Bird-X: GooseBuster Pro Bundle

IMAGE: BIRD-X

Deter Canada geese (Branta canadensis) before they begin nesting with Bird-X’s GooseBuster Pro, a powerful single-speaker sonic deterrent system. By emitting naturally recorded alert and distress calls from the geese, combined with predator sounds, the GooseBuster Pro creates an environment that feels unsafe for geese, encouraging them to avoid areas within a 1.5-acre radius. This weather-resistant system is fully programmable, allowing users to optimize sounds, intervals, day/night/24-hour operation and volume for best performance.

For full goose control coverage, contact the Bird-X sales department for the new, exclusive GooseBuster Pro Bundle. This bundle includes 3D Coyote predator decoys, Irri-Tape visual deterrent, and Bird Stop liquid deterrent — ideal for homeowner associations (HOAs) and apartment buildings.

About Bird-X

Bird-X started as a small idea in 1964, starting with a Bird Lite (today known as the Bird Strobe Light) that was being sold to deter birds from commercial areas.

In the beginning, Bird-X was a single-employee business that was entirely operated by Richard Seid. The company spent the first 28 years selling innovative bird control products via trade publications. Readers responded to the ads in these publications and Bird-X sold bird control products directly to the end user.

In 1992, his son, Joe Seid, joined the family business as the company’s 10th employee and strategically expanded sales channels. This was the start of a major growth period for the company. Throughout years of a dedicated online presence, combined with a knowledgeable team of bird control sales specialists, Bird-X has become a time-tested leader in the bird control industry.

Now, Bird-X supplies a growing product line of more than 400 humane bird control solutions used in more than 60 countries around the world. The company employs a seasoned staff — 20 percent of whom have been a part of the company for more than 25 years and have directly contributed to the tremendous growth and success.

Bird-X.com

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Sacramento CA

Study shows rat populations are on the rise thanks to warming temperatures, city growth

A new research study led by University of Richmond biology professor Dr. Jonathan Richardson shows that the increase in rat numbers in cities worldwide is linked to a warming climate and city growth.

Trends in rat sightings across 16 cities. (GRAPHIC COURTESY OF SCIENCE ADVANCES)

Dr. Richardson and his research team analyzed public complaint and inspection data from 16 cities around the world. The team found a strong link between rising rat numbers and three key aspects of the urban environment: human population density, urbanization and warming temperatures.

Key findings in the study include:

• Eleven of 16 cities had a significant increase in rat numbers, including Washington D.C., New York City and San Francisco, Calif.
• Only three cities experienced a decline: New Orleans, La.; Louisville, Ky.; and Tokyo, Japan.
• Cities experiencing greater temperature increases over time saw larger increases in rat numbers.
• Cities with more dense human populations and more urbanization also saw larger increases in rats.

All of these factors create significant challenges for municipalities and pest management professionals working to control rat populations.

The link between warming temperatures and rat numbers. (GRAPHIC COURTESY OF SCIENCE ADVANCES)

“The most concerning of these connections we found is the link between climate warming and rat trends, as global temperatures are beyond the control of individual cities,” said Dr. Richardson.

Temperature increases may be expanding the seasonal activity periods for rats, allowing them to stay active longer into the winter and begin foraging aboveground for food resources earlier in the spring.

“Even an extra week or two of aboveground activity for wild rats can translate to one or two more reproductive bouts, accelerating population growth,” Dr. Richardson said. “Those working to manage rat populations will need to factor this climate-accelerated growth into their rat management planning.”

Identifying long-term trends in rat numbers, and how they are shaped by environmental changes, is critical for understanding their ecology and for projecting future vulnerabilities and mitigation needs.

Possible solutions for cities include:

1. Invest more resources (budget and staff) to help combat the problem.
2. Develop proactive rodent management plans that prioritize making the urban environment less conducive for rats.
3. Start collecting systematic data on rat activity and abundance rather than relying on public complaint data.

“Only by confronting the environmental factors that allow rats to thrive, and by giving municipal rodent managers the resources and tools they need, can we hope to rein in our growing rat problem,” Dr. Richardson concluded.

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Sacramento CA

Wildlife Control Supplies: GutterGate

IMAGE: WCS

New GutterGate screws onto your customers’ downspouts to prevent squirrels and other pests from using them as nesting or entry points. It is available in two sizes — GG34AWH is for 2×3-inch spout openings, pictured, whereas GG43BWH is for 3×4-inch spout openings — for a clean, professional look.

Note this five-star review from a pest management professional in Pennsylvania: “Extremely easy install! Great for customers with lots of chipmunks. We installed four last week at a customer’s home. She loved the way they looked, and was even happier we had a solution to her problem!”

Other products that WCS offers include:

• WCS Tube Trap Kit
• WCS Squirrel Standard Trapping Kit
• WCS No-See’Um Chimney Raccoon Trap
• REVEAL X Gen 2.0 Cellular Camera
• SpinAway Rotary Cleaning Kit
• BD-135 Bird Repellent
• Quicklock Duobait Twin Trap Mouse Station
• Soap in Seconds
• Carpenter Bee Cottage Trap
• XL Foundation Vent Covers

About Wildlife Control Supplies

WCS was founded in 1998 by the late Alan Huot and his wife, Carol — both experienced wildlife trappers and experts. The company has been helping wildlife and pest control professionals capture, control and prevent wildlife in the field, in commercial buildings and in residential environments ever since. The Suffield, Conn.-based company not only offers a variety of brands and products, but also has developed its own WCS Premium Grade Bait products and breakthrough inventions in response to customer needs.

