2026-27 scholarships now available from PMF

The Pest Management Foundation (PMF) has opened the call for applications for its 2026-2027 scholarships for a period that lasts through Nov. 30, 2026. Recipients will be announced in mid-January of 2027. Details and application instructions for all scholarships can be found online at NPMAfoundation.org/scholarships.

These opportunities include:

• All-American Pest Control STEAM Trailblazer Scholarship
  Donor: All-American Pest Control
• Arrow Exterminators Scholarship
  Donor: Arrow Exterminators
• Bruce and Evelyn Bowman Scholarship
  Donor: Bowman Termite and Pest Management
• Daniel J. & Robert E. Klein Scholarship
  Donor: Andrew Klein
• Dr. Phil Koehler Scholarship
  Donor: Jerry Gahlhoff
• E. Raymond Crim III Scholarship
  Donor: Arrow Exterminators
• Emily and Hugh Kendrick Family Scholarship
  Donors: Emily and Hugh Kendrick
• Gary D. Curl and Carol Jones-Curl Scholarship
  Donors: Gary D. Curl and Carol Jones-Curl
• Graycen Vargo Excellence Award Scholarship
  Donors: Friends, Family and Colleagues of Graycen Vargo
• Hoffman Exterminating’s Bugsbee Buddies Scholarship
  Donor: Hoffman Exterminating Co.
• Jim Ogle Scholarship
  Donors: The Ogle Family and Lloyd Pest Control
• Joe Thomas Scholarship
  Donor: Arrow Exterminators
• Kevin J. Burns Scholarship
  Donor: Kevin J. Burns
• New Jersey Pest Management Association Pest Professional Stewardship Scholarship
  Donor: New Jersey Pest Management Association
• NPMA Bright Futures Scholarship
  Donor: National Pest Management Association
• PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Future Accountants in Pest Management Scholarship
  Donor: PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists
• Phil Gregory Scholarship for Young Pest Management Professionals
  Donor: Phil Gregory
• Plunkett’s Pest Control Scholarship
  Donor: Plunkett’s Pest Control
• Rick Bell Industry Affairs Scholarship
  Donor: Arrow Exterminators
• Scholarship for Advancing Pest Management
  Donor: Pest Management Foundation
• Sprague Pest Solutions Scholarship
  Donor: Sprague Pest Solutions
• Tesh and PMi Family Education Foundation Scholarship
  Donors: Billy and Laurie Tesh
• The Masters Talents Scholarship
  Donors: Kevin and Kimberly Lemasters
• Tim and Kathy Pollard Scholarship
  Donors: Tim and Kathy Pollard
• Versacor Enterprises Scholarship
  Donor: Versacor Enterprises, LLC
• Wayne Golden Leadership in Action Scholarship
  Donors: Neighborly Pest Management, Rollins Inc., Holiday Termite & Pest Control, Payne Pest Management, Connecticut Pest Control Association, Rid-A-Bug Exterminating Co., and Latarsha Horne

About PMF

The Pest Management Foundation (PMF) serves as the charitable and educational arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). It is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the pest control industry through urban entomology research, education and community outreach. PMF was founded in 1961 as the Buettner Pest Control Foundation in honor of William O. Buettner, NPMA’s first president and executive VP and a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 1998).

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Sacramento CA

VWDMA offers 2-day training series

It’s not too late to register for the Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association’s (VWDMA’s) Fall Wildlife Control Training Series, taking place Oct. 12-13 at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center in Henrico, Va. The series includes the VWDMA Fall Conference on Oct. 12 followed by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) Bat Standards Part I Course on Oct. 13. Attendees may register for either program or participate in both days.

VWDMA Fall Conference — Oct. 12

The VWDMA Fall Conference offers a full day of practical technical education and business management training for wildlife control operators (WCOs). Session topics include:

• snake exclusion and handling
• attic cleanouts
• tube trapping techniques
• live honey bee removal
• bat management
• referrals and advertising
• hiring and retaining employees
• building a profitable company culture
• updates from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

The conference has been approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for eight continuing education units (CEUs) toward the Virginia Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit (CNAP). While the program is especially valuable for WCOs in Virginia, WCOs from throughout the country are invited to attend and take advantage of the practical education and opportunity to connect with industry peers.

NWCOA Bat Standards Part I — Oct. 13

On Oct. 13, VWDMA will sponsor the NWCOA Bat Standards Part I course, a one-day classroom program covering bat biology and identification, inspections, exclusion techniques, safety, service agreements, pricing, decontamination, rabies, white-nose syndrome and other important aspects of professional bat management. Participants who successfully complete the course and pass the exam earn NWCOA Bat Standards Certification.

