For many years now, Syngenta has matched its previous contribution, helping Pi Chi Omega continue to award six scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students studying urban and structural pest management. This includes five $2,500 scholarships and one $3,500 scholarship.
“As past Chair of the Scholarship Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how much this support means to the students we fund,” said President Desiree Straubinger, BCE. “Because of Syngenta’s consistency and generosity, we’ve been able to maintain the strength of our scholarship program year after year — and that continuity makes a big difference for these students.”
Berry Cothern, district manager at Syngenta, shared similar sentiments and emphasized that Syngenta’s commitment to Pi Chi Omega is part of a long-term investment in the future of our industry.
“Many scholarship recipients go on to contribute meaningfully to the pest management field,” Berry said. “We’re proud to support a program that helps shape such passionate, knowledgeable professionals.”
Since its founding, Pi Chi Omega has awarded scholarships to 149 students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders, educators and innovators in the pest control profession.
About Pi Chi Omega
Pi Chi Omega is a national fraternity for pest management professionals. Initiated in 1950 by six students of Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Dr. John Osmun (Class of 1997) at Purdue University, the fraternity today is comprised of nearly 450 members representing 38 states and four foreign countries. These members are considered to be some of the most distinguished, dedicated and talented professionals in the industry.
Thermal-Acoustic-Pest Control (TAP) Pest Control Insulation is the only product registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help prevent and eliminate 21 potentially destructive and disease-transmitting pests from entering homes. It also holds Energy Star and UL classifications, ensuring thermal efficiency throughout the year.
Pest management professionals who offer TAP Pest Control Insulation report great success and have built client loyalty as trusted pest management providers in their area. In addition to the product, the Pest Control Insulation (PCI) team offers sales and installation programs and access to exclusive content, tools, equipment and maintenance support at no additional cost.
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.
Phil Cooper, second-generation pest management professional and CEO of TRNZ4m, founded the AGP program to support service companies by elevating their employees’ soft and hard skills.
The program harnesses your field service managers’ current skills, but aims to help them improve in areas such as:
How to manage teams properly.
Calculate the cost of goods sold.
How to analyze downtime and labor hours.
“The most valuable tool I learned from AGP was the importance of intentionally scheduling quality interaction time in the field with technicians,” said Hozey. “By dedicating time to be present, I identified issues, provided real-time corrections and offered hands-on training, strengthening communication and team efficiency.”
Before enrolling, Hozey was primarily running routes, and had less experience with technology and data analysis.
“I lacked confidence in using technology,” he admitted. “AGP helped me develop those skills. Now I can analyze data, run reports and make informed decisions that improve our operations.”
According to the company, the main goals of the program are to:
Invest in your employees’ satisfaction.
Increase the rate of happier customers.
Accelerate your gross profits to help grow your business.
“Jim has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, observing his growth throughout this AGP program has only reinforced his potential,” said Ken Gipson, Hozey’s manager at Rose Pest Solutions. “His progression has elevated him to new heights, I am excited to witness his continued development as a great leader. I am honored to have him lead my team.“
Orkin Pest Control, in partnership with their creative agency DDB Chicago, is kicking off the pest season with a new national campaign, “Pests are smart, Orkin pros are smarter.” The campaign highlights how pests sneak into homes and businesses and how Orkin pros stop them.
From beer-loving cockroaches to fearless backyard mosquitoes, each spot of the campaign features handcrafted puppets from Wes Anderson’s team and taps into real entomological facts to show how cunning pests can be.
“With this campaign, we wanted to spotlight just how smart and well-trained our Orkin Pros really are,” said Cam Glover, vice president of marketing at Orkin USA. “So, we mixed real pest facts with a little puppet magic to bring each scenario to life. The result? A fun, memorable way to show how Orkin delivers serious know-how—and serious peace of mind — to every home and business we serve.”
With the onset of warmer weather, the campaign is timed to reinforce Orkin’s expertise during the most active pest season of the year.
