CAPMA hosts annual legislative day

The California Pest Management Association (CAPMA) hosted its largest Legislative Day since 2017 as pest management professionals from across California gathered in Sacramento to meet directly with lawmakers and discuss the operational realities facing the structural pest management industry.

Throughout the event, participants met with legislative offices to address workforce development, licensing timelines, regulatory implementation and the need for policies that remain workable for small and mid-sized businesses while supporting public health.

A key focus of this year’s discussions was Assembly Bill 2477, authored by Assembly member Christopher Chen. The bill is intended to help address workforce pipeline challenges by allowing technicians to begin working under defined conditions while completing the licensing process.

Industry professionals shared firsthand insight on hiring delays, training investments, service capacity limitations and the operational strain extended licensing timelines can place on pest management companies.

“Legislative Day gives our industry the opportunity to have real conversations with policymakers about what is happening on the ground for California businesses,” said Crystelle Turlo, CEO of CAPMA. “This year’s turnout and engagement showed strong commitment to protecting public health while advancing practical, workable solutions that support the future of the profession.”

Participants also reported strong engagement from legislative offices throughout the Capitol, with discussions centered on maintaining professional standards while ensuring businesses can recruit, train and retain a qualified workforce.

CAPMA’s Legislative Day brings licensed pest management professionals into direct conversation with state leaders on issues affecting housing, food facilities, schools, businesses and public health infrastructure across California.

About the California Pest Management Association

The California Pest Management Association represents the state’s structural pest management professionals through advocacy, education and technical resources, supporting the industry’s role in protecting public health, property and the food supply.

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Sacramento CA

SpringGreen: Lawn, Tree, Pest Control Franchise

SpringGreen helps pest management professionals (PMPs) expand beyond pest by adding lawn and tree services, creating new recurring revenue streams and increasing value from existing customers.

You do not have to build it alone. With SpringGreen, you gain access to a proven system, national buying power, and support across operations, marketing and sales to help you scale efficiently.

If you hold a certified pest license, there are also opportunities to partner with SpringGreen and put your license to work within our growing network.

For owners thinking about the future, SpringGreen offers competitive buyout options, providing a path to transition while preserving what you have built.

About SpringGreen

Founded in 1977, SpringGreen offers lawn, tree and pest services to more than 7,500 communities nationwide.

SpringGreenFranchise.com

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Sacramento CA

Rockwell Labs: Expanded label for EcoVia 3-in-1

Rockwell Labs announces a significant label expansion and improved formula for EcoVia 3-in-1, enhancing its utility for pest management professionals (PMPs) while maintaining its key “For Organic Production” designation. Previously positioned primarily for plant pest use, EcoVia 3-in-1’s updated label now supports broad structural pest control applications, including:

• residential and commercial buildings
• warehouses and storage facilities
• food production and processing environments (including federally inspected facilities)
• drains, sewers and pipe chases
• basements, garages and outbuildings
• animal housing, kennels and agricultural structures

In addition to new use sites, the label now features a more robust list of structural pests, aligning with the needs of everyday service programs. Some of the added pests include cockroaches, occasional invaders, filth flies, numerous stored product pests, mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. This broader spectrum marks a clear shift from the previous label’s emphasis on plant pests to a more balanced, PMP-focused offering.

While all of Rockwell’s EcoVia products use botanical active ingredients, EcoVia 3-in-1 only includes ingredients that are allowed for use on food crops and raw commodities after harvest, and those that qualify for use in organic production. With the new structural use additions, PMPs can now leverage that designation more fully, using EcoVia 3-in-1 not only on organic crops, but throughout organic production, processing and storage environments where broader site flexibility is essential.

With its updated label, EcoVia 3-in-1 provides expanded access to organic production and sensitive accounts, and greater flexibility across indoor, outdoor and perimeter applications. It’s a versatile tool for PMPs, combining expanded structural use, broader pest coverage and an exclusive “For Organic Production” designation.

About Rockwell Labs

Founded by PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Cisse Spragins (Class of 2018), Rockwell Labs has been a pest control industry mainstay for over 20 years and a longtime proponent of integrated pest management (IPM). Headquartered in North Kansas City, Mo., the Rockwell team is dedicated to producing the best products and solutions for PMPs, including for green service treatments.

RockwellLabs.com

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Sacramento CA

Nisus announces 100% employee-ownership plan

Nisus Corporation announced that it will transition to a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). As an ESOP-owned company, Nisus begins a new era focused on shared success, long-term stability and continued innovation.

This milestone was made possible through the collaboration of Nisus executive leadership and the Dietrich family, whose vision and support guided the transition.

