Pest Ref champions an all-natural approach

PHOTO: PEST REF

After gaining a decade of experience as a pest management technician, Benjamin Williams was certain about starting up his own pest control firm in Eustis, Fla., northwest of Orlando, four years ago. But the then-29-year-old was less certain about the perfect name for it. He credits his wife for leading him to the right answer.

“I was going through so many options, not liking any of them, and she said I should incorporate something I really like into the name,” he recalls. “I’m a big sports fan, and I have also coached football. We were looking for unique brand ideas and came up with Pest Ref. The referee is the most knowledgeable person and makes everyone play by the rules — and we make pests play by the rules.”

Williams’ uncle created the logo incorporating a referee whistle, and the company was off and running.

A new approach

After a strong start, Williams was soon hit with the double whammy of COVID-19 bringing business nearly to a halt, and the realization that while he was very good at solving pest problems quickly, the business end of marketing, budgeting and similar tasks was becoming overwhelming. He was burning the candle at both ends.

Quitting was not an option — although he admits it was tempting. What turned him around was joining a local business organization and embarking on a mentorship. His mentor is an entrepreneur who, while not in the pest control industry, is savvy in small business and helped Williams change his approach to Pest Ref from a technician mindset to a managerial one. Fast-forward to 2024, and Williams now has two technicians and a strong focus on all-natural pest control, which sets his company apart from the competition.

Pest Ref also offers traditional pest control treatments, but, Williams explains, “We wanted to provide alternative treatment solutions to customers who are sensitive to certain products, and to customers who wanted all-natural pest prevention solutions. We provide all-natural pest prevention for the interior and exterior of homes. We also offer all-natural spider treatments, flea treatments and mosquito management.”

Ready for growth

The company has grown quickly with both word-of-mouth referrals and consistent social media touting its all-natural offerings. Williams says he foresees leaning even more into the green aspect of pest control as it becomes more accepted in the market and as technologies evolve to meet the demand.

“As this industry segment grows, we know more products will be available to expand our offerings,” he concludes. “We’re positioned to really capitalize on that trend.”

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/05/pest-ref-champions-an-all-natural-approach/
Sacramento CA

Validate your cockroach know-how

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A female oriental cockroach, left,
and a female Turkestan cockroach. (Photo: Mark VanderWerp)

Markings make the difference

The Turkestan cockroach (Blatta lateralis, pictured above) usually is found outdoors. It often is reared and sold as food for pets, such as lizards, that eat insects. Females may be confused with the oriental cockroach (B. orientalis) but have cream-colored markings along the edges behind the head and around the short, rounded wings. Males may look similar to the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) but are smaller and have yellowish-beige wings with cream-colored stripes along the edges.

Editor’s Note: Questions for this month’s test were contributed by Judy Black, BCE; Doug Foster; Mark Sheperdigian, BCE; and Desiree Straubinger, BCE. Want to know how you did? The answers are listed
below.

Answers to September Tech Test

1. b, 2. True, 3. c, 4. True, 5. a, 6. b, 7. d, 8. a, 9. False, 10. c

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Sacramento CA

Bird Barrier: PestPoles

IMAGE: BIRD BARRIER

Bird Barrier introduces a new line of professional extension poles developed specifically for pest management professionals (PMPs). The PestPole line features a new acme thread that has been designed to lock firmly to all tools developed for acme threads. This thread fits on every tool tested by the manufacturer, including web brushes, paint rollers, scrapers, pesticide applicators and more.

These aluminum poles feature adjustable lever clamps that are fast and easy to release and can be adjusted. Another benefit of the clamp is that the pole sections can be locked where you want — not where a hole has been drilled. Replacement parts are available.

The line consists of four different sizes: 12-, 18-, 24- and 30-foot lengths. They will also collapse to shorter lengths so they can fit in any service vehicle.

The shape of the pole is oval instead of the standard round shape. This shape is rigid if needed when the narrow side faces the heaviest. The bottom half features a rubber clasp that helps you better grip the pole.

About Bird Barrier America

Established in 1993, Bird Barrier America is an eco-friendly manufacturer and supplier of bird control products and services to a global market. It specializes in urban and natural bird control to effectively relocate pest birds humanely and without harm. The Carson, Calif.-based company takes pride in providing new and modern technology that improves successful bird control and prevents unwanted birds from landing, roosting or nesting in locations that need protection.

BirdBarrier.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/04/bird-barrier-pro-range-extension-poles/
Sacramento CA

VM Products hires new northeast region sales representative

Chris Gill

VM Products appointed Chris Gill, CEO of Chris Gill Sales and Marketing, as the new northeast region sales representative. With more than 20 years of experience in the pest management industry, Gill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company.

