Established in 2014, Atticus is a demand-driven manufacturer of battle-tested chemistries with a clear purpose: to Enhance Daily Life. Through its Professional Pest Management & Vector Control portfolio, Atticus delivers trusted active ingredients for consistent, reliable performance across diverse environments.
Key, trademarked products include Tirade Ultra SC (beta-cyfluthrin 11.8 percent), Adjourn SC (deltamethrin 4.75 percent), and Turonyx Ultra FX (beta-cyfluthrin 10.5 percent and imidacloprid 21 percent).
With these products and more, Atticus empowers pest management professionals with dependable, cost-effective tools to safeguard public health, property, and peace of mind.
Successful rodent management is essential not only to structural integrity but also to human health and safety, given that commensal rodents have the ability to spread more than 35 diseases and cause damage to our structures and resources. To remain successful amid evolving regulatory pressures and increasingly resilient pests, PMPs must move beyond routine treatment and embrace a holistic, adaptive strategy.
Experts from across the industry contributed their essential tips and insights on everything from advanced identification and inspection to behavioral control and exclusion techniques.
Key takeaways
Look up and out: Avoid complacency by closely inspecting often-overlooked access points like fascia, gutter lines, dormers and roof/gable vents.
Decipher field signs: Targeted inspections rely on correctly interpreting the texture and color of rub marks and sebum trails to determine if activity is current (greasy) or old (dry).
Control behavior: Use non-chemical tactics, such as all-natural repellents, to influence where rodents stay and guide them away from high-traffic customer areas.
Invest in quality IPM: There is no “standard rodent case” or silver bullet; success requires a full integrated pest management (IPM) strategy adapted to the unique situation, including proper species identification and customer education.
“Rodent control usually focuses on the three main commensal species. However, other rodent species can also be a serious problem. For instance, there are several species of cotton rats, with the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) being the most common in America, ranging from Arizona to Florida and Nebraska to Mexico.
Weighing up to 8 ounces, cotton rats can be distinguished from Rattus species by their grizzled fur and a shorter, ringed tail. Their preferred habitat is dense grassland with some shrub overstory. For this reason, it is important to keep grass and weeds mowed around all buildings, including outer buildings such as sheds.
Cotton rats can carry hantavirus, so in areas potentially contaminated with the virus, it is vital to keep these rats away from buildings. If hantavirus is possibly present, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) — including gloves, respirators and eye protection — is critical when cleaning up infested areas.”
“Understanding rodent behavior is key to effective control and one of the most revealing aspects lies in the physical traces they leave behind. Rodents frequently travel along the same pathways, depositing distinct field signs.
Among the most reliable indicators are rub marks and sebum trails. These markings form when the oils and dirt from rodent fur repeatedly contact surfaces during movement. On light-colored substrates, they appear as dark, greasy smears; on darker materials, they may present as a subtle sheen visible under angled light.
The thickness, darkness and freshness of rub marks can indicate whether the activity is current or old. Fresh trails often feel greasy to the touch, whereas older ones are dry and faded. Correctly interpreting these signs helps direct trap placement and exclusion work to the most active zones, increasing control efficacy.”
“Even experienced PMPs familiar with Norway (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rats (R. rattus) can become complacent and overlook critical components of rodent access. For instance, fascia, gutter lines and dormers should be closely inspected whenever possible. Vent openings are too often overlooked.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the ridgeline, roof and gable vents for gnaw marks or sebum stains and check whether interior screening is intact. Sometimes, unsecured edges act as a flap to allow rodent entry without a visible hole. Soffit vents also can be problematic in homes when aerial cables or vegetation provide a means of access.”
“With the added pressure on rodenticide regulations, PMPs need to have a well-rounded rodent control program. In your rodent toolbox, you should have all the required basic exclusion tools at your disposal, including:
Stainless steel fabric
Door seals
Expandable foams labeled for the pest control industry
Copper mesh
Hardware cloth
Barrier paste compounds for small cracks, joints and seams
Understand how rodents enter each specific account and what they are searching for (food vs. shelter) to optimize how and where to exclude and treat. By having an effective exclusion program, you can increase the effectiveness of your baiting, trapping and monitoring efforts.”
“As an industry, it’s easy to feel uneasy about shrinking rodenticide options. But it’s worth remembering the many tools we still have for rodent management beyond rodenticides. From mechanical traps and monitoring blocks to repellents and exclusion methods, new alternatives continue to emerge.