“Working closely with Orkin’s team of entomologists allowed us to develop a campaign rooted in scientific accuracy, while bringing a distinct, creative, almost human-like edge to how we portray pests,” said Colin Selikow, CCO at DDB Chicago. “The result is a visually striking and unexpected take on pest control that balances credibility with imaginative storytelling.”
Gourmet Ant Bait Gel has been an effective tool for pest management professionals to use for ant and cockroach control for more than two decades. The product is sold in Canada as Green Way Ant & Roach Gel Bait.
Gourmet Ant Bait Gel’s exclusive formulation is attractive to sweet- and protein-feeding ants, as well as German cockroaches (Blatellagermanica). The gel is clear when applied, stays clear, and won’t get runny even at temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours. There is no documented resistance to the active ingredient, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, the company says. The competitively priced product is packaged six syringes and six plungers to a box.
About Innovative Pest Control Products
Based in Gainesville, Fla., Innovative Pest Control Products was founded in 1999 by pest management professional and entomologist Alan Bernard to provide high-quality products for the professional pest control industry. Today, his daughter Sarah is the president of the company; she holds a master’s degree in entomology. Notable products include:
Gourmet Ant Bait
Green Way Liquid Ant Killing Bait Pre-filled RTU Bait Stations
AXN Growth Partners increases Arizona presence following seventh strategic partnership with Urban Desert Pest Control. PHOTO: AXN GROWTH PARTNERS
AXN Growth Partners, the parent company of ACTION Termite and Pest Control, recently formed a strategic partnership with Urban Desert Pest Control, a residential and commercial pest control company based in Phoenix, Ariz. The move marks AXN’s seventh partnership in the last 11 months and increases its presence in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
“With over two decades of pest control expertise, Urban Desert will be instrumental in helping us continue to grow in the Phoenix market,” said Brent Agee, CEO of AXN Growth Partners, “Brad and Trista Olsen, founders of Urban Desert, will continue in leadership roles with AXN and Urban Desert, respectively. We are excited for the future as we combine forces and share resources to deliver even greater service to our clients.”
The partnership is AXN’s first in 2025 and sixth in the Phoenix metro area. It was made to enhance its market presence and customer density throughout the broader Phoenix market.
In a joint statement, Urban Desert co-owners Brad and Trista Olsen noted that, “Our employees will benefit from better benefits, more growth opportunities and the backing of a company that truly values its people. We’re also thrilled about the chance to expand our reach and grow the Urban Desert brand in ways we never imagined possible.“
About AXN Growth Partners
AXN Growth Partners was formed in 2025 as the parent of ACTION Termite & Pest Control, along
with seven other brand partners, including Urban Desert. The AXN team is dedicated to driving success
by providing industry expertise and resources to its partners. The company is led by Brent Agee, CEO.
As the pest management industry continues to evolve toward more sustainable and humane control methods, one product is gaining rapid traction for its novel approach. SenesTech’s trademarked Evolve Rat Birth Control is a soft bait designed specifically to reduce rat populations by targeting fertility — not through toxins, but by effectively curbing reproduction.
Designated as a minimum-risk pesticide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under FIFRA 25(b), Evolve represents a new frontier in integrated pest management (IPM). Formulated for ease of deployment and broad environmental compatibility, Evolve is highly palatable, designed to attract rats even in the presence of alternative food sources, and can be strategically placed in a wide range of urban, agricultural, and commercial environments.
“Adding fertility control to IPM programs can increase long-term effectiveness by up to 90 percent, especially in chronic or large-scale infestations,” says Joel Fruendt, president and CEO of SenesTech. “Evolve enables pest professionals to go beyond traditional kill-based methods by addressing the root cause of infestations: uncontrolled reproduction.”
Evolve is currently available in consumer sized 1.5- and 3-pound soft bait pouches, as well as professional-use 6- and 12-pouch pails. It is already in use in major U.S. cities — including Baltimore, Md.; San Francisco, Calif.; New York, N.Y; and Chicago, Ill. — where it’s being deployed by municipal agencies and business districts seeking long-term, humane rat population control.
