“Trap Talk Live” is hosted by Ryan Ridgley. LOGO: TALK TRAP LIVE
Ryan Ridgley is the creator and host of the “Trap Talk Live” podcast, which aims to help owners of small, independent companies learn about running a nuisance wildlife business.
Ridgley has decades of pest control experience. He and his wife, Kandace, own Huntsman Wildlife in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio, area, where they take on pests with “four legs and fewer.”
“I joke with my friends that I should have named the podcast ‘Learn from My Mistakes,’” Ridgley says with a laugh. “Because really, it’s just me having a discussion with a friend or colleague about something I ran into my first six years of Huntsman Wildlife. I know other operators are running into it, too, so let’s talk about it.”
General pest control does not interest this long-time professional, a mindset that has been good for business. “I have no desire to get my general pest control license in Ohio, which makes a lot of pest control companies in the area very comfortable referring work to us,” Ridgley says.
Ryan Ridgley leads discussions on the challenges and successes of running a small company. PHOTO: HUNTSMAN WILDLIFE
Singular success
After starting in turf and ornamental, Ridgley moved to general pest control 15 years ago, working for companies large and small. However, he was drawn to wildlife work because, as he puts it, “I’m allowed to practice my craft and be good at it without having to depend on the client to assist me.”
In 2019, he and Kandace launched Huntsman Wildlife. “I realized I wanted to try it my way and see what I could do about making an impact in the Cincinnati area when it comes to wildlife work,” he explains.
Success came swiftly, and the company has grown. “I’m able to offer jobs and be the leader and employer that I always sought out when I was looking for a job,” Ridgley says. “So, it has been both harrowing and rewarding all at the same time.”
The idea to share his knowledge with others came in 2020 when he kicked off the first “Trap Talk Live” podcast.
When his growing business got in the way of recording “Trap Talk Live,” Ridgley paused the podcast but picked it up again in 2024. Now, he has two sponsors — Animal Traps and Supplies and AAC Distributing — that offer wildlife control products and equipment and allow him to share discount codes with listeners.
Points of inspiration
Ideas for content come from his own experiences, and colleagues who work in pest management, wildlife control and related fields. Ridgley also gets ideas from online forums and groups on social media. When guests are invited on, the podcast sounds like a conversation among friends who are eager to share their knowledge.
“I’m not here to teach you how to prepare your company for an acquisition; there are dozens of podcasts for that,” he says. “I’m not here to tell you how to punch Monday in the face. I’m here to show you how to avoid the nightmares that come with situations like leasing/buying your first commercial building as your company grows.”
Ridgley wants listeners to learn from his experiences running a small, successful company. He also encourages listeners to reach out for help, especially if they are starting out, so they feel less alone.
“My goal is to let other independent operators know it’s OK not to want to grow to $15 million in five years and sell it to a private equity firm,” Ridgley says. “If you just want to own a wildlife company and take care of your community, that’s OK, too, and that’s what we’re here for.”
Target Specialty Products will host the next installment of its free, one-hour Business Growth webinar series, titled “CSI’s Vector Kleer: Utilizing 25(b) Products in Pest Control,” on April 29 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.
Whenever you feel like you’re in a rut or unappreciated, remember that the work we do is extremely important.
Springtails were once considered to be insects, but are now known
as hexapods. PHOTO: SUSAN ELLIS, BUGWOOD.ORG
Evicting springtails
In the early 1970s, I applied for a job with a national pest management company. During the interview, the head entomologist handed me some small insects in a dish and asked me to identify them. They were springtails (Collembola) — no big deal, a beneficial hexapod, not a significant pest.
Then he threw a curveball at me, saying, “Young man, they are about to cause over $1 million worth of damage for an earthworm farmer who raises them in greenhouses. We have no idea what to do.”
I gulped and said, “I have a file on earthworms in my office, and I will look it up for you.”
Talk about a poker game. I had no idea what my file contained.
It offered helpful information. Commercially raised earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) often peacefully co-exist with mites in their soil beds, or “worm bins.” When humid and rich soil conditions are just right, though, these secondary populations can explode in number and cause the worms to burrow deeply into the soil beds. Because the worms are not coming to the surface to feed, their growth and reproduction rates slow down. An overabundance of mites can decay much of the food the earthworms need and draw moisture from the exterior surface, so the situation continues to spiral.
Solution: The information in my file suggested using a light dusting of sulfur to knock down the mite population. After soaking the worm bin with water and causing the pests to surface, apply at the rate of 1/16 ounce of sulfur per square foot of the bin surface, it said. While sulfur should not harm the worms, it can increase the soil’s acidity and reduce the earthworm population.