ShopWCS.com

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Sacramento CA

Nixalite celebrates its 75th anniversary

GRAPHIC: NIXALITE

Nixalite of America, based in East Moline, Ill., is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025. The family-owned company, which is run by Cory and Jon Gellerstedt, brothers and current co-presidents, provides innovative and humane bird and animal control solutions.

“In 1950, our grandfather, Charles Kaufmann, revolutionized bird control by inventing the world’s first bird spike and founding Nixalite of America,“ the Gellerstedt’s said. “Just seven years later, on his deathbed, our mother, Marie, made a heartfelt promise to keep his vision alive. Through unwavering dedication, she upheld that promise and propelled the company forward. As we celebrate 75 years of innovation and excellence, we are honored to continue the Nixalite legacy and build upon the foundation our family has established.“

Founded in 1950, Nixalite manufactured and patented the world’s first bird spike, originally called Nixalite Porcupine Wire. Over the decades, Nixalite has progressed from a single product firm to a company that offers a wide variety of bird and animal control products. Included are two new models of bird spikes; E-Spike and Pigeon Spike Stainless. Several different types of bird netting and netting accessories are also available as well as tensioned perimeter and support cable hardware. According to the company, Nixalite’s wildlife control products offer assistance to combat a variety of pests including sparrows, starlings, pigeons, crows, vultures, black birds, geese, ducks, squirrels, rodents, bedbugs, mites, spiders, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and more.

In 2007, Nixalite was named the U.S. Distributor and Service Center for IGEBA foggers, sprayers and aerosol generators. Nixalite has grown to be one of the primary sources for commercial fogging equipment in the U.S. and Canada.

Click here to view a comprehensive look at Nixalite’s 75-year history.

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Sacramento CA

Baits prove to be effective to battle ants during winter months

Matt Remmen

Envu

As temperatures drop, ants seek warmth indoors, making winter an ideal time to focus on ant control. During cool months, ants can be more active in foraging for food inside, which makes baits especially effective.

For optimal control, place baits near nest sites and along visible trails. Ants collect the bait and carry it back to the colony, sharing it with the queen(s) and brood. This ensures that the active ingredient (AI) reaches the entire colony, reducing the population significantly.

Setting customer expectations is important, as they may notice increased ant activity initially or expect traditional sprays. Explaining that baits attract ants before eliminating the colony can help alleviate concerns.

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Sacramento CA

Sprague Pest Solutions promotes new branch manager at Pasco branch

Brent Schafer

Sprague Pest Solutions, a commercial pest management services provider, promoted Brent Schafer, ACE, to branch manager of the Pasco, Wash. branch. With over a decade of service in the pest management industry and a proven track record of excellence, he brings technical expertise and leadership to his new role.

”Brent’s deep knowledge and dedication to both his work and the community inspire everyone he works with,“ said Jared Wallace, regional manager. ”His passion for what he does is contagious, and we’re excited to see how his leadership will continue to elevate the Pasco team.“

Schafer began his career at Sprague in 2013 as a route manager, serving the Wapato and Prosser areas with a focus on food processing and agricultural clients. In 2016, he was honored with Sprague’s Technician of the Year Award and maintained a position in the Top 10 percent of technicians for five years in a row.

In 2020, he was promoted to operations manager, overseeing a team of 14 in Eastern Washington. Thanks to his leadership, the Pasco branch was named Sprague’s Branch of the Year in 2023.

About Sprague Pest Solutions

Sprague Pest Solutions provides preventive and remedial pest management and food safety consulting services to leading food processing, agriculture, healthcare and hospitality and distribution facilities across the Western U.S. The company services commercial clients in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and California.

According to Sprague’s history page on its website, the company was founded in Spokane, Wash., in 1926 by W.B. Sprague to serve Eastern Washington, and soon after opened a second location in Tacoma, Wash., to serve customers in the western half of the Evergreen State. It was purchased in 1931 by A.H. Treleven Sr., whose grandson Larry Treleven is a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2016). Now in its fourth generation, the Treleven family still leads the company today.

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Sacramento CA

Adam’s Pest Control opens new headquarters

PHOTO: ADAM’S PEST CONTROL

Adam’s Pest Control recently opened a new 33,331-square-foot headquarters in its same town of Medina, Minn. The new facility opened exactly 17 years to the week after its last headquarters relocation.

Nestled on a scenic property, the headquarters is surrounded by a century-old forest, active wetlands and thriving honey bee colonies. A notable site highlight is a bald eagle’s nest, prominently visible from Highway 55.