One underused option, borrowed from wildlife management, is the use of trail cameras or other video tools. Such devices let us step into the rodent’s environment, revealing travel routes, food preferences and behaviors we might otherwise miss. With that inside knowledge, we can strategize accordingly, improving results without relying solely on chemical options.”
“Rodent control success depends on precise trap placement and advanced baiting strategies.
Concentrate efforts in high-activity zones such as wall voids, corners, utility chases and warm mechanical spaces where rodents naturally travel and nest.
Implement pre-baiting and bait rotation to overcome neophobia and maintain lure effectiveness.
Avoid peanut butter, as it can cause allergies, lacks a professional appearance and is frequently avoided by conditioned rodents.
To improve trigger efficiency, apply bait to a cotton string and tie it to the trap’s mechanism. This forces the rodent to exert pressure, ensuring consistent activation.”
“Blend, don’t stand out. When placing glue traps, one simple but effective strategy is to match the trap color as closely as possible to the surface it’s on. Even though mice are color-blind, they can still perceive differences in brightness and contrast.
Anything that looks noticeably different from the surrounding floor or wall can trigger avoidance behavior. By blending the trap with the existing floor color — whether that’s concrete gray, tan, or another tone — you reduce visual cues that signal “something’s changed,” so the rodent continues on its normal route right across it.”
“A new tactic is emerging in the battle against rampant rodents: the “Herding into the Kill Zone” strategy. This approach focuses on shutting down mice and rats in critical areas such as residential living spaces and commercial production zones.
By leveraging repellents — a fast-growing protocol in modern pest control — we can influence where rodents stay and where they go, ultimately guiding them to their demise. The strategy uses all-natural repellents to keep rodents out of sight from customers, while directing them into controlled zones where trapping or baiting tools are in place.”
“Successful rodent management is essential to human health and safety, so here are three things to keep in mind:
Don’t rely on “usually.” There is no standard rodent case; each situation is unique. Just as a roof rat can sometimes live in underground tunnels, a Norway rat also can live in trees or in attics. This also means there is no silver bullet for every situation.
Use an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. A good rodent control program incorporates IPM decision-making, beginning with inspection and species identification, followed by treatment using a combination of multiple methods for rodent management that are determined based on each unique situation. Finish by educating the customer.
Know the regulations for your area. As certain states begin enforcing new regulations on rodenticides and even glue traps, it is important that you keep up with these changes so you do not incur hefty fines.”
Direct Correlation: The size of a cockroach infestation directly correlates with the concentration of endotoxins in both settled and airborne dust.
Kitchens are Hotspots: Endotoxin levels were found to be significantly higher in kitchens than in bedrooms.
Elimination is Essential: Small decreases in cockroach populations are not enough to lower allergen levels; removing the source entirely is paramount.
The link between infestation and air quality
Conducted in multi-unit apartment complexes in Raleigh, N.C., the research found that the size of an infestation directly correlated with the concentration of endotoxins in settled and airborne dust.
Many of these endotoxins — bacterial components released when bacteria die — were associated with the fecal matter of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica).
Researchers discovered that endotoxin levels were significantly higher in kitchens than in bedrooms. This aligns with the observation that cockroaches are most active where food is abundant. Furthermore, the study noted a physiological difference in contamination contribution: because they eat more, female cockroaches excreted about twice the amount of endotoxins as males.
Targeted treatment proven effective
To measure the impact of professional intervention, infested homes were divided into two groups: those that received pest management treatments and those that did not.
Samples were taken over a six-month period, and the results were conclusive. The homes that received treatment were mostly cockroach-, allergen-, and endotoxin-free.
Expert insight: Why total Control Matters
“This paper shows that the cockroach is the most important depositor of endotoxin in infested homes,” said Dr. Coby Schal, the NCSU Blanton J. Whitmire Distinguished Professor of Entomology and study co-author.
Dr. Schal noted that because these contaminants can be airborne, removing the source is paramount. Crucially, the study found that small decreases in cockroach numbers were not enough to lower allergen levels — total reduction is necessary.
The next step for researchers involves examining whether the co-exposure to both allergens and endotoxins makes asthma worse. For more on this study, visitJACI-global.org.
New from the VM Products Innovation Lab, the trademarked MagnaFly Mini delivers professional fly management in a compact, low-profile design for discreet placement in sensitive environments. Integrated entry ramps optimize fly access and retention efficiency. The unit installs quickly during or after business hours using the included mounting foam, suitable for multiple surface types. Designed for use with a pressurized fly bait spray, it’s ideal for deployment in food service, hospitality, commercial facilities and office spaces. Avoid applying to surfaces susceptible to adhesive damage.