Mind you, mites are arachnids. Springtails are hexapods. But with no other practical alternative seemingly available, I suggested they try the sulfur approach. “Before doing the entire crop of earthworms, try it on 10 to 20 worms. If that works, try it on an entire flat, then on one-third of all bins, and eventually the entire earthworm population.” It worked, even if the job offer didn’t.
Having Googled this situation in 2025, I was surprised to see this procedure is still recommended to remove heavy mite populations from earthworm beds. With new pesticide registration, you also can use this for springtails, provided the state registration allows the target site to be treated. Some states mandate the target pest must also be listed on the label.
Conclusion: Even beneficial insects can act as pests under certain environmental conditions. In such cases, necessity becomes the mother of invention. It’s good to know that what I tried six decades ago is still the state of the art!
You never know when you will run into a pest situation you never heard of before. When you do, do not determine what to do until you confirm with reasonable certainty that it will work.
Protecting patients
After a long day in the field, I received a call to rush to a hospital for an emergency: Phorids, or hump-backed flies, were crawling on patients in the burn unit.
I told the technician who called to gather whatever glue board traps he had and have them ready, along with some vinegar from the kitchen.
“But it’s flies, not mice,” he said.
“I know,” I replied. “Just do it and have someone ready to park my car.”
Solution: We added a few drops of vinegar to each open glue board and placed the boards near the patients on the floor and bed. I instructed the four nurses present to gently wave a cloth near each patient, creating a slight breeze that helped move the flies away from the wounds.
Masterack, a leader in innovative cargo management solutions, launched its latest product, Cargo Guard, at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Week 2025. Designed for pest management Professionals (PMPs) and other service fleet professionals, Cargo Guard aims to revolutionize fleet efficiency, providing security, storage and convenience.
“Whether you’re hauling tools, ladders or material, Cargo Guard gives you tough-as-nails protection without sacrificing convenience,” Robyn McKinney, Masterack VP of Sales and Marketing, says in a news release. “Built for fleet operators and hardworking pest management professionals who rely on their trucks every day, this all-in-one system locks down your cargo, gives you easy access to tools, equipment and material, and keeps your truck organized.”
Key features
Locking, Lift-Assisted Lid – Built from heavy-duty aluminum, this low-profile bed lid
keeps valuable cargo safe from theft while giving you a clear rear view when driving. With lift-assist technology, opening and closing is smooth and effortless — so no more fighting with heavy lids when attempting to access gear quickly.
Modular Ladder Rack – Need to haul ladders, pipe or oversized materials? The built-in
ladder rack includes an adjustable ladder strap to tightly lock down ladders, pipe and gear and prevent shifting during transport.
Side-Access Toolboxes – No more climbing into the truck bed to dig for tools. Cargo
Guard’s dual side-access toolboxes keep most-used tools within reach, saving time and effort on the job.
BEDSLIDE 1000 CLASSIC – The BEDSLIDE 1000 CLASSIC enables effortless slide-out access to
gear. It supports up to 1,000 pounds for easy loading and unloading.
“Trucks are more than just getting from point A to B,” McKinney adds. “They’re workhorses, and every minute spent searching for tools and material or climbing into the bed is lost time while on the job. Cargo Guard solves that problem by giving PMPs a secure, organized and efficient system for storing backpack sprayers, material, and other tools; and everything is locked up and protected, but easy to access.”
About Masterack
Masterack is a Social Circle, Ga.-based provider of cargo management solutions, delivering innovative and durable storage systems for work trucks and vans. With a legacy of craftsmanship and reliability, Masterack continues to redefine the way fleets operate by developing high-quality upfit solutions designed for efficiency, security and productivity.
German cockroaches are known to have very high levels of resistance to many AIs, especially pyrethroids, because of their rapid reproduction rates. As a result, never rely on a single product for control. Instead, follow IPM practices and rotate AIs to reduce the likelihood of insecticide resistance developing.
One great tool we have to combat German cockroach infestations is insecticidal bait. These baits come in various AIs and matrixes, making them an easy tool to rotate. Because studies have shown German cockroaches are not able to locate baits based on scent alone, baits need to be placed where they are foraging or aggregating to increase the likelihood of detection and consumption.
For peridomestic cockroaches, multiple species are expanding their ranges — and many cockroach species look extremely similar. One example is the Turkestan cockroach (Blatta lateralis), which many entomologists believe is more widespread than previously known. It is often misidentified because of the female’s close resemblance to the Oriental cockroach (B. orientalis). Correct identification and knowledge of species behavior are essential to performing effective treatments.
Runners tend to be a very nostalgic group. We keep mementos from the races we’ve run, especially the fancy finisher’s medals and their race bibs. But the ones I love are the shirts. I rarely buy new ones, since I have a drawer full of ones I’ve earned through races. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped someone – or someone has stopped me – while wearing a shirt from a race we’ve run.