The building’s design reflects the company’s respect for nature and dedication to fostering collaboration. Inside, eight meeting spaces are named after Minnesota’s iconic birds of prey, providing an inspiring backdrop for creativity and teamwork:

• Level 1: Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk
• Level 2: American Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl
• Level 3: Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon

Inside the headquarters there is an American flag art piece crafted from 546 mouse snap traps. PHOTO: ADAM’S PEST CONTROL

The new headquarters also includes an insect viewing lab, where visitors can observe species such as tarantulas, praying mantises and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

The facility also features an American flag art piece crafted from 546 mouse snap traps. It was designed by Co-Owner Andrea Doop and assembled with the support of materials donated by Kness Pest Defense.

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Sacramento CA

Technicide: Exacticide $30 Discount

IMAGE: TECHNICIDE

Dust pesticides, when applied properly with an Exacticide Power Duster, reach deep into cracks and voids, where pests hide. They can provide an effective solution that reduces callbacks and reapplications — ultimately saving technicians time and money. Here are four reasons why:

1. Dust pesticides (like those applied with the Exacticide) can last for months in undisturbed areas, leading to long-lasting control.
2. Dust pesticides don’t rely on just direct contact to be effective, meaning pests can still receive treatment despite any missed cracks, crevices or voids thanks to their foraging and grooming activities.
3. Most dust pesticides are nonrepellent, which removes the risk of pests detecting the treatment and avoiding contact.
4. Using dust pesticides avoids encountering moisture and mixture issues.

The Technicide team understands that investing in new equipment is a big decision. That’s why they offer a free 30-day trial on the Exacticide Power Duster. In addition, for a limited time, they are offering $30 off an Exacticide purchase. Use the code 30OFF30 to claim the deal.

Technicide.com

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Sacramento CA

Terminix report indicates Top 50 cities for commercial pest infestations

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF TERMINIX

Terminix, a Rentokil Terminix company, recently unveiled its list of the Top 50 pest-infested cities for commercial spaces across the U.S. The company collected service data from over 300 Terminix branches between October 2023 and September 2024. The report identifies the cities where businesses most often rely on Terminix’s commercial pest control services.

“Pest pressures in commercial spaces can vary by region, season and industry, but they all have one thing in common. If left unaddressed, pests can harm employee health, disrupt daily operations and damage reputations,” said Marc Potzler, BCE, a technical service manager for Terminix. “This annual ranking aims to raise awareness around the importance of year-round pest management to protect businesses of all types.”

The report indicated these cities as the 10 buggiest for businesses in 2025:

1. Dallas, Texas
2. Houston, Texas
3. Los Angeles, Calif.
4. Atlanta, Ga.
5. San Francisco, Calif.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. New York, N.Y.
8. Tampa, Fla.
9. Columbus, Ohio
10. Miami, Fla.

This year’s report indicates there has been some shifting among the top 10 this year.

The Top 10 buggiest cities in 2024 were:

1. New York, N.Y.
2. Los Angeles, Calif.
3. Atlanta, Ga.
4. Philadelphia, Pa.
5. Houston, Texas
6. Dallas, Texas
7. Tampa-St. Pete, Fla.
8. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Calif.
9. Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Fla.
10. Washington D.C.

Businesses in the buggiest cities in the U.S. face unique challenges when it comes to pest infestations. Understanding which types of businesses are most vulnerable can help owners or managers take preventative steps to protect their property and customers.

Here are some types of businesses that frequently deal with pest issues:

• Restaurants: Food availability attracts pests like rodents and cockroaches, making these establishments prime targets for infestations.
• Food retail: With a constant supply of food products and potential spills, grocery stores create an inviting environment for pests.
• Hotels: High foot traffic and varying cleanliness standards can lead to pest issues, particularly bed bugs and cockroaches.
• Warehouses: Often storing food or products, warehouses can provide plenty of hiding spots for pests, making inspections crucial.
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities: The combination of food and waste, along with high foot traffic, makes healthcare facilities and hospitals vulnerable to pests.

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Sacramento CA

Cetane Associates: Alphabetical business advice

IMAGE: CETANE ASSOCIATES

Industry financial advisor Cetane Associates introduces “Cetane A-Z,” a 26-part series of blog posts created by its team of experts riffing on the importance of business issues from A-Z.

The series kicked off Jan. 10 with Cetane Director Tamera Kovacs focusing on agility. The summary of the post: “Agile businesses share common traits, having clear leadership vision, access to timely information, and an awareness of market conditions. They are quick decision-makers, able to adapt and act promptly when necessary. Reflect on your company’s ability to remain agile.”

On Jan. 24, Cetane Associate Ford DuBose, continued the series with broker. The summary of the post: “In mergers and acquisitions, brokers bring essential expertise that goes beyond the roles of attorneys and accountants. Using strategy, market insight, and negotiation skills, they ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

About Cetane Associates

Cetane Associates is a provider of financial advisory services to business owners in home services industries. Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs and acquisitions, as well as performs valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments.

Cetane.com/blog-a-is-for-agility

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Sacramento CA

Common reasons that cause an ant colony can re-emerge

Tim Husen

Syngenta

Getting an ant infestation under control can be quite the endeavor. These resilient pests won’t go down without a fight, often resulting in callbacks and costly re-treatments. Even after taking the proper steps to identify the ant species, inspecting the structure and applying the bait application directly to the source, there is still a chance the colony can re-emerge.