Evolve does not pose secondary risks to non-target animals, making it particularly appealing in areas with pets, wildlife or sensitive ecosystems. It is labeled for use near schools, food-handling facilities, green infrastructure projects and public spaces, where safety and sustainability are priorities.
For pest management professionals, Evolve provides a differentiated service offering, a way to stand out by promoting science-backed, future-forward solutions that deliver measurable, lasting results.
The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the consumer marketing and public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), shared its 2024 annual report. The 2024 report showcases how PPMA’s collective efforts from media outreach, digital advertising, video content creation and more work to deliver value for the industry.
“We’re delivering powerful, far-reaching campaigns that are making a real difference in how people perceive pest control,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, BCE, executive director of PPMA. “And with every passing year, these programs and their impact only grow stronger. Backed by data-driven insights from polls, surveys and AI-powered analysis, we ensure our messaging not only reaches audiences but truly resonates and moves the needle for the industry.”
The redesign of Mainframe, which provides subscribing pest control companies with a user-friendly interface and customizable resources, industry insights and trending content. The upgrade aimed to make it easier for businesses to leverage tools to grow, adapt and succeed.
The PPMA’s paid social media strategy leveraged platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest to capture 68.5 million impressions.
Media outreach efforts used targeted messaging to allow content to appear in national publications to educate consumers on the necessity of professional pest control.
“Each new campaign, media placement, and advertisement strengthens our industry’s reputation – ensuring that professional pest control is recognized, valued and respected,” said Bobby Jenkins, a Pest Management Professional (PMP) columnist and owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin, Texas. “Together with our investors, suppliers and dedicated pest management professionals, we’re driving business growth and securing a thriving future for all pest control companies for generations to come.”
Dr. Fredericks also spoke on the goal of the organization’s year-round programming to continue to raise the bar in driving long-term growth for the pest control industry.
“Our success in 2024 has set the stage for an even more exciting 2025,” Dr. Fredericks added. “We’re committed to advancing the industry and reinforcing the critical importance of pest management services for homes, businesses and communities alike.”
SpringGreen offers pest management professionals (PMPs) a unique opportunity to expand their operations, become a responsible certified applicator, or sell their business to a trusted, growing brand in the lawn, pest, and tree care industry.
As a leading provider of integrated services, SpringGreen allows PMPs to diversify by adding complementary services like lawn care and tree maintenance, which can increase customer retention and create new profitable recurring revenue streams. With SpringGreen, you gain access to a proven business model, industry-leading technology, national buying power and extensive operations, sales, and marketing support.
If you’re considering selling, SpringGreen offers competitive buyout options, ensuring your legacy continues while providing you with the freedom to explore new opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to expand or transition out of the business, SpringGreen is positioned to be an ideal partner for long-term success.
About Spring Green
Founded in 1977, SpringGreen offers lawn, tree and pest services to more than 7,500 communities nationwide.
ConidioTec, makers of Aprehend, offers free, live, practical bed bug training for pest management professionals (PMPs). Held via Zoom and at your convenience, Aprehend co-founder and Chief Tech Officer Dr. Nina Jenkins will show you and your team how to boost efficacy and efficiency in the field. Choose from topics such as customer prep, assessment-based pest management, protocols for multi-unit housing and hospitality, addressing challenging high-traffic areas, strategic barrier placement, complimentary products, customer education and more. It’s an excellent opportunity to hone your bed bug protocol and maximize treatment time in the field.
In addition, the Aprehend Training Video Series on The Aprehend Channel on YouTube can be watched on demand. The series of seven short videos discusses information essential to successful treatment for bed bug prevention and elimination. Starting with bed bug biology in segment one and ending with Aprehend storage and handling, viewers will finish the series with understanding and confidence for success with Aprehend. The entire series is 36 minutes in duration. Also, find tips and tricks that make your bed bug work faster and easier.