About VM Products
Since 2003, VM Products has been a driving force in the pest management industry. Its team’s dedication extends beyond developing solution-oriented products; they are committed to offering innovative solutions backed by excellent customer service. By actively listening to their customers, the team consistently responds with a focus on exceeding expectations.
In addition to MagnaFly Mini, VM Products offers a wide range of professional pest control solutions, including:
Fox Pest Control has announced that Shreyan Singha is the recipient of the 2025 Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship. Shreyan was recognized and stood out for his exceptional commitment to mental health advocacy, community healing and youth empowerment.
Shreyan Singha, raised in Coral Springs, Fla., is currently a freshman at Duke University, where he plans to major in statistics and biology, with aspirations to work in healthcare consulting and investment banking. His academic drive is matched by his passion for service, community leadership and improving access to mental healthcare.
The selection process
Shreyan’s essay demonstrated emotional maturity, courage and leadership rooted in lived experience. His journey of advocacy began in 2018, when the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting forever altered the safety and spirit of his community. The trauma that followed — both visible and invisible — became a defining catalyst for his mission.
After the passing of a friend, Shreyan recognized the urgent need for better education, stigma reduction and support systems. Despite personal struggles with anxiety, self-doubt and self-harm, he decided to publicly share his story in a local newspaper. His vulnerability helped others — including a struggling middle school student who told him his words made him feel less alone.
Determined to contribute in a more formal capacity, Shreyan dove deeper into the subject by taking AP Psychology and collaborating with Dr. Sonali Rajan of Columbia University on a systematic research review of school mental health systems. Their work identified major gaps — such as understaffing and insufficient trauma-response strategies — which Shreyan then brought directly to policymakers.
His service extends beyond policy. Recognizing the need for a space where youth could connect and be heard, Shreyan founded MEWE, a youth-led mental health organization dedicated to awareness and stigma reduction. Through MEWE’s blog, young people from 23 states and Aruba have shared personal stories, reaching more than 3,000 readers. Shreyan also launched a podcast featuring conversations with mental health professionals, policy leaders and child welfare experts, helping amplify the conversation nationally.
MEWE’s work earned a $2,000 award from the National Society of High School Scholars. Still, Shreyan says the most meaningful work remains the community healing discussions held on the anniversaries of the 2018 tragedy—spaces where vulnerability, empathy and unity help transform grief into resilience.
Charity of choice: Kids of Love
As part of his scholarship award, Shreyan selected Kids of Love, a nonprofit close to his heart, to receive a charitable donation from Fox Pest Control. Since middle school, he has volunteered with the organization, witnessing firsthand the joy and hope they bring to families. Kids of Love supports children with debilitating illnesses both emotionally and financially — hosting events at hospitals, helping fund Make-A-Wish experiences and providing relief to families facing unimaginable challenges.
Quote from Shreyan
“This scholarship helps me further reach my goal of making healthcare more accessible in two ways. It allows me to further my studies in learning the business behind healthcare so I can understand more as to how to make healthcare more affordable. The scholarship also allows me to support a charity close to my heart: Kids of Love. This local non-profit works hard to support children with debilitating illnesses and their families both financially and emotionally.”
Fox Pest Control scholarship offering
Fox Pest Control believes in investing in future leaders who dedicate themselves to making a difference. The Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship was created with supporting this mission in mind and to support students who demonstrate leadership, compassion and a deep commitment to improving the world around them.
2026 scholarship information
The Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship will reopen for applications in 2026. Additional details — including deadlines, eligibility requirements and updates — will be shared soon.
LabelSDS.com, an innovator and leader in digital label and safety data sheet (SDS) books, introduces both the Lock N Load Download Button and the Label and SDS Revision Indicator.
Lock N Load gives you access to your company’s labels and SDS when in remote areas with no cell service or Wi-Fi by letting you download your company’s labels and SDS onto your device with one click of a button.
The Label & SDS Revision Flashing Indicator visually notifies you of any updated labels and/or SDS in your list. The Current Label and Current SDS Buttons will flash if there has been an update in the last 30 days.
Visit LabelSDS.com or call 904-609-0123 for more information.
About LabelSDS.com
LabelSDS.com is a web-based program with more than 6,800 product labels and safety data sheets (SDS) specific to the pest and turf industries. You can create your own company digital label and SDS “book” with the products your company uses. All your employees can access, download, print, email and text your company’s labels and SDS from their computer, tablet or smartphone. Best of all, your company’s labels and SDSs update automatically whenever there is a revision. LabelSDS.com is designed to be an easy and affordable way to access and manage your company’s labels and SDS.