Memories in every mile
I signed up for my first marathon on my birthday, since it was on my bucket list. But I had second thoughts when I looked at the training plan. The distances for the long runs were insane! So much further than I’ve ever ran. I wasn’t sure if I could do it.
But each week, I checked off the runs. I got stronger. The long runs became less intimidating. On race day, as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” blasted over the speakers, I felt that surge of energy. Passing each mile marker felt like a celebration. And when I saw my family cheering just before the finish line, I choked up. Tears in my eyes, I hugged them knowing I’d reached my goal.
Since then, I’ve run 13 more marathons. I’m not sure if I’ll run another, but remembering each race still gives me that itch—to lace up, to head outside, to chase the next challenge.
The more I look back, the more inspired I feel about what’s ahead.
The same thing happens when I look back on our company history.
A humble beginning
I have seen every single stage of our company (BHB Pest Elimination in New York). From the very first days when my dad started the company with nothing but dreams and his determination to succeed.
Our first office was our hallway closet in our home. I went with him to pick up desks from the used furniture stores when we finally grew into an office. It took a long time, but somewhere along the way things began to click, and decades later, we gained traction. We grew.
It’s strange for me to realize that other than myself, not one person in our company today worked with my dad. With every new employee, we begin our training program by sharing our company history so they understand not just the company we are today, but the struggles and steps that made us the company we are today.
Celebrating milestones
This worked, kind of. Everyone knew the story, but I don’t think they really felt our story. Until we moved into a new office. Our new NYC office is beautiful, with exposed brick and a glass-wall conference room. And room for a big entry wall, perfect for a statement piece. We chose a timeline with hexagons that highlighted our company’s history.
Everyone who walks through our doors sees our history. It’s all there – When my dad started it, when I joined, pivotal expansions and when my son joined.
Everyone loved it. I couldn’t stop staring at it. Like a wall of medals, it’s a visual reminder of everything we’ve built. But here’s the best part: there are still blank hexagons—spaces waiting to be filled.
It’s not just a tribute to the past. It’s a promise to the future.
Looking back to move forward
Looking back reminds us how far we’ve come. But more importantly, it inspires us to keep going. To build what’s next. Because in both running and in business, looking back helps us move forward.
The trademarked Plodia/Trogoderma/Lasioderma (PTL) Multi-Species Kit (IL-408-10) moth and beetle trap features Insect Limited’s signature pheromone Bullet Lures. The lures attract the most common pests of dried goods with a controlled release of pheromone over three months:
Moths: Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella), Mediterranean flour moths (Ephestia kuehniella), almond moths (E. cautella), tobacco moths (E. elutella) and other food moth species
Trogoderma food beetles: warehouse beetle (T. variabile), Khapra beetle (T. granarium), glabrous cabinet beetle (T. glabrum), larger cabinet beetles (T. inclusum) and more
Cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne)
Male moths and beetles are attracted to the lure and are readily stuck in the glue when paired with a sticky trap trapping system. The Bullet Lures are paired with the NoSurvivor Trap. These traps can easily be hung in closets or throughout other living spaces, warehouses or storage rooms. Insects that are attracted to the lure are readily stuck in the glue upon entering the trap.
This PTL Multi-Species Kit pairs the science of insect biology to the technology of a trapping system to assist you with the task of monitoring for these pests. For an integrated pest management program, monitoring can ultimately help you reduce pest numbers. When paired with a trapping system, the lures do this by indicating:
Whether pests are present.
Their direction of origin.
Whether the control measures — such as removal of the infested product, increased sanitation, freezing, etc. — are working.
Insects Limited was founded in 1982 by David Mueller, BCE, a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2019).
We asked Pest Management Professional’s columnists and editorial advisory board members for some good business tips when it comes to mosquito control services. Here are some of their responses from our April 2025 print edition.
Doug Foster
Michael Broder: “It can be helpful to incorporate mosquito stations into service protocols to have a visual reminder that shows customers you’re constantly protecting them.”
Doug Foster: “Mosquito control is a great service to add on or bundle with your other regular services, such as quarterly, tri-annual or tick control for residential customers. You already have a relationship with them and are visiting on a regular basis. Mosquito treatments, especially misting, can also enhance your other insect control strategies.”
Glen Ramsey
Paul Hardy: “Remember that mosquito control should be a partnership with customers. They should be responsible for removing potential harborage sites you identify during an inspection, such as birdbaths and clogged gutters. If they cannot or are unwilling to do it themselves, add it to your program protocols — and charge accordingly.”
