essential tips and insights on everything from advanced identification and inspection to behavioral control and exclusion techniques.

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Key takeaways

• Look up and out: Avoid complacency by closely inspecting often-overlooked access points like fascia, gutter lines, dormers and roof/gable vents.
• Decipher field signs: Targeted inspections rely on correctly interpreting the texture and color of rub marks and sebum trails to determine if activity is current (greasy) or old (dry).
• Control behavior: Use non-chemical tactics, such as all-natural repellents, to influence where rodents stay and guide them away from high-traffic customer areas.
• Invest in quality IPM: There is no “standard rodent case” or silver bullet; success requires a full integrated pest management (IPM) strategy adapted to the unique situation, including proper species identification and customer education.

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Dr. Joe Argentine

BASF

1. Know your non-commensal rodents

“Rodent control usually focuses on the three main commensal species. However, other rodent species can also be a serious problem. For instance, there are several species of cotton rats, with the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) being the most common in America, ranging from Arizona to Florida and Nebraska to Mexico.

Weighing up to 8 ounces, cotton rats can be distinguished from Rattus species by their grizzled fur and a shorter, ringed tail. Their preferred habitat is dense grassland with some shrub overstory. For this reason, it is important to keep grass and weeds mowed around all buildings, including outer buildings such as sheds.

Cotton rats can carry hantavirus, so in areas potentially contaminated with the virus, it is vital to keep these rats away from buildings. If hantavirus is possibly present, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) — including gloves, respirators and eye protection — is critical when cleaning up infested areas.”

Andrew Fisher, BCE, PHE

Neogen

2. Interpreting sebum rails and rub marks

“Understanding rodent behavior is key to effective control and one of the most revealing aspects lies in the physical traces they leave behind. Rodents frequently travel along the same pathways, depositing distinct field signs.

Among the most reliable indicators are rub marks and sebum trails. These markings form when the oils and dirt from rodent fur repeatedly contact surfaces during movement. On light-colored substrates, they appear as dark, greasy smears; on darker materials, they may present as a subtle sheen visible under angled light.

The thickness, darkness and freshness of rub marks can indicate whether the activity is current or old. Fresh trails often feel greasy to the touch, whereas older ones are dry and faded. Correctly interpreting these signs helps direct trap placement and exclusion work to the most active zones, increasing control efficacy.”

Jon Paulsen

Liphatech

3. Inspecting the overlooked access points

“Even experienced PMPs familiar with Norway (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rats (R. rattus) can become complacent and overlook critical components of rodent access. For instance, fascia, gutter lines and dormers should be closely inspected whenever possible. Vent openings are too often overlooked.

It’s also a good idea to inspect the ridgeline, roof and gable vents for gnaw marks or sebum stains and check whether interior screening is intact. Sometimes, unsecured edges act as a flap to allow rodent entry without a visible hole. Soffit vents also can be problematic in homes when aerial cables or vegetation provide a means of access.”

Andrej Blanc

PelGar

4. Building your exclusion arsenal

“With the added pressure on rodenticide regulations, PMPs need to have a well-rounded rodent control program. In your rodent toolbox, you should have all the required basic exclusion tools at your disposal, including:

• Stainless steel fabric
• Door seals
• Expandable foams labeled for the pest control industry
• Copper mesh
• Hardware cloth
• Barrier paste compounds for small cracks, joints and seams

Understand how rodents enter each specific account and what they are searching for (food vs. shelter) to optimize how and where to exclude and treat. By having an effective exclusion program, you can increase the effectiveness of your baiting, trapping and monitoring efforts.”

Anna Iversen, BCE

Pelsis

5. Leveraging video and non-chemical tools

“As an industry, it’s easy to feel uneasy about shrinking rodenticide options. But it’s worth remembering the many tools we still have for rodent management beyond rodenticides. From mechanical traps and monitoring blocks to repellents and exclusion methods, new alternatives continue to emerge.

One underused option, borrowed from wildlife management, is the use of trail cameras or other video tools. Such devices let us step into the rodent’s environment, revealing travel routes, food preferences and behaviors we might otherwise miss. With that inside knowledge, we can strategize accordingly, improving results without relying solely on chemical options.”

Gregg Schumaker

Wildlife Control Supplies

6. Precision baiting and trap activation

“Rodent control success depends on precise trap placement and advanced baiting strategies.

• Concentrate efforts in high-activity zones such as wall voids, corners, utility chases and warm mechanical spaces where rodents naturally travel and nest.
• Implement pre-baiting and bait rotation to overcome neophobia and maintain lure effectiveness.
• Avoid peanut butter, as it can cause allergies, lacks a professional appearance and is frequently avoided by conditioned rodents.
• To improve trigger efficiency, apply bait to a cotton string and tie it to the trap’s mechanism. This forces the rodent to exert pressure, ensuring consistent activation.”

Susan Masciarelli

Web-Cote Industries

7. Blending glue traps with the environment

“Blend, don’t stand out. When placing glue traps, one simple but effective strategy is to match the trap color as closely as possible to the surface it’s on. Even though mice are color-blind, they can still perceive differences in brightness and contrast.

Anything that looks noticeably different from the surrounding floor or wall can trigger avoidance behavior. By blending the trap with the existing floor color — whether that’s concrete gray, tan, or another tone — you reduce visual cues that signal “something’s changed,” so the rodent continues on its normal route right across it.”

Greg Pettis, CE

Nature-Cide

8. “Herding into the kill zone” strategy

“A new tactic is emerging in the battle against rampant rodents: the “Herding into the Kill Zone” strategy. This approach focuses on shutting down mice and rats in critical areas such as residential living spaces and commercial production zones.

By leveraging repellents — a fast-growing protocol in modern pest control — we can influence where rodents stay and where they go, ultimately guiding them to their demise. The strategy uses all-natural repellents to keep rodents out of sight from customers, while directing them into controlled zones where trapping or baiting tools are in place.”

Isabelle Lucero

J.T. Eaton

9. Three pillars of successful IPM

“Successful rodent management is essential to human health and safety, so here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Don’t rely on “usually.” There is no standard rodent case; each situation is unique. Just as a roof rat can sometimes live in underground tunnels, a Norway rat also can live in trees or in attics. This also means there is no silver bullet for every situation.
2. Use an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. A good rodent control program incorporates IPM decision-making, beginning with inspection and species identification, followed by treatment using a combination of multiple methods for rodent management that are determined based on each unique situation. Finish by educating the customer.
3. Know the regulations for your area. As certain states begin enforcing new regulations on rodenticides and even glue traps, it is important that you keep up with these changes so you do not incur hefty fines.”

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/advanced-rodent-control-tips/
Sacramento CA