For Virginia WCOs, the course carries an additional important benefit: It has been approved by the Virginia DWR to satisfy the required additional bat-specific training and exam for CNAP holders who intend to provide bat management or exclusion services in Virginia. The course is also approved for eight Virginia CNAP CEUs.

Bat Standards Part I is also the prerequisite for NWCOA’s Certified Structural Bat Management course, which VWDMA plans to present in Spring 2027. Wildlife professionals interested in advancing their bat management credentials are encouraged to complete Part I this fall so they are prepared for the next level of training.

Both programs will take place at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 N. Parham Road, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23294. Registration is open to VWDMA members and nonmembers, and VWDMA extends member registration rates to NWCOA. NWCOA members should email info@nwcoa.com to request a discount code.

For program details and registration, visit VWDMA.org or contact the Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association at office@vwdma.org or 540-376-3194.

About VWDMA

The Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association works to advance professionalism, education and responsible wildlife management by providing training, industry resources, networking opportunities and support for wildlife control professionals.

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Sacramento CA

Avoca: Google LSA connection

Avoca’s AI Front Office now connects directly to Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and other major lead platforms so that you can engage new leads immediately. When a homeowner submits a request through Google LSA, Avoca responds within 30 to 60 seconds. Through your Google LSA listing, prospects can engage by text, phone or online scheduling with Avoca’s Simple Scheduler. From there, Avoca keeps the conversation moving toward a booked job. The goal is simple: Reach the prospect first, keep them engaged and turn more inbound demand into booked jobs.

About Avoca

With offices in New York City and Santa Barbara, Calif., Avoca AI was founded in 2023 by two computer science graduates of MIT. It is named after the Avoca River in County Wicklow, Ireland, where two rivers meet.

Avoca.ai

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Sacramento CA

Bird Barrier: TrapNet

TrapNet is Bird Barrier’s newest innovation in smart, humane sparrow control, designed to help facilities respond to bird activity faster and manage trapping programs more efficiently. The system combines Bird Barrier’s Sparrow Trap Door with connected sensor technology that detects a catch and communicates with an on-site hub using reliable long-range radio. The hub then connects through its own cellular system, eliminating the need to use a facility’s Wi-Fi, while sending information to an online portal for real-time monitoring, data collection, reporting and immediate catch notifications.

Designed for warehouses, big-box retail stores, factories and other commercial facilities, TrapNet provides a non-lethal approach to sparrow management while helping maintenance teams reduce the need for routine manual trap inspections. The system supports humane capture and relocation while giving technicians greater visibility into trap activity across a facility.

The Bird Barrier team is excited to demonstrate TrapNet at PestWorld 2026 and show firsthand how connected bird control can improve response time and simplify ongoing management. Visit Bird Barrier at Booth 1113 to see TrapNet in action and learn how it can become part of a smarter bird-control program.

About Bird Barrier

Established in 1993, Bird Barrier is an eco-friendly manufacturer and supplier of bird control products and services to a global market. It specializes in urban and natural bird control to effectively relocate pest birds humanely and without harm. The Carson, Calif.-based company takes pride in providing new and modern technology that improves successful bird control and prevents unwanted birds from landing, roosting or nesting in locations that need protection.

BirdBarrier.com

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Sacramento CA

Entomo Brands appoints CEO

Entomo Brands, a residential and commercial pest control provider with 23 branches across seven states, appointed Troy Lindbeck CEO to drive continued growth and expansion. Entomo Brands is a portfolio company of private equity firm CenterOak Partners LLC.

“Entomo has tripled in size since our initial investment, reflecting the strength of its platform and the significant growth opportunity in pest control services,” said CenterOak Managing Partner Jason Sutherland. “Troy’s experience scaling multi-location consumer services businesses makes him the right leader to build on Entomo’s momentum and execute its strategic priorities.”

Lindbeck has more than 15 years of senior leadership experience and a track record of scaling multi-location businesses. He previously served as president and CEO of Amenity Pool Services, a provider of pool maintenance, repair and renovation services. Lindbec also held senior roles at Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa, where he helped oversee operations and marketing across a network of more than 300 locations. In addition, he led marketing for more than 600 convenience stores at RaceTrac.

“Entomo has built an experienced team, an integrated platform and a strong reputation for high-quality service, establishing the company as one of the nation’s leading pest control providers,” Lindbeck said. “I look forward to building on that foundation by delivering greater value to existing customers, increasing market share in our current communities and entering new markets through acquisitions.”

About Entomo Brands

Entomo Brands is a North Charleston, S.C.-based provider of general pest, recurring termite and mosquito control services for residential and commercial customers. It operates 23 branches and serves customers across South Carolina; Virginia; Maryland; Georgia; North Carolina; New Jersey; Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. The company says its high-quality customer care and a commitment to technician training sets it apart from other pest control companies.

