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