“We are confident that Chris will drive significant growth and innovation in the Northeast Region,” said Ethan Vickery, CEO of VM Products. “His expertise will be an invaluable asset to pest management professionals.”

Gill has established himself as a leader in operations, sales and customer service. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have earned him recognition within the industry, including speaking engagements at National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) events.

Skilled in integrated pest management (IPM), Gill has experience in developing and implementing successful rodent abatement programs throughout New York City and the tri-state area, as well as leading significant growth initiatives at Colony Pest Management, in both commercial and residential construction projects, including superstructures, foundations and major renovations.

He is also trained and skilled in the effective use of pesticides, product label competency, proper application rates, methods of application and equipment maintenance.

About VM Products

Founded in 2003 and based in Arlington, Texas, VM Products is a leader in pest management solutions and describes itself as being “dedicated to delivering innovative solutions paired with unparalleled customer service.”

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/03/vm-products-hires-new-northeast-region-sales-representative/
Sacramento CA

Thank you for registering

Thank you for registering for the upcoming webinar, “CSI Green Solutions: TEVEY V 25(b) for Essential Protection,” a sponsored content event with CSI.

A link to the live event will be sent to you two hours before the event. Your personalized event URL will be automatically generated by the ON24 system. To ensure receipt of the email, please whitelist this email address by adding it to your contacts: do_not_reply@on24event.com.

This presentation will begin at 10:00 a.m. CT, 11:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 26.

Audience members may arrive 15 minutes prior to live time. If you have any questions, please contact event producer Danielle Pesta at dpesta@northcoastmedia.net.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/03/thank-you-for-registering-09262024/
Sacramento CA

Neogen: SureKill+ rebate

IMAGE: NEOGEN

Back by popular demand, now through Nov. 30, 2024, take advantage of rebates on your favorite Neogen products such as SureKill aerosols, gel baits, rodenticides and more. Plus, earn additional rebate dollars with the early-order bonus and the SureKill+ multiplier. Visit Neogen’s special offer page (link below) for complete terms and conditions.

About Neogen

Neogen provides a comprehensive range of solutions and services for the food processing, animal protein and agriculture industries, not only helping to protect the world’s food supply, but helping to enable its customers to produce more efficiently and effectively.

Back in 1982, per a history that appears on the Neogen website, scientific innovations blossoming out of Michigan State University needed an avenue to reach the people who could use them to better the world — solutions searching for problems. The university reached out to the men who would become Neogen’s founders, Ted Doan and James Herbert, and soon after, the company was born. What started as a small team that held organization-wide meetings in a single hallway in Lansing, Mich., expanded into new industries and new states, soon reaching across one ocean, then another. Neogen became a publicly traded company in 1989. Today, it has teams stationed in 12 countries and a sales presence in more than 140.

Neogen.com/special-offers/surekill-plus-rebate

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/03/neogen-surekill-rebate-2/
Sacramento CA

Skyhawk Trapmate Hub offers real-time data analytics to PMPs

(Photo: Skyhawk Trapmate)

Mitch Goldstein
Skyhawk Trapmate
Director of Sales

The Skyhawk Trapmate Hub connects our advanced sensor technology with real-time data analytics, providing instant alerts and comprehensive insights. This allows users to take immediate action and significantly reduces the time between detection and resolution.

By using cellular capabilities, the Hub ensures uninterrupted communication, even in remote environments. This connectivity enhances reliability and expands the reach of our monitoring systems, offering both coverage and control. Additionally, the Hub and sensors are self-powered, with long battery life that significantly reduces the need for frequent changes. This self-sufficiency ensures continuous operation, making the system both convenient and cost-effective.

Looking ahead, our pipeline includes enhanced sensor accuracy, advanced predictive analytics, and sensor technology for urban rodent monitoring. We also are integrating third-party software and digitally enabled devices for comprehensive pest management solutions. In addition, by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, we anticipate our next-generation products will offer greater predictive capabilities, allowing for preemptive measures to prevent infestations before they occur.

PREDICTIONS: The rodent control segment is poised for significant transformation. We predict a shift toward more integrated, data-driven approaches with an emphasis on sustainable and humane practices. The demand for smarter, more efficient solutions will grow, driven by increasing urbanization and the need for effective pest management in diverse environments. Skyhawk Trapmate is committed to leading this evolution, ensuring our innovations exceed the expectations of PMPs.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/02/skyhawk-trapmate-hub-offers-real-time-data-analytics-to-pmps/
Sacramento CA