Founded in 1990 by Bud and Pat Dietrich with the introduction of Bora-Care, Nisus has grown into a leading company in pest control and wood protection while remaining grounded in its people-first culture and commitment to environmentally responsible solutions.

On the family’s decision, Pat Dietrich said in a news release, “Bud and I have always loved the people who make Nisus work. This was the perfect way to recognize their hard work and loyalty, and to protect what makes Nisus so special.”

From left: Lee Barrett, Pat Dietrich and Valerie Brummit IMAGE: NISUS

President and CEO Lee Barrett and CFOO Valerie Brummitt also played roles in bringing employee ownership to fruition. “Our founders believed deeply in investing in their employees, community and industry,” said Barrett in a press release. “This transition reflects the culture of care and generosity they built and creates meaningful opportunities for the dedicated team members who drive our success every day.”

Barrett added, “We are incredibly proud of the work we do at Nisus and honored to carry forward the foundation the Dietrichs created. Employee ownership positions us to build an even stronger future and expand our impact across pest control, wood protection and beyond.”

As employee-owners, Nisus team members will build ownership in the company through annual share allocations tied to their service and contributions.

“We are excited to continue the legacy Bud and Pat built,” said Valerie Brummitt. “This transition is about more than ownership — it strengthens the values, culture and commitment that have defined Nisus from the beginning.”

Additional details on the transition

Nisus was advised by AmbroseAdvisors, a national investment banking firm specializing in employee ownership transactions. Michael Harden, Senior Managing Director at AmbroseAdvisors, noted, “The Dietrich family sought a path that would preserve the company’s future while benefiting employees, customers, leadership and the community. Employee ownership creates lasting value for all stakeholders, and we were honored to support this transition.”

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Sacramento CA

Hantavirus risks: How to clean up after rodents

Hantavirus in the news

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. It can cause severe disease in humans, who often become infected via contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

In the case of the outbreak on the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise ship, MV Hondius, a married couple is believed to have contracted the virus when they disembarked to explore an island teaming with wildlife. They had the Andes strain of the virus, which is found in South America and is known to spread through limited human‑to‑human contact, according to WHO. As of May 7, eight cases have been confirmed and three passengers have died.

WHO says hantavirus is rare, but it can be deadly. Last April, Pest Management Professional (PMP) reported on three fatal hantavirus cases in California that made headlines because one of the victims was Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman. Those cases were believed to have been caused by inhaling airborne particles of virus in the droppings, urine or saliva of infected mice.

How to lower the risk of disease when cleaning up after rodents

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers tips on how to clean up after rodents and says taking precautions will reduce the chance of becoming sick.

Because diseases often are spread to people when they breathe contaminated air, the CDC advises against vacuuming or sweeping rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials.

To prevent tiny droplets containing viruses from getting into the air, the CDC recommends using a wet cleaning method. When cleaning up rodent urine and droppings:

1. Put on rubber or plastic gloves.

2. Spray urine and droppings with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectant until very wet. Let it soak for 5 minutes or according to the instructions on the disinfectant label.

3. Use paper towels to wipe up the urine or droppings and the cleaning product.

4. Throw the paper towels in a covered garbage can that is regularly emptied.

5. Mop or sponge the area with a disinfectant. Clean all hard surfaces including floors, countertops, cabinets and drawers.

6. Wash your gloved hands with soap and water or a disinfectant before your removing gloves.

7. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after removing your gloves. Use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub when soap is not available, and your hands are not visibly soiled.

The CDC also offers tips on how to clean up dead rodents or nests, as well as how to clean areas such as homes, cabins, vehicles and clothing.

Stay connected in the latest hantavirus news and rodent tips

How to talk to clients about rodent disease risk

Rodent control insights from 9 industry leaders

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Sacramento CA

Inside the 2026 PMP Growth Summit networking experience

The 2026 PMP Growth Summit at the Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, Fla., provided leaders of pest control companies with a unique environment to build and fortify friendships. Since 2017, this event has brought together PMPs with revenue of $1 million or more for two-and-a-half days of high-level interaction.

Key takeaways

• Strategic environment: The summit utilizes casual settings like golf courses and rooftop receptions to lower barriers for professional discussion.
• One-on-one focus: Personal suite meetings allow PMPs to explore solutions tailored to their specific business needs.
• Diverse activities: Networking ranges from 18-hole golf scrambles to miniature golf, ensuring all attendees can participate in social bonding.

A warm welcome in Kissimmee

The event kicked off with a welcome reception at the Eleven rooftop restaurant and pool. Sponsored by Control Solutions Inc. (CSI), the buffet dinner and drinks provided a space for attendees to decompress after arrival and relax with fellow professionals while enjoying the Florida view.

