Wildlife Control Supplies: Tunnel Mole Trap

IMAGE: WILDLIFE CONTROL SUPPLIES

The Tunnel Mole Trap (PSTMOLE) is also known by several other names, including the half-barrel mole trap, the Duffus, the Dufus and the Doofus. Regardless of what you call it, this trap is a very traditional solution to a common landscaping and garden problem: The trap is set, then placed in the mole run, and is triggered when the mole passes through it, killing it instantly. It is easy to set, and was developed with veterinary practitioners and experienced mole catchers in the United Kingdom to ensure humane control. Wildlife Control Supplies (WCS) now offers the trap featuring 30 percent stronger spring strength than ever before. Made from galvanized steel to prevent corrosion, the 3.5-inch by 6-inch trap features dual settings so it can be triggered from whichever direction the mole enters.

About Wildlife Control Supplies (WCS)

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

WildlifeControlSupplies.com

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Sacramento CA

Pest Patrol owner finds his best balance

Why are you doing pest control? Seriously, what gets you out of bed in the morning? A paycheck? Maybe you flipped a coin, and it was either pest control or going back to college. You may have pondered that working in pest control beats sitting at home watching “The Price Is Right” reruns. Hopefully, the real reason you do pest control is for a purpose or a belief.

For example, I loved doing pest control because it was interesting. Outside of “Dr. Pimple Popper,” name me a profession that is as intriguing, disgusting, rewarding and arouses interest the way pest control does. Did you record a bed bug video? Cool! You’ll probably get 2,000 likes on Facebook. You’re at a family gathering? Get ready because Uncle Paulie will bend your ear about yellow jackets.

Another reason I enjoy pest control is that I like helping people. I know my actions will have a positive outcome on their lives, namely, reducing their stress. Another reason I like pest control is because it is fun. I enjoyed solving problems, and I loved the fact that every job is different; rarely was it boring.

Meanwhile, Gabe Seymour likes pest control because it is helping him become the man he has always wanted to be.

Four years and counting

This past August marked the fourth anniversary of Pest Patrol, a Portland, Ore.-based company. Seymour, who was in a different industry five years ago, has made an incredible conversion to pest control. Last year, he finished at $420,000; this year, his goal is $525,000 — although he will likely smash that and reach $600,000. By the end of 2024, he will have seven employees and begin searching for his first office space.

With all of this success, is pest control still fun for him? Not always.

“It is humbling,” Seymour admits. “I make so many random mistakes that you start to realize how much risk is involved in launching something new.”

The risk factor has been weighing heavily on this young entrepreneur’s mind. He told me that turning a profit this year is high on his list of priorities.

Despite the risks and worries, Seymour is having a blast running his company and creating a name for himself. It’s hard to go onto LinkedIn and not see a post from the father of six. He also has an entertaining podcast (Coast-2-Coast Pest Talk) with East Syracuse, N.Y.-based Andrew Sanefski of Perimetek, a good friend and significant influence. He has helped Seymour with many team culture issues, and helped put together detailed service protocols, hiring documents, and an employee manual.

From bottom left, Coast 2 Coast Pest Talk podcast co-hosts Andy Sanefski and Gabe Seymour were on a livestream this summer with The Pest Posse’s Culley Christensen (bottom right) and Foster Brusca (top). (Screenshot: The Pest Posse)

To keep his momentum going, Seymour has been using Yelp with great success. He has also hired a videographer to create content for social media. Pest Patrol also has started providing attic insulation jobs and vapor barrier services, which will help keep his technicians busy during the winter.

During the past year, Seymour and I have done some brainstorming. I suggested he charge more money for his rodent jobs and begin working on his company culture. Heading into 2025, with the rodent price increase checked off the list, he would like to open an office in January and continue building his company culture.

“I think building culture in-person is much more vibrant than letting employees work from home,” he says.

Work-life balance

Despite his success in business, Seymour shines in his personal life. He and his wife, Kelly, have six children they homeschool. In keeping with his philosophy of being a well-rounded human, Seymour is very involved with his church as a music leader; he plays guitar while Kelly plays piano. He also enjoys reading books, writing poetry, and raising his kids.

To make sure he spends more time at home, Seymour is starting to lean on his longest-tenured employee, Sam Valladares. The 30-year-old tech was Seymour’s first hire and has been with him for over three years. Seymour would like to see him move into a leadership role.