Here are two common reasons for why this might be happening:

1. Inadequate bait volume. Applying enough bait is vital to allow the product to spread throughout the colony. This can be achieved by making more extensive bait placements — individual spots or lines — and applying more placements throughout foraging ant trails.

2. Bait rejection. This phenomenon reflects the colony’s dietary needs and food preferences. During certain times of the year, ant colonies may favor foods higher in carbohydrates (higher numbers of foraging adult workers, for example) or protein (for brood formation). This can be combated by using a bait formulation or product best suited to the colony’s needs to promote acceptance and improve resistance management.

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Sacramento CA

USDA secures $129 million to help combat exotic fruit fly outbreaks

The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis). PHOTO COURTESY OF USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) secured $129.2 million to help respond to the threats associated with growing outbreaks of exotic fruit flies. The funding will be used to support efforts in the U.S. and in buffer zones in Guatemala and Mexico to prevent the northward spread of the pest.

Pest management professionals (PMPs) are most familiar with Drosophila melanogaster, known as the common fruit fly, the red-eyed fruit fly and even the vinegar fly. However, “exotic” fruit fly species that PMPs can encounter, and that the USDA is focusing on, include:

• Cherry fruit fly: Both eastern and western cherry fruit flies belong to the Rhagoletis genus, and as their name implies, target cherries as their primary host. 
• Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): Also known as the medfly, this destructive species is larger than common fruit flies and has the potential to infest a wider variety of fruits.
• Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha luden): Also known as the Mexfly, this invasive species can be a problem in certain regions of the US.
• Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis): While not yet established in the continental U.S., this species is invasive on all islands of Hawaii. It has been spotted in California and Florida, but in each instance (thus far) has been successfully eradicated.

“Fruit flies attack more than 400 different types of plants, destroying entire crops, disrupting trade, and causing major financial losses,” said Michael Watson, administrator, APHIS. “Dedicating emergency funds to address these outbreaks means the collaborative effort to protect U.S. agriculture from this unprecedented outbreak can continue. We are reinforcing prevention measures, investing in long-term solutions like improved sterile insect facilities, and bolstering our response to detections.”

APHIS maintains a sensitive fruit fly detection network of more than 160,000 traps across California, Florida, New York, Texas and Puerto Rico.

With this funding, APHIS will work to safeguard billions of dollars in vegetable and fruit commodities including:

• Work with local, state and international partners to eradicate exotic fruit fly outbreaks domestically and internationally to prevent spread.
• Bolster surveillance systems to detect new incursions.
• Repairing sterile insect facilities in California and Texas and replacing essential equipment to enhance the effectiveness of the program.

The USDA, California Department of Food and Agriculture and Texas Department of Agriculture are working together to combat an outbreak of exotic fruit flies in several counties in California and Texas.

APHIS eradication programs use an integrated pest management strategy that includes a range of control methods, both chemical and nonchemical. According to APHIS, these methods have effectively eradicated spot infestations of fruit flies in the United States since 1984.

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Sacramento CA

SenesTech: Bug Off Pest Control Center Partnership

IMAGE: SENESTECH

Evolve Rodent Birth Control, SenesTech’s patented rodent control product, will soon be available through Bug Off Pest Control in New York City. In addition to distribution, Bug Off is marketing and selling Evolve throughout its network and providing ongoing training to pest management professionals (PMPs) in the Greater New York area.

“Bug Off and Andy Linares, president of Bug Off, are well known and well respected in the pest management world,” Joel Fruendt, SenesTech president and CEO, said in a news release. “Linares brings a focus on innovation, education and service to his PMP customers, and we look forward to working with him to more rapidly penetrate the New York City market with Evolve.”

“New York is the biggest, toughest and most sophisticated market for rodent control in the United States,” Linares said in the news release. “My PMP customers rely on Bug Off to bring them the most innovative and effective solutions to their pest management challenges. Evolve is a very promising product, and I am looking forward to partnering with the SenesTech team to bring it to our market.”

Separately and as previously reported, New York City is implementing a rat contraception program. From the bill authorizing the program, the term “rat contraceptive” means “an agent for the reduction of reproductive capacity in rats that is approved for such use by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.”  SenesTech is currently the only manufacturer of products that meet this requirement.

Evolve works by addressing the root of rodent problems: overpopulation. Instead of reacting to infestations, Evolve proactively reduces rodent fertility, helping to control their numbers humanely. This soft bait, highly palatable to rodents, provides long-lasting results in barns, garages, homes, gardens, sheds and more.

About SenesTech

Based in Phoenix, Ariz., SenesTech is committed to creating healthier environments by humanely managing animal pest populations through fertility control. The company has pioneered products like ContraPest, the only contraceptive for both male and female rats registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Evolve, an EPA-designated, minimum-risk contraceptive soft bait. Both products are designed to integrate seamlessly into pest management programs, significantly enhancing their effectiveness while reducing reliance on traditional poisons. SenesTech strives to create cleaner cities, more efficient businesses, and happier households with products that are humane, effective, and sustainable.