Glen Ramsey: “Don’t forget to use larvicide granules or briquettes as part of your service. These can help extend the effectiveness of your treatments between application events, and they become more effective when it rains.”
Desiree Straubinger
Pete Schopen: “Use postal codes and direct-mail postcards to pinpoint mosquito-heavy communities. Many pest control companies make the mistake of mass mailing an entire town. This is costly and is like trying to kill an elephant with a BB gun. Instead, look for areas with flooding issues or recent heavy rains, and mail mosquito postcards to just those areas. Your sales numbers will be better and at a much lower marketing cost.”
Desiree Straubinger: “Mosquito treatments are a great way to add additional revenue to an existing contract. You’re already visiting the home or business, so no additional drive time is required. A customer who is just getting mosquito treatment could become a pest control customer in the future. After performing service in mosquito-prone areas, take a few minutes to place door hangers or other advertising on neighboring houses that are not current customers.”
Insect monitors are essential tools in the fight against German cockroach infestations, offering PMPs valuable insights into the scope and location of the problem. One of the key benefits of these glue board monitors is their ability to estimate the proximity to the cockroach nest.
Because approximately 70 percent of a cockroach population consists of nymphs, which tend to stay close to their harborage, a high number of nymphs detected on a monitor typically indicates the nest is nearby. This is critical information, as targeting the area near the nest is the most effective approach
for eradication.
Conversely, if the monitor primarily detects adult cockroaches, it may suggest the nest is farther away. Adults are more mobile, venturing out to search for food and water, whereas nymphs remain closer to their shelter.
By understanding this behavior, PMPs can accurately assess the nest’s location and tailor
their treatment strategies for more efficient and targeted intervention.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/insect-monitors-offer-insights-into-the-scope-and-location-of-german-cockroach-infestations/ Sacramento CA
Cockroach baits have become an essential tool in the war against cockroaches. When using gel baits, product selection and bait placement are key. Bait matrices can vary widely. Select a bait matrix that is highly attractive to multiple species of cockroaches and is filled with the sugars, fats and proteins that are common in kitchens.
Also, consider using multiple AIs. For instance, borates pair well with fipronil and many other AIs. Combining borates with other AIs creates a synergistic effect that improves knockdown.
Plus, including borates as part of your control program means you don’t need to worry about pesticide resistance. At this writing, no known population of pests has developed a resistance to borates.
For the best results, place pea-sized spots of gel bait near harborages and other locations where cockroaches are likely to hide or travel. This allows more cockroaches to feed at once. It also helps cockroach baits retain moisture and stay effective over a longer period while increasing the number of bait placements to maximize your efforts.
Veseris will host a free webinar, “Suspend Contact & Residual Aerosol,” on April 17 at 12 p.m. Eastern.
The webinar will see Dr. Alvaro Romero, technical market development manager for Envu, share more about Suspend Contact & Residual Aerosol, a pest control solution from Envu. According to the company, it offers fast-acting knockdown and long-lasting residual protection, designed to efficiently eliminate and prevent pests.
Dr. Romero is an urban entomologist and bed bug expert with nearly 25 years of research experience. Romero holds a veterinary degree, with graduate studies in veterinary and urban entomology. He has used his knowledge to address public health issues caused by arthropod pests and has spent over 12 years as a professor focusing on reemerging bed bugs and the improved management of these pests.
[SPONSORED CONTENT] Are mosquitoes invading your customer’s family space? For quick relief, apply VECTOR KLEER, the first in a line of essential oil insecticides from Control Solutions! VECTOR KLEER is engineered with essential oils to provide a robust defense against pests with less impact to the environment.
VECTOR KLEER is an environmentally conscious solution that is effective against mosquitoes, fleas, and other home and yard pests. It can be applied both indoors and outdoors, it’s easy to use, and it leaves behind a pleasant scent.
Atlanta, Ga.-based Rollins Inc. acquired Saela Holdings LLC, a rapidly expanding pest management company based in Orem, Utah.
Key highlights
Founded in 2008 as Edge Pest Control, Saela provides services for both residential and commercial customers across nine states. The company has a diversified approach to customer acquisition, deploying traditional inside sales teams, technician sales efforts and door-to-door marketing services.
Saela brings over $65 million in annual revenue and operations across nine states, with more than 250 employees. This move bolsters Rollins’ presence in the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West and Midwestern regions.
Saela’s recognition on the Inc. 5000 list highlights its rapid growth.
Saela will operate as a standalone brand, complementing Rollins’ existing portfolio.
Further transaction details will be disclosed during Rollins’ first quarter 2025 earnings conference call.
The Potomac Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Saela on the transaction.
About Rollins Inc.
