Friday, August 21, 2026

Building a community of pest management knowledge

Earlier this year, longtime Rentokil Terminix entomologists Dr. Nancy Troyano, BCE, and Jen Fox, ACE, teamed up to invite pest control experts to share their practical insights, real-world experiences and forward-thinking ideas in an effort to help businesses stay ahead of emerging challenges.

Dr. Troyano is director of operations education and training, while Fox was most recently director of service delivery for the Memphis, Tenn.-based company, which serves approximately 4.9 million customers and has 57,700 employees globally. Founded in 1927, Terminix became part of UK-based Rentokil Initial in 2022 following the acquisition of Terminix Global Holdings Inc.

“The Pest Collective” officially launched in April and is geared to business leaders who are responsible for protecting their people, products, operations and brand reputation.

Educational resource

Ultimately, “The Pest Collective” is about creating a community of learning.

“We recognized there was an opportunity to create a resource focused on educating and informing consumers,” says Dr. Troyano. “Commercial pest management is becoming increasingly complex due to evolving regulations, technology, food safety requirements and changing customer expectations.”

Helping businesses make informed decisions, instead of reacting to pest issues after they occur, is the goal of the conversations featured on “The Pest Collective.” Scientists, operations leaders, food safety experts, pest control industry partners and other experts share their unique expertise and real-world experience.

“Having guests allows us to present multiple perspectives and gives listeners practical advice from professionals who solve these challenges every day,” Dr. Troyano says. “We’re proud to bring together industry experts who are passionate about sharing knowledge and helping businesses succeed.”

Topics are driven by customer needs and include emerging trends, seasonal risks, regulatory changes, customer questions and common operational challenges.

Consistent content

Dr. Troyano and Fox began recording early in the year to build a library of episodes featuring consistently valuable content that they then release on schedule. Titles describe what listeners can expect, such as “Reactive vs. Proactive: Why Timing Matters in Pest Control” and “How Pest Issues Put Food Safety and Inspections at Risk.”

With compelling topics like those, listeners cannot help but take away practical knowledge they can apply in their businesses immediately. But that’s not all Dr. Troyano and Fox hope listeners learn from “The Pest Collective.”

“More importantly, we want businesses to view pest management as a proactive business strategy — not simply a reactive service,” says Dr. Troyano. “Effective pest management protects operations, supports compliance, safeguards reputations and ultimately contributes to business success.”

The episode titled “Groundhog Day: Why Rodent Problems Recur” is one of Dr. Troyano’s favorites. “I appreciate how it takes a common frustration — dealing with the same rodent issues over and over — and explores the root causes behind why they keep coming back,” she says. “Rather than focusing solely on treatment, the episode emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying conditions, strengthening exclusion efforts, improving sanitation and adopting a long-term prevention strategy. It’s a great example of the proactive mindset we hope to inspire through ‘The Pest Collective.’”

Sofranec can be reached at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.

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Sacramento CA

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Rockwell Labs: EcoVia MT Mosquito & Tick Control Concentrate

EcoVia MT Mosquito & Tick Control is an advanced, specially formulated botanical concentrate for mosquito and tick control. It is exempt under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 25(b) provision. EcoVia MT delivers quick kill control and residual repellency for optimal mosquito and tick management. Its concentrated formula results in low use rates (0.33 ounces per gallon for mosquitoes and deer ticks), and it mixes easily and stays in solution. Like other FIFRA 25(b) products, there are no notification requirements (recommend verification with your state regulations), and no water set-back or pyrethroid application restrictions. It also offers minimal risk to pollinators. EcoVia MT can be applied in compressed air sprayers, mist blowers and foggers. Its water-based formula will not leave behind an oily residue. Available in a 16-ounce and a 64-ounce tip-n-measure bottle, as well as in 30-gallon and 55-gallon drums, this Green Zone product is suitable for green service programs.