Senestech.com

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Sacramento CA

Go-Forth Home Services to air commercial during the Super Bowl

LOGO: Go-Forth Home Services

Go-Forth Home Services, a third-generation, family-owned business with roots dating back to 1959 in High Point, N.C., is set to make its commercial debut during Super Bowl LIX.

The commercial, produced by Go Forth Marketing, showcases the company’s comprehensive suite of services including pest control, HVAC, plumbing and smart home solutions. The advertisement is designed to highlight Go-Forth’s evolution from a trusted pest control provider to a complete home services partner.

“This Super Bowl spot represents our dedication to providing comprehensive home services across our growing service area,” said Chase Hazelwood, CEO and owner of Go-Forth Home Services. “We’re bringing our message of total home care to the biggest television event of the year.”

The commercial will air regionally in the Triad market during Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, 2025.

About Go-Forth Home Services

Go-Forth Home Services provides comprehensive home solutions including pest control, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and smart home technology to residents across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Maryland. With a legacy of exceptional service, Go-Forth continues to expand its offerings and service area to meet the complete home service needs of families throughout the Southeast.

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Sacramento CA

Wisconsin PWIPM webinar features Arrow VP

GRAPHIC: PWIPM

The Wisconsin chapter of the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) will host a virtual Lunch and Learn on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Eastern.

The session will feature guest speaker Mickey Thomas, senior vice president of customer care and inside sales for Arrow Exterminators, who will present “Make Lemons into Lemonade.”

During the session, Thomas will cover different interactions within customer service including elevating your customer service skills by understanding that customers have choices. Thomas will also discuss the importance of checking your team’s temperature and gauging your customer’s experience.

Thomas has a passion for training and innovation, which has given her multiple opportunities to serve in leadership roles for the company beginning in 2007. She has been honored with several awards including Impact Player of the Year Award two years in a row. She is a graduate of the National Pest Management Association Executive Leadership Program and currently serves as the Chair for PWIPM.

Learn more about the free event and register here.

About PWIPM

The Professional Women in Pest Management, of which PWIPM of Wisconsin is a chapter, is an affiliate group of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) whose mission is to attract, develop and support women in the pest management industry through educational programs, resources and peer networking.

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Sacramento CA

Name a rat after your ‘toxic ex’ this Valentine’s Day

Graphic courtesy of Bet US

This Valentine’s Day, online sports book BetUS allows those interested to name a rat after their “toxic ex.” The special offer celebrates the holiday and the NBA’s All-Star game as the sports book looks for the best ex-storiers to fill out its All-Star rat basketball roster.

For $15, you can name your least favorite Valentine after one of the BetUS starting players and officially draft them onto the team. You will receive a personalized certificate to commemorate your Rat Roster player.

How it works

• Register your interest by filling out the form.
• Select which rat you desire to name after your ex by jersey number.
• The five best ex-stories will be chosen to name one of our players.
• Receive a personalized certificate to commemorate your ”Rat Roster” player.

“This Valentine’s Day, make your love or hate loud and clear by naming one of our nibbling, dribbling rodents after your ex,” said Andres Vargas, head content editor at BetUS. “In a city like New York, where both the dating crisis and rat problem run wild, why not take out the trash in more ways than one? Turn your messy memories into something unforgettable. Transform your dating disasters into an All-Star draft pick, where every squeak, dribble and whistle-blow reflects the drama they left behind giving your ex the legacy they deserve.”

You can catch the Rat Roster nibbling and dribbling in live-action highlights here. And if your ex is more like a cockroach then a rat, the zoos in the Bronx, N.Y. and San Antonio, Texas, have you covered in 2025 just like they did in 2024.

Visit here to learn more and fill out the rat application on behalf of your ex. Submissions will close on Feb. 14, 2025.

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Sacramento CA

Truly Nolen Pest Control promotes new marketing manager

Chris Brainard

Truly Nolen Pest Control recently promoted Chris Brainard to marketing manager. He will remain based at the company’s Leadership and Training Center in Tucson, Ariz.

Brainard joined Truly Nolen in 2013 as a residential service coordinator at the company’s Green Valley, Ariz. service office. After two years in the field, he joined the company’s marketing department in 2015, where he was most recently a marketing research analyst.

“I am most excited about asking new questions and learning new answers that we will use to push the organization forward,” said Brainard. “My favorite thing about working for Truly Nolen is the freedom I have to impact the organization. I feel very comfortable identifying and pursuing anything that I think could make Truly Nolen more successful, and really, this goes for anyone in the company.”

Part of Brainard’s new responsibilities include leading the company’s marketing team, managing the company’s partnership with RIESTER and continuing to lend support to service offices across the country.

“From the moment he joined the marketing team, Chris continuously educated himself in the ever-changing world of Marketing, and his ability to explain and analyze statistics at every level of the company is second to none,” said Greg Bohne, vice president of business development. “He was an easy choice for this new position, and I look forward to seeing his continued growth and success.”