Individualized partner meetings

A cornerstone of the summit experience is the personal meeting. Partner representatives welcomed PMPs into their hotel suites for one-on-one sessions. These meetings were designed to help PMPs discover how to run their businesses more efficiently and tackle challenging pests through direct Q&A and product demonstrations.

Rockwell Laboratories representative speaks to attendees. IMAGE: PMP STAFF

Connections on the green

Networking continued Wednesday afternoon during a golf scramble on a course designed by PGA legend Tom Watson. For those preferring a different pace, a miniature golf course offered a fun alternative. The day concluded with a BBQ dinner at the Seven Eagles Pool, catered by 4 Rivers Smokehouse and sponsored by J.T. Eaton, giving everyone time to chat with colleagues both old and new.

The editor’s perspective

New to the program this year was the “Meet the Editors” lounge. Here, attendees could chat with Editor-in-Chief Heather Gooch and VP of Content Marty Whitford, who shared details about the PestControlU.net online training program in a relaxed, snack-filled environment.

Next up: Meet the Partners

Return to Hub Page

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Sacramento CA

2026 PMP Growth Summit: Networking and strategies for success

The Pest Management Professional (PMP) Growth Summit provided attendees plenty of networking opportunities to build and fortify friendships. Since 2017, leaders of pest control companies with revenue of $1 million or more spend two-and-a-half days at the Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, Fla. This year, PMP welcomed 15 partner companies to meet with 38 attendees from 28 companies and share proven and new solutions designed to boost revenue.

During dinner, on the golf course and at breakfast, pest management professionals (PMPs) and partner company representatives connected to discuss their pest control experiences, share tips for growth and offer tried-and-true advice.

Key takeaways

• Strategic networking: One-on-one meetings and social events like golf scrambles facilitate lasting professional connections and the exchange of growth strategies.
• Operational excellence: Industry leaders emphasize hiring for core values and morals over technical skills alone, as technical knowledge can be taught.
• Customer and employee focus: Success is driven by “loyalty departments” for retention and family-oriented cultures that offer flexibility and unique incentives for staff.
• Regulatory Foresight: Proactive education on public health and preparing for tightening rodenticide regulations are critical for future business stability.

Non-stop networking and expert guidance

Shortly after arriving, attendees gathered for an orientation where Marty Whitford, group director and VP of content for PMP’s parent company, North Coast Media, welcomed them. After a video preview, 15 partner companies were given 8 minutes each to showcase their products, setting the stage for deeper individual meetings.

Rockwell Laboratories representative, James Osuch speaks to attendees. IMAGE: PMP STAFF

The networking continued through a welcome reception at the Eleven rooftop restaurant and pool, hosted by CSI. Beyond the formal ballroom, attendees engaged in one-on-one suite meetings to explore products that help grow revenue and tackle challenging pests. New this year, the “Meet the Editors” lounge allowed professionals to discuss the PestControlU.net online training program directly with the editorial team.

Strategies for customer loyalty

During the moderated roundtables, industry leaders shared that financial concerns are often just the “easiest” excuse for cancellations. To combat this, some companies have established dedicated “loyalty departments” that use scripts to uncover the real issues and work with customers to find solutions.

Others highlighted the power of the front-line technician. Relationships built by “John Smith,” who knows the names of a client’s pets, are much harder to sever. Innovative marketing, such as social-media-focused campaigns and ensuring review requests are sent within 10 minutes of service, has also shown to significantly increase engagement.

Building a stronger team culture

Hiring was a major theme, with experts agreeing that while pest control can be taught, morals and core values cannot. Some firms utilize “hire-athons” for instant gratification, allowing applicants to interview and be hired on the same day to reduce the high rate of no-shows.

Retention is being addressed through points-based incentive systems where top performers can win cruises, or through a “family culture” that provides catered meals to employees with new children. The consensus remains: trust your technicians and avoid “breathing down their necks” to foster a healthy work environment.

Navigating pests and regulations

The summit also addressed the vital role of PMPs in public health. Educators noted that many customers are unaware of the health impacts of infestations until they are shown the reality of their situation. High-quality service and efficacy remain the primary drivers for product selection, even as chemical prices fluctuate.

Looking ahead, the industry is preparing for more stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding rodenticides. Professionals are shifting focus toward exclusion solutions — identifying and eliminating entry points — as a “mission critical” service to offset potential limits on traditional control materials.

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For more detailed insights from the 2026 PMP Growth Summit, visit our individual coverage pieces:

1. Two Days of non-stop networking
2. Meet the Partners
3. Customers roundtable
4. Employees roundtable
5. Obstacles & Opportunities
6. Pests & Public Health / Rodents

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2026-pmp-growth-summit-highlights/
Sacramento CA