About Rockwell Labs

Founded in 1998 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Dr. Cisse Spragins (Class of 2018), North Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockwell Labs offers products that are conceptualized, developed and formulated in-house. New products undergo extensive testing in-house, in the field and at major universities before they are produced and launched in the professional market.

RockwellLabs.com

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Sacramento CA

7 factors that drive the value of a pest management business

Pest management has become a darling for private equity (PE) and strategic buyers because it offers what they want: recurring revenue from large numbers of profitable customers of a similar type in the buyer’s targeted geography that stick around for years. By understanding and packaging each of seven specific aspects in detail, pest management professionals (PMPs) can guide their businesses to maximize value in a sale.

M&A Trends chart

1. Focus

Greg Clendenin
Clendenin

Buyers tend to seek “pure-play” assets, which are firms that are largely focused on either a commercial or residential customer base and that provide predominantly one type of service. Bear in mind, however, that a buyer’s focus often changes over time as they grow and seek more firms to acquire, leading them to add services or customer bases they might not have considered a year earlier.

The key to a higher sale price is to know who is buying what and when, and to put your well-tailored offering in front of them at just the right time.

2. Size

Bigger businesses are valued more highly simply because the buyer can acquire more revenue in one go. Currently, businesses face valuation inflection points at different sizes:

▶ Businesses under $1 million in revenue are more challenging to sell and tend to trade at lower multiples. Unless a buyer is set up to do small, tuck-in acquisitions, it is just too much work for too little revenue for most buyers to buy this size business.

▶ Businesses between $2 million and $5 million in revenue see their valuation driven by how close a match their base is to the buyer’s desired customer mix (see No. 1), how much profit each job delivers (see No. 5), and profit per truck route (see No. 6).

Graham Anthony
Anthony

▶ Businesses between $5 million and $15 million in revenue trade on similar value drivers as above but garner strong multiples, as they can either be highly accretive add-ons to a business in a given market or a foothold in a new market for the buyer.

▶ Businesses with more than $15 million in revenue are rare and can act as a platform for a buyer looking to enter the industry. Value is driven also by the quality of the management team, systems and reputation in their markets.

3. Recurring revenue

Simply put, buyers place a much lower multiple (if any) on one-time work. Preferences for types of recurring revenue change over time. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, for example, termite renewals were valued far more highly than general pest control (GPC). Today, they can be valued above or below GPC based on retention rates.

4. Revenue retention

Firms with high retention rates and low customer churn are viewed as better-managed and worth more money than those with significant churn. Even a few percentage points of churn make a material difference in valuation.

5. Gross margin

This margin is derived from customer revenue minus the hard costs of providing the service. A smaller firm’s customers being tucked into existing routes are, to a large extent, valued on the gross margin that those customer accounts provide the new owners once layered onto their existing routes.

6. Route economics

Consider the amount of revenue per truck, less the cost of the technician, materials, gasoline and other vehicle expenses. How much contribution margin, or profit toward overhead, does a given route provide?

Different buyers track different metrics, but in general, clearly presented, profitable route economics will drive the price. The higher the contribution margin from the route is, the more highly the buyers will value the business. For larger businesses, this also holds true for the profitability of each branch office.

7. EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is the base number on which most buyers apply an acquisition multiple to value a business. Actually, that amount is EBITDA plus the owner’s personal expenses that are not necessarily business-related, as well as non-recurring business expenses, such as remodeling the office or installing a new air-conditioning system.

In truth, most buyers are looking at free cash flow once they own the business. Depending on the size, smaller firms are more likely to be valued on route economics, or even gross margin on the service itself if the acquired customers are likely to be aggregated onto the buyer’s existing routes. They then add in route density and increase the profitability of each route.

The bottom line: Packaging the business correctly and presenting it to the right universe of buyers in the right way will maximize value.