About Truly Nolen Pest Control

The Tucson, Ariz.-based pest control company traces its roots to 1938, and to 2006 PMP Hall of Famer Truly Wheatfield Nolen. Nolen’s son, the late Truly David Nolen, founded Truly Nolen of America and Orlando, Fla.-based Truly Nolen International, both of which feature a fleet of yellow “mouse cars” and antique vehicles. Founded in 1938, Tucson, Ariz.-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. The company has more than 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 Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Canada, Puerto Rico and more than 60 countries.

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Sacramento CA

Insects Limited: New & Improved GreenWay Moth-Resistant Garment Bags

IMAGE: INSECTS LIMITED

Protect your customers’ wardrobes with the latest innovation from Insects Limited! The new and improved GreenWay moth-resistant garment bag combines all the essential features of a standard garment bag with scientifically proven designs to keep clothes moths out.

Key upgrades include:

• Adjustable Length: Snaps allow users to customize the bag’s interior hanging length from 32 inches to 54 inches.
• Enhanced Hanger System: A self-enclosed design securely holds four standard hangers, keeping clothing safe and organized.
• Durable Construction: Improved backing and stitching provide added durability for long-term use.

Say goodbye to moth damage and hello to peace of mind.

InsectsLimited.com

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Sacramento CA

A multi-faceted approach is key to ant control

Anna Iversen, BCE

Pelsis

When it comes to controlling ants, a multi-faceted approach is always best. However, it’s important to carefully choose and apply the right tools for the species and situation. Residual insecticides can play a valuable role, but their placement must be strategic.

Ant baits are an excellent tool because they allow workers to carry the bait back to the colony, targeting the source of the infestation. To make this process effective, avoid applying residuals in areas that interfere with the back-and-forth movement. Otherwise, you risk “killing the messenger” before it reaches the colony.

Try to also track ants from their food source back to their entry points. However, applying residuals too early can disrupt this process, as ants may die before revealing critical information about their nesting sites.

Finally, some ant species can “bud” into multiple colonies when stressed by residuals, making control even more challenging. Always confirm the species before deciding on your approach to residual application.

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Sacramento CA

The best defense against red imported fire ants is a strong offense

Michael Boyd

Ensystex

When battling red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta, or RIFA), the best defense is a strong offense.

RIFA is an invasive species from South America. The ants thrive across the Southern United States and will attack suddenly by stinging repeatedly when threatened. These stings can cause itchy welts, pain and even severe allergic reactions in animals and humans.

We recommend a granular treatment as your best line of attack. If you are within range of RIFA — and it spreads a little more each year — inspect your customers’ properties in the spring and fall after a substantial rain for the emergence of RIFA mounds. Determine the number and location of mounds and begin your treatment as soon as possible.

If few mounds are present, you can use targeted granular treatments. However, if multiple mounds are discovered, we recommend applying a granular treatment to the entire yard or property. Establishing an effective treatment perimeter will destroy the colony and the queen, and protect your customers from the risk of RIFA invasions.

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Sacramento CA

Bell Laboratories: Express iQ Pallets

IMAGE: BELL LABORATORIES

Bell Laboratories’ Express iQ, powered by Bell Sensing Technologies, can now be ordered by the pallet. Each Express iQ bait station contains a removable tray with an integrated Bluetooth sensor that tracks rodent activity. Pest management professionals (PMPs) can check the Bell Sensing app on their smart devices to know which stations experienced rodent activity.

The Express iQ station can hold two T-Rex or T-Rex iQ rat traps, two Mini-Rex mouse traps, up to eight bait blox or a combo thereof. Each station also contains an integrated concrete brick to reduce tampering. Now that PMPs can order Express iQ stations in pallet quantities, taking advantage of iQ’s time-savings is even easier. Each pallet comes with 96 Express stations with Express iQ sensing trays pre-installed.  

About Bell Labs

Founded in 1974 by the late Malcolm Stack, a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2004), Bell Labs today is based in Windsor, Wis., and manufactures rodenticides and other rodent control products available to the pest control and agricultural industries on six continents. It is led by another Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer, CEO Steve Levy (Class of 2022). Bell’s complete line of products includes rodenticides, tamper-resistant bait stations, smart rodent monitoring devices, glue boards, mechanical traps, and attractants.

BellSensing.com

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Sacramento CA

Sprague Pest Solutions adds operations manager to Phoenix branch

Michael Torrez

Sprague Pest Solutions, a commercial pest management services provider, promoted Michael Torrez to operations manager for the Phoenix, Ariz. team. The promotion of Torrez marks the first time that the Phoenix branch will have a dedicated operations manager.

Torrez joined Sprague in 2022 and, per the news release, “has demonstrated strong leadership skills, operational expertise and a commitment to delivering strong service.” In his new role, he will oversee the operational efficiency of the Phoenix team.

“Seeing the growth of Michael and our Phoenix team in just a few short years has been nothing short of inspiring,“ said Kolbin Bertilson, regional manager overseeing the Arizona market. “His promotion is a testament to the caliber of talent that Sprague develops. His leadership will take us to the next level, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this team.”

Based in Tacoma, Wash., Sprague entered the Arizona market in 2020. Since then, its Phoenix team has “experienced tremendous growth and established itself as a trusted partner in pest management. Torrez’s promotion reflects Sprague’s ongoing investment in the Arizona market and its dedication to fostering leaders within the organization,” the news release explains.

