Modern Pest Services coordinator earns National recognition

Ashleigh Randall, fleet fleet and special projects coordinator at Modern Pest Services in Maine, received the National Pest Management Association’s 2026 Impact Award and was recognized during the 2026 NPMA Women’s Forum.  

Randall joined Modern Pest Services six years ago and has grown steadily in her role, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, organization and teamwork. David Lock, president of Modern Pest Services, who nominated Randall, said in a news release, “Ashleigh’s drive and organizational skills have been instrumental in revamping Modern’s fleet management and supporting other Anticimex platforms. Beyond her technical contributions, she is a highly valued teammate known for her positive attitude and deep-rooted commitment to her local community.”   

Randall noted in a news release that she is proud to work in the pest control industry and is especially “grateful to be part of a company that not only values the work we do but also recognizes and invests in the individuals behind it.”

Modern Pest Services began back in 1945 as a Massachusetts family business. Over the course of eight decades, the company expanded across New England, eventually joining Anticimex in 2017. Randall is one of 16 women to receive the NPMA Impact Award across the Anticimex family of companies. 

Women in Pest Management

Women are increasingly leading operations and shaping work across the pest control industry, accounting for 8.8% of the workforce as of 2025, up from 5.1% two years earlier according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting. The NPMA Impact Award celebrates outstanding women who demonstrate leadership, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the pest management industry.  

About Modern Pest Services

Modern Pest Services provides advanced pest management solutions that go beyond quick fixes. The company’s approach combines proactive prevention with eco-conscious practices, ensuring long-term protection for your property. It utilizes the latest technology, safest methods and environmentally responsible products to safeguard homes and businesses.

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Sacramento CA

The most challenging pest? Mismanaged expectations

In pest control, we’re trained to identify problems that customers often can’t see. We understand pest biology, behavior, product chemistry and application strategy.

Yet one of the most persistent challenges in our industry isn’t a pest at all. It’s the gap between what we know and what our customers believe. If that gap isn’t managed properly, even a technically sound treatment can feel like a failure.

Perception vs. reality in the field

A technician can perform a service exactly as intended — selecting the right materials, applying them correctly and targeting the proper areas — only to receive a callback a few days later: “I’m still seeing bugs. The treatment didn’t work.”

From a professional standpoint, we recognize what’s happening. Increased activity can result from disturbance. Nonrepellent products take time to transfer through a population. Eggs still may be hatching. Environmental factors still may be contributing to activity.

But from the customer’s perspective, the situation is much simpler: If pests are still visible, the service must not have worked.

This disconnect is where many service issues begin, not because of poor application, but because of unmet expectations.

Why the disconnect happens

One major factor in this miscommunication is that much of our work is not visible. Treatments often are applied in cracks, voids and wall penetrations and along exterior perimeters. To a customer, it may appear as though very little was done, even when the service was thorough.

Another factor is timing. Many modern products are designed for long-term control rather than immediate knockdown. While these solutions are effective, they don’t align with the expectations many customers have from over-the-counter products that provide instant results.

Finally, pest activity itself does not operate on a schedule. Weather changes, structural vulnerabilities and surrounding environments all influence what customers see after a treatment.

Shifting the technician’s role

Today’s successful pest management professional (PMP) is not just a technician, but also an educator. Taking a few minutes before treatment to explain what the customer should expect can significantly reduce callbacks and improve overall satisfaction.

Simple, clear explanations build confidence and trust. Customers are far more likely to remain patient with a treatment when they understand how it works.

Pointing out treated areas, explaining why certain locations were targeted and showing monitoring devices also can help reinforce the value of the service. Leave-behinds going over the basic processes can help customers adjust expectations as they review after the technician leaves, especially if they’re trying to explain what is happening when other family members come home from work, for example.

Follow-up services provide one of the best opportunities to strengthen customer relationships. The technician can answer questions and ensure treatment is going the way it should during such visits.