Rollins has more than 2.8 million customers, 20,000 employees and 800 locations throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Rollins is parent to Orkin, HomeTeam Pest Defense, Clark Pest Control, Northwest Exterminating, McCall Service, Trutech, Critter Control, Western Pest Services, Waltham Services, OPC Pest Services, The Industrial Fumigant Co., PermaTreat, Crane Pest Control, MissQuito, Fox Pest Control, Orkin Canada, Orkin Australia, Safeguard (United Kingdom), Aardwolf Pestkare (Singapore), and more.
Gary Rollins, Rollins’ Executive Chairman Emeritus of the Board, is a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2012).
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Termidor Termiticide/Insecticide. From Termidor SC – the foundational solution that revolutionized termite treatments — to Termidor HE — the groundbreaking innovation that enables time and labor efficiencies — BASF is celebrating a legacy of excellence with savings across the entire family of trusted Termidor solutions from April 1, 2025, to April 30, 2025. Plus, save on Trelona and Advance termite baits, products from the versatile Alpine and Fendona brand families, Selontra Rodent Bait, and fast-acting, heavy-hitting Ridesco WG Insecticide.
See authorized distributor
for pricing and promotional savings of up to:
$15.00
About BASF
BASF Corp., headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $25.7 billion in 2022.
BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future by combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of its customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. BASF’s portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions.
From March 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025, purchase select Neogen SureKill brand insecticides and rodenticides and earn money back. When you reach $100 in SureKill Evolve SC in particular (pictured), you can receive an additional 20 percent of the total rebate amount. Exclusions apply, see website for details.
Product Category
Product Type
Product Number
Product Name
Rebate Amount
Insecticides
Liquid Concentrates
2438020
SureKill Evolve SC pint
$4.00
2437010
SureKill Evolve SC gal
$40.00
Gel Baits
9304040
SureKill Ant Gel Bait 4 pk
$5.00
9304070 New SKU
SureKill Ant Gel Bait 30 pk
$40.00
Insect Control Equipment
368164
SureKill Liquid Pro Applicator
$10.00
381619
SureKill Gel Bait Pro Applicator
$5.00
Rodenticides
Bait Blocks
116836
SureKill Brand Command Blocks
$10.00
112831
SureKill Brand Assault® Blocks
$15.00
116355
SureKill Brand Guardian Blocks
$10.00
About Neogen
Neogen provides a comprehensive range of solutions and services for the food processing, animal protein and agriculture industries, not only helping to protect the world’s food supply, but helping to enable its customers to produce more efficiently and effectively.
Back in 1982, per a history that appears on the Neogen website, scientific innovations blossoming out of Michigan State University needed an avenue to reach the people who could use them to better the world — solutions searching for problems. The university reached out to the men who would become Neogen’s founders, Ted Doan and James Herbert, and soon after, the company was born. What started as a small team that held organization-wide meetings in a single hallway in Lansing, Mich., expanded into new industries and new states, soon reaching across one ocean, then another. Neogen became a publicly traded company in 1989. Today, it has teams stationed in 12 countries and a sales presence in more than 140.
IMAGE: WILLIAM BLAIR/PCO M&A SPECIALISTS PEST INDEX
The proprietary William Blair/PCO M&A Specialists Pest Index increased 9 percent year-over-year in February 2025, the same as January’s result. The first two months of 2025 were slightly below the long-term average pest index growth rate of 10 percent.
“After normalizing for one less workday in February, the pest index increased 12 percent to 13 percent year-over-year,” says William Blair Equity Researcher Tim Mulrooney. “This is slightly stronger than January on a workday-adjusted basis, which may be partly explained by more difficult weather comparisons in January.”
Dan Gordon, CPA, who is Pest Management Professional’s financial columnist as well as a managing member in PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, added, “These results are in line with expectations, demonstrating the pest market’s overall strength and consistency.”
February 2025’s results by segment include:
The Residential Pest Index increased 9 percent year-over-year.
The Commercial Pest Index increased 10 percent year-over-year.
The Termite Index increased 8 percent year-over-year.
The Bed Bug Index increased 4 percent year-over-year.
About the William Blair/PCO M&A Specialists Pest Index
The William Blair/PCO M&A Specialists Pest Index tracks the monthly performance of 153 privately held pest control companies across 38 states with combined annual 2024 revenue of $562 million. The purpose of the report is to track the monthly performance of several different U.S. pest markets. It does not include residential door-to-door companies.
It’s no secret that climate factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity and atmospheric pressure can influence pest activity. We observe this each year as plants and animals seemingly come to life as we transition from cold winter to warm spring. While temperature is an important driver of these changes, it’s often the combination of these factors, such as warmer temperatures combined with increased rainfall, that can have the biggest influence on seasonal pest abundance.