FACT: A multiple is a financial shortcut used to quickly estimate a company’s valuation. It compares the total value of a business to a specific financial metric, such as earnings or revenue. By multiplying this figure by a chosen metric, buyers and sellers can arrive at a purchase price.

Anthony and Clendenin are principals of the Clendenin Anthony Partnership. Visit Clendenin-Anthony.com for more information.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/7-factors-that-drive-the-value-of-a-pest-management-business/
Sacramento CA

WCS: SealMesh Pro

Wildlife Control Supplies (WCS) SealMesh Pro is a professional-grade rodent and pest exclusion material designed to seal cracks, gaps and entry points quickly and effectively. Each 4-inch x 10-foot roll combines reinforced stainless steel fiber mesh with an exclusive, non-curing sealant enhanced with synthetic diamond particles. This creates a flexible yet extremely tough barrier that helps deter rats, mice and other pests from chewing through.

Unlike standard caulks, fillers, or loose steel wool, the flexible, spongy texture of WCS SealMesh Pro compresses into openings for a tight fit while holding its shape for long-term exclusion. Built for residential and commercial use, it offers a durable, rust-resistant solution for sealing vulnerable areas where rodents and smaller wildlife may try to enter.

About Wildlife Control Supplies

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.

Other products that WCS offers include:

ShopWCS.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/wcs-sealmesh-pro/
Sacramento CA

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Pest Management Foundation, Abell Pest Control establish scholarship

The Pest Management Foundation unveiled the Abell Pest Control Legacy Scholarship Award, established by Abell Pest Control.

“The Abell Pest Control Legacy Scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting the people who make our company strong and investing in the next generation,” said Abell Pest Control CEO Liz Abell. “We are proud to help students pursue their education, especially those who share our core values. By supporting their growth, we hope to help them build meaningful careers and continue the legacy of care and service that has shaped Abell for more than a century.”

The company is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and was founded in 1942.

The Abell Pest Control Legacy Scholarship Award was established to support students who demonstrate a strong commitment to Abell Pest Control’s core values of integrity, empathy, reliability, innovation and giving back to their community. Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in fields aligned with and supportive of the pest management industry.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school senior, or university student currently enrolled at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Full-time student in good academic standing with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as high school seniors or college/trade school students at an accredited institution within the United States or Canada.
  • Students must demonstrate a strong commitment to Abell Pest Control’s core values of integrity, empathy, reliability, innovation, and giving back to their community.
  • Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in fields aligned with and supportive of the pest management industry, including but not limited to pest management, environmental science, urban entomology, rodentology, biological sciences, agriculture, food safety, public health, hospitality, property and facilities management, business operations, sustainability, and technology-related programs.
  • Preference will be given to applicants located in Canada or one of the following U.S. states in which Abell conducts business: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida.
  • Preference will be given to applicants whose families serve in the pest management industry, or those who demonstrate a meaningful connection to the pest management industry through academic research, professional experience, or other relevant exposure.

Applications for all Foundation scholarships open Oct. 1. Visit the Foundation’s website for scholarship application requirements and how to apply. Or contact Foundation Executive Director (and Pest Management Professional “Callback Cures” columnist) Dr. Michael Bentley, BCE, at mbentley@pestworld.org.

About the Pest Management Foundation

The Pest Management Foundation’s mission and purpose is to advance the pest management industry through education, research, and training. The Pest Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Pest Management Association, the industry’s only national trade group. The Foundation has been in existence for more than 30 years and was originally named the Buettner Pest Control Foundation in honor of William O. Buettner, the NPMA’s first president and executive vice president and Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 1998).

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Sacramento CA

PCI: Krendl GV400 Insulation Vacuum

The GV400 insulation removal vacuum is a powerful, commercial-grade machine designed for high-volume insulation removal projects. Built to efficiently remove loose-fill fiberglass and cellulose insulation, the GV400 is designed to deliver dependable performance for attic restoration, insulation replacement and preparing homes for the installation of PCI’s TAP Pest Control Insulation.