Consider a customer experiencing ant activity in a kitchen. A baiting program is implemented. Within a couple of days, the customer reports increased activity. With proper expectation-setting, this becomes a reassurance instead of a concern (“He said this would happen!”).

In essence, PMPs do more than eliminate pest infestations. We manage expectations, reduce uncertainty and build trust.

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Sacramento CA

Suburban Pest Control team member earns ACE designation

Yonkers, N.Y.-based Suburban Pest Control announced that Ralph Rinaldi earned the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) designation.

Like many in the industry, Rinaldi built his career from the ground up, learning firsthand what it takes to solve real-world pest problems for homeowners and businesses. Over the years, that hands-on experience evolved into leadership, where he now plays a key role in training technicians, developing protocols and elevating service standards across the company.

Passion to grow in the industry

“Earning the ACE isn’t something you stumble into; it takes discipline, study and a genuine passion for the industry, ” said Ken Unger, president at Suburban Pest Control in a news release. “Ralph represents exactly what we stand for: expertise, integrity and a relentless drive to be better for our customers every single day. ”

Rinaldi said the process challenged him to deepen his understanding of the science behind the work he’s been doing for years. “This wasn’t just about passing a test. It was about really understanding the ‘why’ behind what we do. You start to see problems differently. You make better decisions in the field. And ultimately, you deliver better results for customers. That’s what pushed me to do it.”

That deeper level of expertise shows up in the results. Whether tackling large-scale infestations or implementing integrated pest management strategies, Rinaldi has consistently demonstrated the ability to combine experience with precision.

As for Rinaldi, the ACE designation isn’t a finish line, it’s part of the journey. “The industry is always evolving, ” he said in a news release. “The more you learn, the more you realize there is to learn. That’s what keeps it interesting.”

About ACE certification

The ACE certification, administered by the Entomological Society of America, signifies a high level of proficiency in insect biology, behavior and control strategies. It’s a distinction held by a select group of professionals committed to raising the bar across the industry.

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Sacramento CA

PMF establishes Tesh and PMi Family Education Foundation Scholarship

The Pest Management Foundation has established the Tesh and PMi Family Education Foundation Scholarship, by PMP Hall of Famer Billy Tesh and his wife, Laurie.

“It is truly our pleasure to be able to establish a scholarship fund that will serve students interested in our industry. Besides hard work and dedication, education and continuing education are essential for the next generation of pest control professionals to thrive and remain successful in their efforts. It is so meaningful to our family to be able to contribute in such a way that gives back to an incredible industry that has given so much to us. It is our hope that the students who this scholarship will support, will understand the profound impact and difference they will be able to make in our communities. We are in the business of helping others, this opportunity, will do just that,” said Billy Tesh, president of Pest Management Systems, Inc., in Greensboro, N.C.

About the Tesh and PMi Family Education Foundation Scholarship

Award Amount: One award per year totaling $1,000

The Tesh Family and Pest Management Systems, Inc. (PMi) have established the Tesh and PMi Family Education Foundation Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating high school senior entering college or trade school or a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in any field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher each year.

Eligibility criteria

• Student graduating from high school entering college or trade school, or a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in any field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Priority given to those whose families are employed by Pest Management Systems Inc.
• Priority given to those whose families serve in the pest control industry.

Application requirements

• Resume or curriculum vita.
• Current unofficial academic transcript.
• A one-page (minimum) essay describing applicant’s professional goals and aspirations and how he/she plans to use their studies to contribute to a field in urban pest management.
• At least one letter of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s work ethic, academic progress and how the applicant plans to use their studies to contribute to their field.
• Other supporting documents (research papers and proposals, faculty research participation, related industry internship participation, fellowship projects, industry work experience, etc.) can also be submitted.

Applications for all Foundation scholarships will open in October.

Further details on applying for these scholarships can be found at NPMAFoundation.org or contact Mike Bentley at mbentley@pestworld.org.

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Sacramento CA

Entomology leader recognized for field contributions

Dr. Arthur Appel, interim dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture and interim director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, was recognized in May for his distinguished career as an entomologist.