At 31, Seymour has already done more than some people twice his age. In attempting to become the best person possible, he has built an outstanding company in Portland. Did he make the right choice when starting a pest control company? He says he did, adding, “I’ve always wanted to be a well-rounded human that enjoys family, life and career; pest control has allowed me to do that.”

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Sacramento CA

California passes another rodenticide ban

Pest management professionals (PMPs) in California will have fewer rodent control tools in their toolboxes as of Jan. 1, 2025.

That’s when a law that bans the use of first-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides in wildlife habitat areas goes into effect.

California Governor Gavin Newsom approved on Sept. 25 an amendment to AB 2552, a law that prohibits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides with some exceptions. Now, the bill “prohibits the use of a first-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, defined as a pesticide product containing the active ingredients diphacinone, chlorophacinone, or warfarin, in a wildlife habitat area.”

The law defines “wildlife habitat area” as a park or wildlife refuge managed by a state agency, regional government, quasi-government agency, or a special district. It states wildlife includes “birds of prey, mountain lions, bobcats, fishers, foxes, coyotes, and endangered species, such as the northern spotted owl, pacific fisher, and San Joaquin kit fox.”

Anyone who violates the law by selling or using the banned pest control solutions — first-generation or second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides — will be subject to a $25,000 fine per day for each violation. Plus, they will be subject to any other penalties “established by law,” according to AB 2552. Funds collected from violations will go to California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for administering and enforcing the law.

Megan Provost, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) — the association that represents manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with specialty pesticides and fertilizers — was quoted in the Los Angeles Times’ coverage of the law. “Effective rodenticide products are necessary for protecting the health and safety of people, structures and businesses — including those responsible for food safety — from the diseases and property damage caused by rats and other harmful rodents,” she said, adding “pesticide-specific legislation … that supersedes this process was unnecessary.”

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Sacramento CA

Arizona Pest Control continues donation efforts for school sports and education programs

IMAGE: ARIZONA PEST CONTROL

Since 2022, Tucson, Ariz.-based Arizona Pest Control has donated more than $100,000 to support sports and education programs at local high schools.

The company’s recent contribution of $30,000 highlights an ongoing commitment to fostering educational excellence and athletic development at Sabino High School, Ironwood Ridge High School, Catalina Foothills High School, Mountain View High School, Salpointe High School, Empire High School, Canyon del Oro High School, Tucson High School, Cienega High School, Pusch Ridge Christian and many other institutions across Southern Arizona.

“Excellence in kids’ education and after-school sports is crucial for successful outcomes for our students and families in the community,” said Caleb Tennenbaum, marketing director at Arizona Pest Control. “Tucson has supported us for over 77 years, and we are committed to giving back to this amazing community in every way we can. We look forward to contributing even more time and resources over the next three years to make sure Tucson’s future is bright as ever.”

Those interested in seeking support for after-school programs and educational initiatives can email requests to Caleb Tennenbaum at ctennenbaum@azpest.com.

About Arizona Pest Control

Arizona Pest Control provides free general pest and termite inspections in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona. The company specializes in termite control, pest control, bee removal, rodent control and more for residential and commercial clients. Locally owned and family-operated since 1947, Arizona Pest Control uses the latest and most technologically advanced methods of pest elimination available to the industry while minimizing its impact on the environment. Bruce Tennenbaum is the current owner and CEO of Arizona Pest Control, and started with the company in 1978. Currently, Arizona Pest Control employs more than 45 people.

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Sacramento CA

PelGar USA: RoBan Barrier

IMAGE: PELGAR

RoBan Barrier Non-Toxic Paste (formerly RodentStop) is an innovative physical barrier formulation that seals cracks, seams, holes, gnawed openings and other open areas to prevent entry from rodents and other pests. Using a caulking gun, it is quick and easy to apply onto many surfaces, inside and out. It is instantly waterproof, paintable when dry and unaffected by extreme temperatures. RoBan Barrier is particularly well suited to food manufacturing and preparation facilities, and around plumbing and electrical cables. The product contains expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and metal fibers; it contains no pesticides or biocides.

RoBan joins PelGar USA’s many other products for pest management professionals, including rodenticide mainstays Brigand Wax Blocks (WB), Brigand Soft Bait (SB) and Monark Difenacoum Soft Bait. New this year for rodent control are the NG Mouse Box, available in five colors, the NZ snap traps for rats and mice, the PelGar Alert Station, featuring a mechanism to easily tell whether one of the traps has been triggered; and the PelGar Bandit Station, which features an exclusive rat trap holder. In addition, the new Eradisect Insect Monitor Station is a slim plastic monitor for crawling insects.