Spring weather: A catalyst for vegetation growth
Spring in the United States (March through May) generally is characterized by the onset of both warmer weather and increased rainfall. This abundance of moisture catapults plant life into action, turning dry brown landscapes into lush green habitats in a few short months. Unfortunately, blooming plants may not be the only thing April showers lead to. The sudden surge in vegetation growth also can provide an “uptick” in the preferred habitat for many hard-bodied tick species.
Ticks: Thriving in dense vegetation
Ticks primarily thrive in areas with dense vegetation growth, such as tall grasses, leaf litter and shrubs, because these overgrown habitats provide moisture, shade and hiding spots for ticks. As areas with dense vegetation increase, viable habitats for these ticks also increase, expanding their local range and increasing exposure risk to people and animals.
Proactive strategies for pest management
While pest management professionals (PMPs) can’t stop the rain from falling or plants from growing, we can be proactive in working with homeowners to educate them on the importance of landscape management to reduce tick pressure around structures before the growing season starts. During peak months, we must remain vigilant about identifying, noting and addressing areas of concern.
Lastly, but equally important, ensure that wood piles, fallen leaves and other landscape debris are not allowed to accumulate in the fall, as these can provide ideal overwintering sites for ticks.
While PMPs cannot control weather patterns or plant growth, they can help homeowners mitigate tick risks:
Landscape management: Educate them on the importance of landscape management to reduce tick pressure around structures before the growing season starts.
Monitoring risk areas: During peak months, we must remain vigilant about identifying, noting and addressing areas of concern.
Debris removal: Ensure that wood piles, fallen leaves and other landscape debris are not allowed to accumulate in the fall, as these can provide ideal overwintering sites for ticks.
The 2025 Women in Pest Control conference, held on March 6–7 at the historic Rumely Event Space in Kansas City, was a testament to the growing influence of women in the pest control industry. Over two days, an inspiring group of professionals came together to celebrate education, collaboration and empowerment.
Before the conference officially began, a select group of attendees was treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Rockwell Labs, headquartered in Kansas City. Founder Cisse Sparagins and Vice President of Marketing David Murphy welcomed attendees, with Sparagins providing a personal, in-depth look at the company’s research, development and manufacturing processes.
Education emphasized
Throughout the conference, industry leaders shared their expertise through educational sessions designed to foster learning and professional growth. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in the pest control industry. I had the great privilege of being one of those presenters on the first day, leading a session on the fundamentals of pest control sales.
The first day of the conference concluded with a memorable banquet, where attendees had the chance to network, celebrate achievements and strengthen professional relationships. The camaraderie and support among women in the industry were evident, creating a sense of community that will continue to grow long after the event. The second day was filled with more engaging sessions, reinforcing the themes of empowerment, education and advancement.
Hard work and leadership honored
A highlight of the banquet was the award ceremony, recognizing outstanding individuals making a difference in the pest control industry, as well as vendors that have supported the Women in Pest Control organization for five years. Pest Management Professional magazine was among those honored, and I had the privilege of accepting their award on their behalf, playing a thank-you message from Diane Sofranec.
Individual awards included:
Salesperson of the Year – Natalie Williams
Technician of the Year – Seana Hall
Bobby Terry Humanitarian Award – Shelia Patterson
Business Grant Award – Emily Kriley, owner of Pink Pest Solutions
These awards showcased the dedication, hard work and leadership of women across various roles in pest control.
Expo hall highlights new innovations
Another major highlight of the conference was the expo hall, featuring pest control manufacturers that proudly support the Women in Pest Control organization. One of the most exciting announcements came from Web-Cote Industries, which revealed a new partnership with Women in Pest Control. They introduced Women in Pest Control-branded glue board monitors, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale going back to the organization. This initiative not only provides valuable products to pest management professionals but also ensures ongoing support for the mission of empowering women in the industry.
As the event concluded, one thing was clear—Women in Pest Control is not just a conference; it’s a movement. With strong industry support and a passionate community driving it forward, the future of women in pest control looks brighter than ever.
