Friday, November 21, 2025

EPA approves new active that controls cockroaches, termites, bed bugs

Getty Images: Gromit702 / Getty Images Plus
Getty Images: Gromit702 / Getty Images Plus

On Nov. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 10 products containing the new active ingredient isocycloseram, a broad-spectrum contact insecticide proposed for use in structural pest control, as well as agricultural and turf and ornamentals use. For the professional pest management industry, isolcycloseram can be used indoors and outdoors on commercial, industrial and domestic sites for such pests as cockroaches, termites and bed bugs.

In August, a Rutgers University news release explained how this insecticide worked against bed bugs specifically.

According to the EPA’s news release:

No human health risks of concern were identified when isocycloseram is used according to the registered labels.

The isocycloseram registrations are supported by human health and ecological risk assessments as well as a biological evaluation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). EPA did not identify risks of concern for aquatic and terrestrial plants. EPA preliminarily concluded that the proposed use of isocycloseram may affect insect pollinators from spray application and aquatic invertebrates from spray, seed and soil treatments. It can also cause chronic risks to birds and mammals ingesting treated rapeseed.    

The following mitigation measures are found on the products’ labeling to address on- and off-field effects to non-target species, including listed species:

  • A link to the Bulletins Live! Two web system, with instructions to follow any applicable endangered species bulletins and Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) on the site;
  • A link to EPA’s mitigation menu where users can choose mitigation options to meet use-dependent point thresholds;
  • Restrictions for application during rain or when soils are saturated;
  • Prohibition of aerial application on all uses except corn, cotton, potato and soybean, with additional geographical restrictions included in the label for aerial application on corn and soybean;
  • Spray drift buffer requirement for aerial, ground and airblast applications;
  • Prohibition on applications three days before and during bloom for orchard crops;
  • Prohibition on applications during hours of the day when bees are most active for indeterminate blooming crops;
  • List of best management practices to help reduce the risk to pollinators and to promote the health and habitat of ground-nesting bees;
  • Advisory requirement to protect pollinators from isocycloseram-treated seed coating dust; and
  • Instructions for managing spilled or exposed treated seeds.

Next steps

At press time, EPA has initiated ESA consultation and shared its findings with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. During formal consultation, the Services use the information in EPA’s final biological evaluation to inform their biological opinions. If the agencies “determine in their final biological opinions that additional mitigations are necessary to address any jeopardy/adverse modification determination or to address any unintentional harm known as incidental take, then EPA will work with the registrant to ensure that any necessary registration or labeling changes are made,” the news release says.

PMP will continue to update its readers with new information on the progress of isocycloseram-containing products for the professional pest control industry as it becomes available.

Learn more at  EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0641 at www.regulations.gov.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/epa-approves-new-active-that-controls-cockroaches-termites-bed-bugs/
Sacramento CA

PECAN set to hold 2025 Mandatory Continuous Development Program (MCDP)

IMAGE: PECAN
IMAGE: PECAN

The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), in partnership with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and the Ogun State Ministry of Environment (OGME), has announced the upcoming 2025 Mandatory Continuous Development Program (MCDP) for all pest management practitioners across Nigeria.

The event is scheduled to hold on Nov. 26, 2025 at the MAN Center Complex, 5 Eleweran Street, Wemabod Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The MCDP is a compulsory annual refresher training designed to upgrade the skills, knowledge and professionalism of pest control operators nationwide. Developed by major regulatory and industry bodies, the program ensures that practitioners are fully equipped to meet modern standards, follow safe service delivery practices and comply with environmental regulations.

Main theme for 2025:

“Building the Future of Pest Control in Nigeria: Adapting to Climate Change, Embracing Technology and Promoting Professional Standards.”

Sub-theme:

“Enhancing Sustainability through insurance, contracts and effective risk management.”

Key speakers expected at the event:

  • Dr. Babatunde Ajayi – General Manager
  • Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba – Registrar
  • Mr. Ola Oresanya – Commissioner of Environment
  • PCO Olakunle Williams – National President, PECAN

These leaders will speak on emerging industry trends, climate-driven pest challenges, risk management and the future of pest control regulation in Nigeria.

Organizers:

  • Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON)
  • Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA)
  • Ogun State Ministry of Environment (OGME)
  • Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN)

Registration information:

Interested participants can register via the official PECAN event link:
https://pecan.ng/etn/2025-mandatory-continuous-development-program-mcdp-for-pest-management-practitioners-in-nigeria/

Participants are required to register using accurate personal and company details as they will appear on the official e-certificate. After registration, all participants must send their name, email address, phone number, company name and payment receipt to info@pecan.ng.