Appel received the Distinguished Achievement Award at the National Conference on Urban Entomology in Atlanta, Ga. The award is the highest honor given by the organization to a researcher and presented the Arnold Mallis Memorial Award Lecture, the keynote lecture that launches the conference.

“This recognition reflects the outstanding contributions and meaningful impacts of his work to the pest control industry,” said David Held, chair of the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology. “Dr. Appel is an expert on urban cockroaches and their management and was a pioneer in researching the bait products now used almost universally for cockroach management.” 

About Dr. Appel

Dr. Arthur Appel

Appel is a significant contributor to the urban entomology field, beginning his career at Auburn University in 1985 as an assistant professor. He currently serves as the interim associate dean of research for the College of Agriculture and interim assistant director of the Experiment Station.

His research has examined insect toxicology, insecticide resistance, integrated pest management (IPM) and the development and evaluation of both conventional and biologically based pest-control strategies. Appel’s research focuses on urban entomology, particularly the biology, behavior, physiology and management of structural pests such as termites, cockroaches and fire ants.

Appel is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in his field, having served as a subject editor for leading scientific and technical journals including Pest Management Professional, Psyche, the Journal of Economic Entomology (Household and Structural Insects section) and Physiological Entomology. He has delivered keynote addresses at major professional meetings in Mexico and Malaysia and has provided leadership and service to the Entomological Society of America.

Stephen Gates, alumnus of the department and vice president of Cook’s Pest Control praised Appel’s years of significant contributions to urban entomology and pest control in a news release, “Dr. Appel’s work reinforces that effective pest control isn’t just about applying a product. It’s about understanding the problem and applying the right strategy.”

Appel expressed his gratitude for the award in a news release, “I’m grateful to receive this award, which also recognizes the important work of my students and technician.”

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Sacramento CA

Nisus Corp.: Bac-Azap

Bac-Azap Odor Encapsulation Technology is a liquid that uses a triple action to eliminate organic odors. It replaces tough odors with a fresh scent, encapsulates the odor molecules, and then a blend of microbes goes to work to consume organic odor-causing matter, eliminating the source of the odor. It’s excellent for eliminating dead animal, urine, vomit, feces, smoke and other organic odors, and for keeping drains clear of organic build-up.

Bac-Azap represents a great opportunity for pest management professionals (PMPs) who want to expand their service lines and provide more value to the customer. This can be an add-on service to the regular quarterly visit and can create new calls that generate new revenue. 

About Nisus

Nisus is a privately held company that manufactures sustainable products for the professional pest control industry, industrial wood protection industry and the agricultural liquid micronutrient industry at its manufacturing plant based in Rockford, Tenn.

NisusCorp.com

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Sacramento CA

Truly Nolen promotes sales manager

Truly Nolen Pest Control has promoted John Seigel to sales manager of the company’s West Texas and New Mexico service offices. Seigel will remain based out of the company’s El Paso, Texas service office.

Seigel joined Truly Nolen in 2015 as a termite technician and later advanced to pest control technician and territory specialist before entering the company’s Manager-In-Training program in 2025. Prior to joining the company, he worked with two other companies within the industry for seven years and was also an automobile salesman during that time.

“What I am most excited about in this new role is experiencing new challenges, meeting all the different people along the way, and helping them reach their sales potential,” said Seigel in a press release. “My favorite thing about working for Truly Nolen is the amazing culture it has and the number of resources we have available.”

“Throughout his tenure, John has played a key role in supporting operations, training new team members, and maintaining strong customer relationships,” said Emily Cruz, area manager, West Texas and New Mexico. “His leadership style is rooted in consistency, accountability and leading by example. John’s operational expertise combined with his sales performance and team-first mindset made him an easy choice for this new role.”

About Truly Nolen

Founded in 1938, Tucson, Arizona-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. Truly Nolen has over 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Canada, Puerto Rico and over 60 countries.

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Sacramento CA