The AMGUARD Pest & Green Solutions Spring Savings promotion runs April 1, 2025, through May 31, 2025. Save now on:
• Avesta CS: Controlled-release lambda-cyhalothrin for effective and lasting pest protection
• BioMop Plus: Microbial blend helps break down organic waste and grease on floors
• DrainGel: Microbial blend helps eliminate grease and organic buildup in drains
• Navigator SC: Fipronil termite- and ant-killing power
• Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol: Controls resistant and susceptible bed bugs and other labeled pests
• Nuvan Prostrips and Nuvan Prostrips+: Restricted-use pesticides control bed bugs, spiders, flies and other listed pests
• Orthene PCO Pellets: German cockroach control in commercial kitchens
• ProVerde Broad Spectrum Insect Killer: Rapid knockdown and kill, strong flushing action and clear formulation. It is registered in the 25(b) category, considered minimum risk through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
• ProVerde Dust Insecticide: Controls pyrethroid-resistant roaches. Also FIFRA 25(b) exempt
• ProVerde Wasp & Hornet Killer: Destroys nests and delivers rapid knockdown and kill. Also FIFRA 25(b) exempt
• Summit B.t.i. Briquets: Featuring Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, these are deadly to mosquito larvae, but harmless to most other aquatic organisms, including fish, reptiles and amphibians
• Wisdom G L/N: Bifenthrin granular on a sand carrier for lawn, nursery, perimeter and U.S. Department of Agriculture imported fire ant quarantine use
About AMGUARD Environmental Technologies
AMGUARD Environmental Technologies is an emerging provider of non-crop and specialty technology solutions for the U.S. public health; pest control; ornamental and greenhouse; golf; lawn and landscape; foodservice and consumer markets. It is the specialty markets division of AMVAC Chemical Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Vanguard Corp. From its headquarters and labs based in Morrisville, N.C., part of the Research Triangle Park region, AMGUARD discovers, develops and commercializes a diverse portfolio of proven chemistries, innovative technologies and green solutions into diverse markets. Its team is committed to protecting the population from disease vectors, mitigating structural pest damage, creating healthy foodservice environments and outdoor living spaces, and maintaining outdoor sports and recreation venues. Its mission is to provide customers with powerful technology solutions to keep their businesses strong and growing.
“Having been able to bring Joe on board The Clendenin Anthony Partnership is a big deal for us. Joe is absolutely one of the most talented and capable lawn and ornamental experts in the country. His role will be consulting with lawn care operators toward achieving exponential growth and healthy, sustainable profit,” TCCG principal Greg Clendenin stated.
Clendenin is a past board member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), and is past chairman of the NPMA’s Quality Pro certification program. He built Middleton Lawn and Pest Control into the 14th-largest company in the industry before selling it in 2005 and then, as CEO, began to add acquisitions that same year post-sale. He started The Clendenin Consulting Group in 2018 focusing mainly on mergers and acquisitions, but also assisting owners to achieve exponential growth and profit improvement on a sustainable basis.
More on Welch
He most recently served as the chairman of the pesticide committee representing the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) in the initial creation of the Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices.
Welch retired from Massey Services in August 2021.
In 2010, Massey Services acquired Middleton Lawn and Pest Control, where Welch continued his career as the technical and training director for Massey’s lawn and ornamental division.
During this time, Middleton grew to the county’s 14th-largest pest control and lawn service firm.
Has been a certified operator since 1984. He was promoted to corporate service director for Middleton in 1985. In the role of corporate service director, he was responsible for developing agronomic programs for turf, shrub and tree care, providing agronomic training for management and technicians, managing inventory and overseeing purchasing for more than 36 offices.
Welch began his career in the lawn care industry in 1981 as a lawn and ornamental technician with Middleton Lawn and Pest Control in Orlando, Fla.
“I’ve had the privilege to work with Greg in the past when he was the CEO of Middleton. I am excited to be back working with Greg and Graham in providing consulting in all aspects of the lawn and ornamental industry. We can assist in helping operators to achieve a steady growing and very profitable lawn care service,” Welch said.
A person or animal bitten by an infected mosquito and falls ill has a mosquito-borne disease or virus.
In the United States, these may include:
West Nile virus
Eastern equine encephalitis
Dengue
Chikungunya
Zika virus
Cache Valley virus
Jamestown Canyon virus
La Crosse encephalitis
St. Louis encephalitis
Natasha Wright
Pest control offers protection, but often, the challenge is making customers aware your company provides mosquito management services in the first place.
“Oddly enough, many people do not associate pest control with mosquito control,” says Natasha Wright, BCE, technical director of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, Agawam, Mass. “Be sure to educate your customers on all your pest control services.”
Why you should educate your customers
Getting customers to realize they already use a company that offers mosquito control services can be challenging, but it helps to train technicians to ask customers during their general pest control service whether they have concerns about other pests.
Expert strategies
“Mosquitoes are a small percentage of our business but a major concern for our customers. Mosquitoes may carry disease; no one likes being bitten because you don’t know whether it is spreading disease. Suppressing mosquitoes around the exterior of homes allows our customers to spend more time in their yards and gives them peace of mind.” – Greg Bausch, ACE, VP of American City Pest & Termite in Gardena, Calif.