PECAN Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The program also precedes the PECAN Annual General Meeting, where industry stakeholders will review the past year, set new strategic goals and discuss key advancements shaping pest management practice in the country.

As Nigeria continues to experience changing climate patterns and increasing urban pest pressures, PECAN says this year’s MCDP will be one of the most important learning events for practitioners, regulators and industry partners.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/pecan-set-to-hold-2025-mandatory-continuous-development-program-mcdp/
Sacramento CA

BASF: Prelontra Monitoring Soft Block

BASF Prelontra and Selontra containers
IMAGE: BASF

Detect early. Eliminate fast.

Rodents can be hard to detect until they become costly problems, which is why finding the activity early is critical. New Prelontra Rodent Monitoring Soft Block from BASF is a trademarked, highly palatable, non-toxic soft block designed to detect rodent activity early and effectively. As part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program, Prelontra can help pest management professionals determine if, when and where Selontra Rodent Bait treatments are needed as the next step in eliminating an infestation.

Switching to Selontra delivers fast colony kill thanks to the stop-feed action of the active ingredient, cholecalciferol. Even anticoagulant-resistant rodents only consume enough bait for a lethal dose, leaving more bait for others to consume. This action offers the advantage of time savings, since technicians spend less time refilling bait boxes.

For your rodent control programs, consider early detection with Prelontra, followed by Selontra for fast and effective elimination. Contact your distributor or BASF representative for details.

About BASF

BASF Corp., headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $25.7 billion in 2022.

BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future by combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of its customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. BASF’s portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions.

In addition to Prelontra Monitoring Soft Block and Selontra Rodent Bait, BASF offers many pest control solutions to professionals, including, but not limited to:

PestControl.BASF.us

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/basf-prelontra-monitoring-soft-block/
Sacramento CA

New termite species reticulitermes rusti named after PMP Hall of Famer

In pest management, the focus is often against well-known enemies every day, such as the wood-destroying insects detailed in our Attic pest guide (Part 1): Wood-destroying insects. Yet, the world of entomology is full of surprises and discoveries are being made all the time.

Key takeaways

  • A new subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes rusti, has been discovered in southern California.
  • The species was named in honor of PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2007), Dr. Michael Rust.

A new species in town

A new subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes rusti, was recently discovered in Florida. The discovery was the result of a research project between students from the University of California Department of Entomology and other industry professionals. Read the full findings here.

This discovery is a significant reminder that even in 2026, professionals are still identifying new species of termites, which has many implications for PMPs in the field regarding proper identification and treatment.

Photo: ©istock.com/hunur/defun
Subterranean termite Photo: ©istock.com/hunur/defun

An honor for a hall of famer

In a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to the industry, the new species was named in honor of a pest management icon. Reticulitermes rusti is named after PMP Hall of Famer (Class of 2007) Dr. Michael Rust.

Dr. Huang, a respected industry leader and technical expert, has dedicated his career to advancing the science and professionalism of pest management. Naming this new species in his honor is a permanent recognition of his contributions to the field.

Dr. Mike Rust
Dr. Mike Rust

Conclusion

This discovery is more than just a scientific curiosity. It underscores the importance of ongoing research in urban entomology. For PMPs, it reinforces the need for continuous learning and proper identification, as the “usual suspect” for a termite infestation may not always be what it seems. We are proud to honor Dr. Huang’s legacy in this way and look forward to what new discoveries the future holds.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/termite-species-reticulitermes-rusti-michael-rust/
Sacramento CA

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Kness Pest Defense: Snap-E Color Options

Kness Snap-E's in various colors
IMAGE: KNESS PEST DEFENSE

Performance you trust, with a look that’s all yours. The same reliable Snap-E trap you know and trust has a custom touch. Kness offers Snap-E Traps in nearly 90 custom colors, allowing pest management professionals and manufacturers to match traps to brand colors, facility standards or environmental settings — without compromising performance.

Engineered for quick, clean, consistent catches, the Snap-E combines a durable, easy-to-clean design with powerful trapping action that ensures results. Its rugged construction and reusable build make it a smart, sustainable choice for professionals who demand performance and precision.