About Sprague Pest Solutions

Sprague Pest Solutions provides preventive and remedial pest management and food safety consulting services to leading food processing, agriculture, healthcare and hospitality and distribution facilities across the Western U.S. The company services commercial clients in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and California.

According to Sprague’s history page on its website, the company was founded in Spokane, Wash., in 1926 by W.B. Sprague to serve Eastern Washington, and soon after opened a second location in Tacoma, Wash., to serve customers in the western half of the Evergreen State. It was purchased in 1931 by A.H. Treleven Sr., whose grandson Larry Treleven is a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2016). Now in its fourth generation, the Treleven family still leads the company today.

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Sacramento CA

Pest Control Insulation: 575PCO

IMAGE: PEST CONTROL INSULATION

The high-output 575PCO Insulation Blowing Machine, available exclusively from Pest Control Insulation, provides fast production and durability for any installation. The 575PCO is ideal for pest management professionals who expect to schedule four or more TAP Pest Control Insulation installs per month.

The 575PCO Blowing Machine is designed as an upgrade from the robust 475 Blowing Machine. It still runs on 120 volts, but has nearly twice the production rate as the previous generation of Krendl insulation blowing machines. Please expect lead times of up to four weeks on insulation machines.

About Pest Control Insulation

Pest Control Insulation (PCI) is a Lula, Ga.-based distribution company focused on blended, customized insulation products, accessories and equipment for sale to the pest control industry. As the manufacturer of TAP insulation, PCI’s national customer base includes some of the largest pest control services companies in the country. In 2023, PCI generated approximately $24 million of revenue. It is now a brand of TopBuild Corp.

TAPinsulation.com/shop

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Sacramento CA

Giant isopod discovered in South China Sea earns name inspired by ‘Star Wars’

Dr. Conni Sidabalok examines individual specimens of Bathynomus vaderi at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore. PHOTO: RENE ONG | PENSOFT PUBLISHERS

The science website, Live Science, reported that scientists have recently discovered a giant sea bug after studying samples purchased from fishers in Vietnam.

Bathynomus vaderi belongs to the genus Bathynomus — giant isopods that are abundant in cold, deep waters. The giant sea bug weighs more than 2.2 pounds(!) and grows up to 12.8 inches long, which makes it one of the largest known isopods.

The species received its name “vaderi” because its head resembles Darth Vader’s helmet from “Star Wars.”

According to the article, B. vaderi has only been found near the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea, but it may also live in other parts of the South China Sea.

For the new study, published Jan. 15 in the journal ZooKeys, researchers examined samples caught by local fishers and found that B. vaderi’s pronounced depression in its hip bone and a unique bony ridge protruding from its coracoid bone distinguished it from other supergiant isopods.

Bathynomus vaderi (Photo courtesy of ZooKeys)

Researchers noted that Bathynomus species have recently become a delicacy in Vietnam, often compared to lobster. The local demand has turned these sea bugs into an expensive staple of the seafood market.

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Sacramento CA

MGK receives EPA registration for new botanical active ingredient

Industry manufacturer MGKhas received registration of its newest active ingredient, veratrine, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The development adds a new mode of action to the company’s botanical portfolio.

Veratrine is a botanical active ingredient comprised of alkaloids extracted from the seed of the sabadilla
plant (Schoenocaulon officinale). According to the company, sabadilla alkaloids have unique insecticidal properties to control a wide range of pests and differ from other botanical or conventional insect control options.

“This is an exciting moment for MGK,” said Steve Gullickson, MGK president and CEO. “We couldn’t be more proud of our team for their hard work and creativity in making veratrine a reality. This new active
ingredient is a significant step forward in our commitment to provide pest control solutions that make a
real difference for our customers and the communities they serve.”

Veratrine is designed to support a broad range of pest management applications across MGK’s key
market segments. Specific formulations are currently under development to bring new botanical
solutions with an exclusive mode of action into professional pest control, animal production, vector control and crop protection markets.

About MGK

MGK’s stated mission is to make life healthier by creating responsible products that protect people and their environments from the impact of insects. Founded in 1902 and based in Minnesota, MGK sells insect control products throughout the world. Its business comprises several industries including professional pest control, consumer home and pet products, animal health and crop protection. As an affiliate of Sumitomo Chemical Co., MGK is a worldwide leader in the development and distribution of the botanical insecticide pyrethrum as well as a wide range of conventional insect control technologies.

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Sacramento CA

Rockwell Labs: EcoVia Fly Killer

IMAGE: ROCKWELL LABS

EcoVia Fly Killer is formulated to kill filth flies at the source and kill all life stages of flies. It also kills odor-causing bacteria. This research-based, botanical insecticide is registered as a 25(b) category, minimum-risk product through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and is exempt from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is designed for treating small and large flies, including fruit, phorid, drain, house, lesser house and blow fly species.