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.

PelGar.co.uk/USA

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Sacramento CA

FMC to donate $10K to PestVets Give Back

FMC Corp. is set to deliver a $10,000 donation to PestVets through the PestVets Give Back program at the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) PestWorld 2024 trade show and conference in Aurora, Colo. PestVets provides assistance and awareness to veterans, helping them transition into successful careers in the pest management industry.

The donation will bring the funds raised thus far to $31,231 to support the non-profit’s many programs. Through the efforts of pest management professionals (PMPs) enrolled in the FMC True Champions loyalty program, FMC presents NPMA and PestVets state units with a check annually during PestWorld. As part of the FMC True Champions end user loyalty program, a percentage of the purchases of select FMC products determine the amount of the donation.

“We’ve watched the PestVets program in action over the years and throughout the country, and we are thrilled to help support their mission,“ said Kyle Richards, pest and nursery/greenhouse market manager for FMC Global Specialty Solutions. “PestVets is a critical part of FMC’s commitment to the pest industry. This new Give Back program gives PMPs the chance to support PestVets and help further their mission of helping returning veterans re-acclimate to civilian life through employment in the pest control industry.”

About FMC

FMC is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC’s innovative crop protection solutions — including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture — enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment.

FMC’s Global Specialty Solutions (GSS) business uses market knowledge and gifted scientists at the Stine Research Center to serve growing needs in expanding markets. By leveraging FMC’s global agricultural technology portfolio, the GSS business has served a diversified mix of non-crop segments including golf courses, lawn care, structural pest control, vegetation management, nursery and ornamental, vector and consumer.

Continued research and development has led FMC as it ventures into new markets. Future solutions include molecules with new modes of action, differentiated biological products, natural repellents, encapsulated formulations and precision applications for existing products.

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Sacramento CA

Pest spotlight: Common grackles

Common grackles are ground feeders of grain and insects. (Photo: Christopher R Mazza / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)

Numbering in the tens of millions, grackle populations in North America can be a nuisance in urban and suburban areas as well as agricultural areas. These noisy, messy birds can attack people and pets when they perceive a threat to their nests or young.

In some winter roosts, grackles concentrate on powerlines, as well as on nearby trees and shrubs. When grackles depart from powerlines as a large group, which is called a plague, the lines can move wildly and contact other lines or structures, causing power outages. Their droppings also can facilitate growth of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum — resulting in an increased risk for humans for the lung infection histoplasmosis.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 federally protects grackles, but control strategies are allowed under a “Standing Depredation Order” (50 CFR 21.43). At press time, the federal standing depredation order continues to override state regulations or the need for a state permit.

Biology and behavior

Because of their gregarious nature, grackles are easily observed and identified. The common grackle is part of the family Icteridae, which includes blackbirds, orioles, cowbirds, meadowlarks and bobolinks.

The common grackle is 12.5 inches long, with a wing span of 17 inches. It weighs about 4 ounces, boasting glossy black feathers and pale yellow eyes.

The male’s feathers are iridescent purple on the head, nape and breast, with bronze iridescence on the body and wings. Females are slightly less glossy than males. Young birds are dark brown with dark eyes.

The common grackle’s song consists of a harsh, toneless hiss (“kh-sheee” or “kh-reezzh”). Its call is a harsh, dry “karrz” or “kerrr,” and the male’s call is a thin, wheezy, toneless “zweeesh” and a nasal, hoarse “krrrjk.”

Breeding habits

The common grackle breeds throughout the United States and southern Canada east of the Rocky Mountains and south of Hudson Bay. It winters from Nebraska to Texas and east to Pennsylvania and Florida. A native to North America, its range may have expanded because of agriculture and climate.

Grackles breed during their first year. Their average clutch size is one to seven eggs; they can have up to two clutches per year.

Female grackles build nests, preferably in the tree canopy and out of reach of predators. Grackle males assist in defending the nest and raising chicks.

Following a nest-building period of one to six weeks, female grackles lay their eggs. Incubation for all grackle species is 11 to 15 days. The chicks fledge in 10 to 17 days. Molting occurs during late summer.

Migrant blackbirds leave southern roosts in mid-February to early March.

Grackles primarily feed on grain, but also forage on the ground for worms, spiders, mice and the eggs of other birds. A combination of dispersal techniques, exclusion and lethal removal may help reduce grackle damage.

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Sacramento CA