About Aprehend
Aprehend is manufactured by ConidioTec, a privately held company based in Centre Hall, Pa. Its initial product, Aprehend, was launched in 2017 based on technology licensed from Pennsylvania State University. Aprehend is now sold throughout the U.S. and Canada and is increasingly relied upon for challenging infestations in residences, multi-unit housing, rental properties, long-term care facilities and commercial properties.
The 2025 conference attracted over 450 attendees representing more than 50 countries, making it the most diverse gathering in the event’s history. The two-day event, presented in collaboration with Ecovar, a leading industry product supplier based in Dubai, focused on addressing the unique pest management challenges and opportunities across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and India.
Dominique Stumpf, CAE, CEO of NPMA, stands with Hani Shehadeh, CEO of Ecovar. PHOTO COURTESY OF NPMA
“PestWorld East 2025 reminded us why we do what we do. It wasn’t just a conference — it was a convergence of purpose,” said Hani Shehadeh, CEO, Ecovar. “Seeing the region’s brightest minds unite around innovation, public health and progress was deeply energizing. At Ecovar, we are not here to observe industry change — we’re here to proudly drive it alongside NPMA and our partners.”
Educational excellence
Attendees had the opportunity to learn from leading experts about the latest advances in pest biology and elimination strategies.
A packed audience listening to one of the educational presentations. PHOTO COURTESY OF NPMA
The comprehensive educational program covered topics, including:
New service techniques to protect public health.
The importance of effective rodent control programs.
Strategies for dealing with challenges in commercial accounts.
Sustainable pest management approaches.
Innovation showcase
The show floor featured several stands from companies based in the Middle and Far East, but also had a good representation of companies from Europe. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NPMA
In addition to the educational program, attendees also had a chance to hear from vendors and explore the newest technologies available from the 40 exhibitors within the exhibition. Vendors from around the world showcased innovative products, services and solutions designed to enhance pest management efficacy and sustainability.
The exhibition provided opportunities for attendees to connect directly with industry suppliers, test new equipment and discover new approaches to persistent pest challenges.
Global Pest Management Coalition meeting
The Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC) also hosted its meeting in conjunction with PestWorld East, furthering international collaboration on key industry initiatives. As part of their agenda, the group discussed the sustainability surveys that have been distributed to pest professionals in the United States, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Spain.
Following the closure of these translated surveys, the GPMC will compile results to help determine next steps for the Sustainability Workgroup.
While many stinging insects generally are considered beneficial, public concern about honey bees and other beneficial species is increasing. As such, you must be extra mindful of any necessary treatments around flowering, fruit and vegetable plants pollinated by these insects. Some species, such as carpenter bees, rarely are aggressive and may not require treatment if they’re only spotted occasionally. Once they start damaging the structure, however, they’ve got to go.
Take a moment to educate customers on insect behavior. For example, bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are less likely to bother people at a picnic than common yellowjackets (Vespula alascensis), but both become highly aggressive near their nests. Reducing foragers around a picnic table is far less effective than directly treating the nest, which helps reduce extra callbacks.
Your knowledge and expertise are essential — not just for your safety but also for ensuring successful treatments and satisfied customers.
California and Texas lead the rankings, with Los Angeles taking the top spot, followed by Dallas. New York City, Atlanta and Houston round out the Top 5.
“As spring temperatures rise, we’re already seeing mosquito activity ramp up across the country,” said Dr. Sydney Crawley, principal vector scientist at Terminix. “Mosquitoes aren’t just a backyard nuisance — they can also carry diseases that pose real public health risks. Our annual rankings help raise awareness and encourage people to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”
Terminix’s Top 10 most mosquito-infested cities based on 2024 data:
Los Angeles, Calif.
Dallas, Texas
New York, N.Y.
Atlanta, Ga.
Houston, Texas
Philadelphia, Pa.
Washington, D.C.
Orlando, Fla.
Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.
San Francisco, Calif.
This year’s report indicates there has been some shifting among the Top 10 this year.
Terminix’s Top 10 most mosquito-infested cities based on 2023 data:
Los Angeles, Calif.