About CenterOak Partners LLC

CenterOak Partners LLC is a Dallas, Texas-based private equity firm managing $2.5 billion of equity capital commitments with a focus on making control-oriented investments in middle market companies. It invests in business services, industrial services and consumer services and has a history of creating significant value through organizational development, operational improvements, and transformational growth.

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Sacramento CA

PBC: Personal Lines Through VIU by HUB

Since 1934, Program Brokerage Corp. (PBC) has been the go-to insurance partner for pest management professionals nationwide. As the official endorsed broker of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), PBC brings industry-leading expertise and tailor-made coverage to keep your business safe and thriving.

Coverage at a glance

Business insurance — PBC

• General liability
• Property
• Inland marine
• Umbrella excess
• Commercial auto
• Workers’ compensation
• Nationwide coverage (excluding Alabama, Hawaii, South Dakota and Wyoming)

Personal insurance — VIU by HUB

• Home, auto, renters and other personal coverage
• Compare quotes from 50+ A-rated carriers in minutes
• Fully customizable, so you only pay for what you need
• Manage all policies from one dashboard, even across carriers

New benefit: Personal lines through VIU by HUB

Through PBC’s partnership with NPMA, NPMA members now have access to VIU by HUB, a free online marketplace to compare personal insurance rates side by side:

• It takes just a few minutes to enter your information and get comparable quotes.
• Coverage is fully customizable, so you only pay for what you actually need.
• Manage all your policies from one dashboard, even across multiple carriers.
• Not just for you: pass it along to friends or family who want an easier way to shop.

Who’s eligible: NPMA members and their employees, friends, family, vendors, partners and business associates

About PBC

Program Brokerage Corp.is a powerful market resource known for its wide range of offerings and capabilities. The New York City-based firm is also a partner for carriers reaching out to the commercial insurance buyer in innovative, cost-effective ways, and has pioneered an innovative approach to purchasing group insurance buying, which has won popular acclaim.

One Partnership, Two Ways to Save VIU by HUB is for personal lines only. For commercial pest control business insurance, Program Brokerage Corp. remains your go-to resource.

ProgramBrokerage.com

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Sacramento CA

PestWest: Mantis Uplight LED

Pest management professionals (PMPs) can now upgrade Mantis brand flying insect management systems to energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the way that works best for your operation:

• For technicians who prefer to retrofit existing systems on their own schedule, the exclusive PestWest LED Lamp Conversion Kit (product code: 130-000328) provides a simple upgrade from 15-watt fluorescent lamps (with magnetic ballast) to LEDs. Installation requires only replacing the fluorescent lamp and starter with the included LED lamp and dedicated LED smart starter.
• Now for a limited time, PestWest also offers a convenient, ready-to-use option: a complete Mantis Uplight that has already been retrofitted with LED technology (product code: 125-000553). This eliminates the need for field conversion and allows PMPs to order a fully assembled LED-equipped system — same classic design, powered by next-generation LED technology.
  

Why upgrade to PestWest LED Technology?

• Flexible options: Retrofit an existing Mantis system or order a complete, field-ready, retrofitted Mantis LED Uplight.
• Simple installation: Each conversion lamp includes a dedicated LED starter.
• Each complete LED Uplight (125-000553) contains the 64-diode lamp, smart starter and the LED glue board for maximum catch.
• Energy savings: Reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent.
• Extended service life: Rated for up to three years of operation.
• Effective attraction: Produces 365nm UV-A light to attract flying insects.
• Broad compatibility: Designed for 120-volt direct, 15-watt magnetic ballast systems.
• Quality construction: Features metal end caps, an uncoated glass tube and UL-listed components.
  

The PestWest LED Lamp Conversion Kit (product code: 130-000328) LED-compatible black glue boards (product code: 135-000247) and complete retrofitted Mantis Uplight (product code: 125-000553) are available through preferred structural pest management distributors. Installation videos and additional LED flying insect management options are also available online.

About PestWest USA

Based in Sarasota, Fla., PestWest USA is a leading manufacturer of insect light traps (ILTs) and part of the Killgerm group of companies. PestWest offers a full range of traditional fluorescent and advanced LED ILTs, Bio-gel+ biological cleaning products, bed bug inspection tools, and expert training for pest management professionals.

Expert support

Dr. Stuart Mitchell, a frequent Pest Management Professional contributor, is also a valuable member of the PestWest USA team and has an “Ask Doc” and a FAQ section on the PestWest website.

PestWest.com

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Sacramento CA