Now, with custom color options, the Snap-E delivers more than just effective rodent control. It reinforces your brand identity and visual consistency across every site.
Smart. Sanitary. Customizable. That’s Snap-E.

About Kness Pest Defense

Per company history, the Ketch-All was invented by a young, widowed father of six, Austin Enos “Brick” Kness, in 1924. Mice were prevalent at the high school in which Kness was a custodian, “and led him to the idea of the ‘box’ trap. He built the first trap from a square oilcan, a Tuxedo Tobacco can, a spring from a curtain rod, and the wood base of a crate. The first night he set his trap, he captured five mice.

“He was elated and showed the teachers and his friends. He was encouraged to build others for his friends and to seek a patent. By 1927, Kness Mfg. Co. was formed to produce the KetchAll Automatic Mousetrap and another of Kness’ inventions, the RotoBow tree saw.”

Brick Kness was inducted into the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame in 2024.

Kness.com

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/kness-pest-defense-snap-e-color-options/
Sacramento CA

Do cockroach gel baits expire? New research on efficacy

It’s a common question in the truck: “This tube of gel bait has expired. Is it still good?” In an industry where “waste not, want not” often clashes with “follow the label,” pest management professionals (PMPs) are left wondering about the real-world shelf life of their products.

New research from the University of Florida puts this exact question to the test, examining the long-term palatability and efficacy of cockroach gel baits that were aged up to six months.

Key takeaways

  • The study found the expired baits remained highly palatable to German cockroaches, which readily consumed them.
  • All aging points lead to an 87% average mortality rate.
  • The takeaway for PMPs is “waste not, want not” — expired baits are likely still effective and should be tested before being discarded.

The research: Testing aged baits

Researchers conducted “choice tests” using a lab-reared strain of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). Two caps of bait were placed in each container, one with “rat chow” and one with cockroach gel bait.

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IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

The findings: Still Palatable, still effective

The results of the study were definitive and surprising, challenging common assumptions about expired products.

  1. Palatability: The cockroaches readily consumed the old baits. Some baits saw little to no decline in consumption, while others saw steeper declines. Despite changes in water content, all aging points resulted in a greater than 87% mortality rate.

[Image: A close-up of a cockroach gel bait tube showing an expiration date]

IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Mold formation on baits aged 3-6 months after 80% humidity. IMAGE: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Conclusion

The practical takeaway for PMPs is “waste not, want not.” While labels provide guidelines, this research shows the active ingredients in gel baits can remain stable and effective for far longer than expected. The matrix (the bait’s food component) also remained palatable for over a decade.

Before you’re so quick to throw that old tube away, this data suggests it’s likely just as effective as the day it was made.

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

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Survey seeks termite management insights

Photo: Weber / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Weber / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Pest Management Professional (PMP) is working on its 2026 Termite Management Supplement sponsored by Control Solutions Inc., and we want to include you!

Your termite management insights are invaluable to us. If you offer termite management services, please take a few minutes to answer our 2026 Termite Management Survey and share your successes, challenges and predictions for the coming year. What products and equipment do you rely on most? What are your top opportunities and obstacles for growing termite management revenue? What’s your outlook for your termite management services in 2026? What are your top termite management tips?

We will compile the results in our exclusive 2026 Termite Management Supplement, which will appear in PMP’s January print issue, so you can learn more about your pest control colleagues’ termite management services, too.

To thank you for your time, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50 VISA gift card or a $25 VISA gift card.

In the meantime, here are 10 tips readers shared when they answered last year’s Termite Management Survey:

  1. Always conduct an inspection of the entire house, from top to bottom
  2. Make sure your customer understands what you’ll be doing around their home, whether it is drilling, installing bait stations or applying liquid treatments
  3. Follow up with customers after treatment to ensure customer satisfaction
  4. Make knowledgeable recommendations to prevent further infestation
  5. Always use professional and well-maintained equipment
  6. Seek out new treatment methods and materials, and keep up on state and local regulations
  7. Know how to explain your termite management service thoroughly and accurately, including how much it costs
  8. Communicate conducive conditions to customers, and document them with photos
  9. Spend time and money to properly train technicians on a regular basis
  10. Offer community awareness programs to educate homeowners who know little about termites

We’re looking forward to bringing you more tips and advice from pest management professionals like you. Please don’t wait to share your thoughts; take our 2026 Termite Management survey now! Thank you in advance for providing your feedback.

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/survey-seeks-termite-management-insights/
Sacramento CA