“From the moment a customer or potential customer inquires about mosquito control, both our sales team and technicians have the training and knowledge to effectively explain the mosquito services Lawn Plus offers. Our technicians can also recommend this service to a lawn care customer who may not receive mosquito service through our invoicing.” – Chelsea Evans, customer relations manager, Lawn Plus in West Alexandria, Ohio
“We go over the benefits of this service as a supplement to regular household pest control. We encourage our technicians and customer service representatives to regularly remind our current clients of our mosquito service and its benefits.” – Jacob Morehouse, director of pest prevention for Honor Services in Melbourne, Fla.
“Our customers tell their friends and neighbors about how they experience a mosquito-free backyard when visiting each other and want to hear more. Our technicians also promote mosquito service by talking to our current pest control customers.” –Kim Adamson, owner, Pest & Mosquito Authority in Ellijay, Ga.
“Customers are unpredictable. I’ve mentioned mosquito control to some customers I was sure would say yes, but they turned it down. I’ve also mentioned it ‘just because’ to customers I never thought would be interested, but they were.” – Brian Horning, owner of Pest Pirates in Richland, Pa.
Tips to conquer conducive conditions
Brian Horning
Conducive conditions are a common issue with clients seeking mosquito management. Morehouse says Honor Services’ technicians thoroughly inspect a customer’s property for mosquito-conducive conditions before treatment because such conditions can pop up between services.
“If we had a lot of rain, there may be puddles of water around the property that may not have been there before. Or water may have gathered on patio furniture and lawn decorations,” Morehouse explains. “That’s why we keep our customers up to date with any conducive conditions we find and offer recommendations on how to correct them.”
Alan Harlan, ACE
Alan Harlan, ACE, VP of service and quality control for Team Pest USA in Loganville, Ga., says new customers get a follow-up phone call to confirm the level of service they received. At that time, they are reminded of the company’s additional services and how it can solve a variety of other pest problems, including mosquitoes. In addition, technicians keep an eye out for issues that could lead to pests.
“Technicians visiting the customer’s home conduct a thorough inspection and report any problem areas and conducive conditions,” Harlan says. “This is not a sales pitch; this is offering solutions to existing issues.”
Educating customers helps encourage them to eliminate mosquito breeding sites found in birdbaths, flowerpots, discarded tires and gutters. Evans says Lawn Plus technicians target the active mosquito population using effective pest control services, regular monitoring and educating customers by informing them of the most common breeding sites in their yards.
Chelsea Evans
“We’ve also introduced a mosquito bucket service designed to target both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes,” Evans adds. “The buckets contain a specialized larvicide, and when mosquitoes fly out of the bucket, they spread the treatment to nearby breeding sites, which helps control the overall mosquito population.”
Bausch agrees that finding the source of the mosquitoes can be a challenge because the source of the infestation often is not on the customer’s property. “Depending on the mosquito species, it can be quite a bit away,” he says. “For this reason, we often are left with treating adult mosquito harborage areas or using mosquito stations. Both are suppression services, so educating the customer is extremely important.”
Mosquito services appeal to customers who want to be outside with friends and family without fearing multiple bites from mosquitoes.
Jacob Morehouse
“Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest organism, and even in America, they are vectors of some nasty diseases,” says Harlan. “Being able to spend time outside with loved ones without the worry and discomfort of mosquitoes improves their quality of life.”
Honor Services’ customers rely on the company to make their yards more enjoyable, considering their climate. “Mosquito service is effective and not as expensive as it has been in the past,” says Morehouse. “When we spend time with our customers, educate them about conducive conditions and set proper expectations, mosquito service can be a good service for our revenue and their well-being.”
Setting customer expectations is crucial when providing mosquito services.
“Some customers have an unrealistic expectation that you are somehow creating an impenetrable force field around their home,” says Wright. “Mosquito programs are meant for suppression to tolerable levels, not total elimination of every mosquito in the vicinity.”
Tips to market your mosquito control services more effectively
Greg Bausch, ACE
If you’ve ever arrived at a home to provide general pest control services and spotted another company’s mosquito services sign in the yard, it’s time to market your mosquito control services more effectively.
While your current customer base may offer your biggest opportunity to sell your mosquito services, don’t pass up the opportunity to generate extra revenue by seeking out new customers.
Wright says Braman Termite & Pest Elimination uses direct-mail pieces and extra-large yard signs advertising mosquito control services to help get the word out.
In addition to sending emails to current customers, Bausch says American City Pest & Termite advertises on social media and uses door hangers to help promote the company’s mosquito services.
Team Pest USA sends customers emails specific to the season and uses social media, too, to raise awareness of its mosquito services, says Harlan.
Mosquito services appeal to customers looking to spend more time outdoors without worrying about the impact mosquitoes may have on their loved ones and pets. Target new and existing customers to get that point across.