New York, N.Y.
Dallas, Texas
Atlanta, Ga.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Washington, D.C.
Houston, Texas
Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.
Orlando, Fla.
San Francisco, Calif.
About Rentokil Terminix
In October 2022, Rentokil Initial acquired Memphis, Tenn.-based Terminix to create the entity Rentokil Terminix. The $6.7 billion deal was funded by $1.3 billion in cash and by more than 640 million Rentokil shares. The U.S. company’s shareholders own approximately 26 percent, and the combined company currently employs about 56,000 people across 87 countries.
About Rentokil Initial plc
Operating across 89 countries, Rentokil Initial is a British company primarily focusing on commercial pest control and hygiene solutions. With a workforce of 68,500 professionals, its core mission is “to protect people, enhance lives, and preserve our planet.”
Pest control might not be your first thought when you see Earth Day on the calendar, but the reality is that all of us in pest control are working directly to impact our customers’ environments for the better — and in doing so, we have the opportunity to embrace choices that impact the broader environment for the better, too.
Modern advancements in the materials and tools used for pest control — as well as shifts in customer demand toward more sustainable solutions — make now the perfect time to explore how your business can start making changes to minimize environmental impact while meeting customer expectations. So, what can you do to help make tomorrow a little greener than today?
Pay attention to chemical usage
Applying pest control chemicals goes hand in hand with compliance, as failing to stay compliant can lead to fines for your business. But complying with state and federal regulations isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about meeting environmental standards intended to better protect ecosystems and public health. Using specialty software allows pest control businesses to automatically track chemical usage, ensuring your business is not only compliant but has the data to prove it. Tracking software also allows you to adjust quickly when regulations shift, keeping you ahead of the curve.
When your business tracks chemical application, more responsible application follows automatically as technicians are better equipped to avoid overspraying or irresponsible chemical use. This allows chemicals to perform their intended functions while keeping runoff to a minimum, shrinking the impact of each job and the costs to run your business.
Beyond tracking, you can also consider more eco-friendly alternatives to begin with. While it may not be realistic to do so in every use case, making green alternatives available when possible showcases your commitment to the environment, as well as your dedication to meeting the needs of modern customers.
Part ways with clutter
For pest control operators (PCOs) still doing business on pen and paper, efficiency gains should be more than enough reason to start digitizing; another reason is reducing waste. Going paperless is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste in any business. For PCOs, digitizing forms, invoices, service agreements and customer communications not only drastically reduces how much paper is used but also enables faster sales in the field.
By taking advantage of mobile apps and cloud-based data, your office staff and technicians can access vastly more data without printing a single sheet. Better yet, you stand to deliver a more seamless experience for your customers with a portal where they can self-service to book appointments, access their service history, receive updates and make payments. It’s a win for your team — and the environment.
Take your fleet farther
Any industry in the field is at the mercy of fuel costs, and pest control is no exception. Ensuring you’re running tight routes can make a big difference, and that boils down to route optimization. Manual route planning isn’t just time-consuming; it’s ineffective. Using intelligent tools tailored specifically for the pest industry to ensure the most efficient routes can enable significant savings on fuel, and that’s on top of lowering fleet maintenance costs and giving your technicians more time back in the day to spend servicing customers.
Stay ahead of the curve with IPM
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an increasingly popular approach to pest control that’s also eco-friendly by its very nature. Emphasizing prevention and monitoring along with targeted treatment to control pests, IPM provides the added benefit of minimizing harm to non-target species and the surrounding ecosystem.
Using software that supports IPM can help companies track pest activity, record environmental conditions, and implement data-driven treatment plans to achieve the best outcome for the business, the customer and the environment. Instead of reaching for chemical solutions by default, IPM encourages technicians to consider alternative methods first — like sealing entry points, removing food sources or applying green-certified products.
The future of pest is green
With growing concern from customers and constantly evolving regulations from governing bodies, embracing environmentally friendly pest control strategies is one of the best ways PCOs can excel today while keeping the future in mind. Embracing future-focused software, sustainable practices and smarter service strategies is a golden opportunity to go green and lead by example this Earth Day.