EcoVia Fly Killer uses naturally occurring plant oils to kill fly eggs and larvae, and kill and repel adult flies and kill odor-causing bacteria. The thickened formula coats the side of drains when applied directly; penetrates bio-films; and loosens grease and organic debris — assisting with cleanup. EcoVia Fly Killer can also be diluted with water and sprayed, foamed or mopped on larger surfaces.

The label includes broad-use sites indoors and outdoors, and can be applied wherever organic debris accumulates where small and large flies feed and lay eggs. EcoVia Fly Killer can also be applied when the facility is in operation. The product is biodegradable, considered to be safe for pipes and septic systems, and has a natural herbal-lemon scent. It is available in a 1-quart bottle.

About Rockwell Labs

Founded in 1998 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Dr. Cisse Spragins (Class of 2018), Rockwell Labs offers products that are conceptualized, developed and formulated in-house. New products undergo extensive testing in-house, in the field and at major universities before they are produced and launched in the professional market.

RockwellLabs.com

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Sacramento CA

Tips to help locate carpenter ant nests

Andrew Fisher, BCE, PHE

Neogen

The nests of carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are unique compared to other ant species because, rather than nesting in the ground, they prefer to excavate wood to create their nests. This behavior makes locating these nests more difficult, but it is necessary for effective treatment against them.

To locate carpenter ant nests, focus on finding dry wood near a water source. They avoid damp wood, which can be detrimental to larvae survival.

When inspecting, look for frass — wood shavings resembling sawdust — around baseboards, windowsills and door jambs. Frass may also contain dead ants or ant body parts, indicating the presence of a nest. This is because carpenter ants keep their nests clean by disposing of debris outside.

You might also hear rustling noises from inside walls, ceilings and hollow doors. This occurs mainly at night when the ants are most active.

Locating carpenter ants and their nests requires patience, keen observation and an understanding
of available baits. By identifying these key clues, you can pinpoint their presence and effectively address an infestation.

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Sacramento CA

Why the odorous house ant is so frustrating to control

Greg Pettis

Nature-Cide

Because of its tendency to “fracture” or “bud” its colonies, the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile, or OHA) is one of the most frustrating ant species to control. This phenomenon occurs when an OHA queen panics because her workers are not returning home because of non-transferrable repellents being used indoors. She will send a pheromone that tells the colony to divide, and some ants will find another nesting site. So now you have “Double the Trouble” because two ant colonies will infest inside. If provoking is continued by repellents, the colonies can split again.

To prevent this and gain control, use transferrable products such as baits so the colony can eliminate itself with some help. Also, treating the yard with an all-natural granular can prevent colonies from
getting established in the first place, forcing them to find harborage elsewhere.

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Sacramento CA

Not all ant species “disappear” during winter months

Dr. Ryan Neff, West Coast Technical Field Specialist, MGk

MGK

It is wintertime, and ant activity is declining in much of the U.S. But for some regions, winter brings an unexpected increase in ant calls. While many ant species are hunkered down waiting out the winter, some species, like pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) can pop up inside structures.

In warmer months, ant treatment typically involves locating any exterior satellite colonies and some combination of liquid residual treatments and baiting. In the winter, however, these satellite colonies often contract into single colonies inside wall voids, attics, subfloors and other areas inside structures to escape the cold weather.

Controlling pharaoh ants and similar species in these situations can be difficult, especially when customers only see a few ants here and there. Worse, customers often self-treat or wipe up foraging ants and their pheromone trails. Pre-baiting with syrup or honey can aid in finding the colony, although it’s a tough sell to get customers to do this.

After locating colonies, you can use various treatment methods to eliminate them. Dusting, liquid residuals applied with compressed air sprayers or aerosol-generating machines, aerosols or baits can also be effective, depending on the situation.

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Sacramento CA

J.T. Eaton: Bait Blocks for Rodents and Ticks

IMAGE: J.T. EATON

Who doesn’t love a two-for-one? The JT Eaton Bait Block For Rodents & Ticks (No. 777-9) is the best of both worlds: a dual-purpose rodenticide and insecticide that eliminate rodents and the black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) found on them that can transmit Lyme disease.

The first active ingredient in these blocks is 0.025 percent warfarin, an effective first-generation solution to rats, mice and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). The second active ingredient is 0.005 percent fipronil, which is effective against disease-transmitting ticks. Both of these pest control actives are present in each 1-ounce block, which fit in all bait stations and are sold in our tamper-evident pail to prevent accidental use. Why buy double the product when you can have double the protection in a single block? The product is available in 4-, 9- and 18-pound containers.

About J.T. Eaton

Founded in 1932 by Jasper T. Eaton as a mail-order house for pest control products for professional use, J.T. Eaton was brought to prominence when Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer Stanley Baker (Class of 1999) purchased it in 1949. Before his death in 2005 at the age of 87, he built it up to a multi-million-dollar company. Baker was a lifelong innovator, and is credited for creating the paraffin rodent bait block in 1962. He is also credited with developing the modern glue board design, in 1980. In 1999, he helped patent an ant and cockroach product that uses just 1 percent boric acid. Still family-owned and -operated by the Baker family, J.T. Eaton’s product line includes products for rodents, wildlife, bed bugs, mosquitoes and other flying insects and more.

JTEatonPMP.com

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Sacramento CA