Made in the USA, The GV400 Gas Vacuum is designed with a steel fan and chamber, powered by a 40-horsepower Briggs & Stratton V-Twin electronic fuel-injection (EFI) or a Kohler 38-horsepower V-Twin EFI gas engine. Other features include:

  • Engineered and designed to eliminate engine vibration and fan blade stress
  • Electronic Ignition system
  • Input/Output safety switches
  • Ergonomic mounting frame with 6-inch swivel wheels and 10.5-inch flat free tires
  • New rotated chamber for additional safety
  • Durable powdercoat finish
  • Eight-inch input and output for batt insulation removal
  • Able to remove all types of loose fill insulation
  • Abrasion-resistant fan blade and chamber

About Pest Control Insulation

Pest Control Insulation (PCI) is a Lula, Ga.-based distribution company focused on blended, customized insulation products, accessories and equipment for sale to the pest control industry. As the manufacturer of TAP insulation, PCI’s national customer base includes some of the largest pest control services companies in the country. It is a brand of TopBuild Corp.

TAPInsulation.com

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Sacramento CA

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Zika virus resurfaces in New Jersey

This week, officials confirmed that a resident in New Jersey has become the first patient diagnosed with Zika virus in the state since 2020. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the sixth case in the U.S. in 2026 — all of which have been traced to international travel, and not from mosquitoes in the U.S. The CDC considers the U.S. to be at low risk for an outbreak at this time.

It is making headlines this time around regardless, however, because of the domestic outbreaks of Zika in the U.S. in 2015 and 2016. Per the CDC:

  • In 2017, the number of reported Zika cases in the United States started to decline.
  • Since 2018, there have been no reports of Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes in the continental United States.
  • Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika cases reported from U.S. territories.

The CDC points out that, since 2019, “all locally acquired cases of Zika in the U.S. territories were diagnosed by antibody testing. Since antibodies against Zika virus can persist for years after infection, serology cannot distinguish between a recent or past infection. Additionally, Zika and dengue virus antibodies cross-react, making it difficult to diagnose which virus is the cause of the current illness. Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika virus disease cases reported from U.S. territories.”

The National Pest Management Association maintains a web page for today’s consumers who may be concerned about Zika online at PestWorld.org/news-hub/pest-health-hub/zika-virus-what-you-need-to-know. In addition, back in 2016, the association offered these talking points for pest management professionals who may have customers asking for more information (lightly edited here):

GENERAL TALKING POINTS
How is Zika virus transmitted?
Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes genus of mosquitoes, which is the same mosquito species that carries dengue fever and chikungunya. Yellow fever mosquitoes (A. aegypti) are the primary carriers, but Asian tiger mosquitoes (A. albopictus) might also transmit the virus.

What are the chances of an outbreak in the United States?
While we can’t speculate on the virus and its potential to spread, it is better to be prepared and practice vigilance in mosquito control by protecting yourself from coming into contact with mosquitoes and by eliminating breeding grounds at home should there begin to be cases of local transmission here in the United States. So far, all human cases reported in the U.S. have resulted from travel abroad.

How can I prevent mosquitoes?
Most counties have a mosquito abatement program in place to minimize the local population and help keep the public safe. These programs typically involve trapping mosquitoes in different areas and testing them for known pathogens. This helps monitor the spread of diseases and warn the public of risks in the area. County programs may also include plans for periodic spraying or fogging to eliminate adult mosquitoes. Other preventative methods include:

  • If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your property, contact a pest management company or your local health department.
  • Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water where the larvae develop and need only about 0.5 inch of water to breed.
  • Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
  • Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when the majority of mosquitoes are most active.
  • If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, or when you will be outdoors for extended periods, wear long pants and sleeves and use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
  • It is especially important to wear effective insect repellents and protective clothing if traveling outside the U.S. Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries.

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Sacramento CA