To learn more about how you can keep your business agile and embrace eco-friendly opportunities with the right software, visit pestpac.com today.
Mud daubers are large, easily recognizable wasps known for their intimidating appearance and unsightly nests. Despite their menacing look, these wasps generally are harmless to people and pets. Stinging is rare, only occurring when the insect is directly threatened, such as trying to swat it.
These wasps are considered beneficial insects, as they help control spider populations, including dangerous species like black widows (Latrodectus mactans). Their name comes from their unique nesting behavior: Mud daubers collect mud, sand, dirt or moist earth to build their nests. These nests can vary in shape, often appearing as long, tubular structures or more clumped together with individual cells.
Mud daubers typically attach their nests to the exteriors of buildings, such as under eaves, on decks or inside attics. They also may build under rocks or in garages or other sheltered areas. Once constructed, the nests are stocked with paralyzed spiders, which provide food for the wasp larvae.
Mud daubers can be in several genera, primarily in the order Sphecidae. They feature a distinctive, long, thin waist (the petiole) between the thorax and abdomen. Color varies, with some displaying an iridescent sheen. Unlike other social wasps, mud daubers are solitary creatures — each nest is tended by a single wasp.
If you’d like to remove a mud dauber nest, fear not! Because mud daubers do not defend their nest like their more aggressive cousins, use a soft putty knife to scrape it away gently, then apply a long-lasting repellent insecticide to the area.
The Automatic Trap Co. (ATC) has introduced new technology to the pest control industry: A non-toxic, self-resetting humane-kill trap designed exclusively for the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), a major pest problem in California, Oregon, Washington state and Nevada that does severe property damage. Designed by in-house pest control experts, the TerraTrap California Ground Squirrel Kit is available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping this month.
The trap looks like a rock, but inside is a Goodnature A18 self-resetting trap that quickly kills the squirrel. Scavengers then carry away the dead squirrel. An outline of how it works is online at AutomaticTrap.com/pages/how-the-terratrap-works.
Product benefits
Ground squirrels are much more likely to approach the trap that mimics the natural environment they are used to. The design encourages tunneling into the trap, while the appearance of a rock does not alarm the notoriously timid pests.
The system kills instantly and humanely, and then the dead squirrel is released and easily scavenged by birds or other animals.
Once the scavengers in the area are acclimatized to checking the trap, it can produce a kill each day as the scavengers will quickly clear out the trap for you, reducing the labor significantly.
The system uses a carbon dioxide-powered, self-resetting trap that kills up to 18 times before needing an inexpensive new cartridge. The lure can be anything that your squirrels accept; in-shell peanuts work well.
About the Automatic Trap Co. (ATC)
Founded in 2016, the Automatic Trap Company is a provider of humane and environmentally conscious pest control solutions, with headquarters in Sonoma, Calif. ATC is also the U.S. distributor for the Goodnature trapping technology from New Zealand, offering a range of self-resetting traps powered by carbon dioxide that ensure a quick and humane kill of pestiferous rats, mice and squirrels.
The day before the Women in Pest Control (WIPC) conference officially began, a select group of attendees was treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Rockwell Labs in nearby North Kansas City, Mo. Founder and CEO Dr. Cisse Spragins, a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2018), warmly welcomed attendees and provided an in-depth look at the company’s research, development and manufacturing processes.
PHOTO: FOSTER BRUSCA
Going on tour: Dr. Spragins, in gold sweater, and Rockwell Labs’ VP of marketing and customer service, David Murphy, in gray sweater, pose with the group at the headquarters entrance.
PHOTO: FOSTER BRUSCA
A peek at processing: Dr. Spragins, seen here explaining Rockwell Labs’ manufacturing process, was also a vendor, sponsor and technical speaker for the WIPC conference.
PHOTO: FOSTER BRUSCA
Murphy’s laws: David Murphy talks to attendees about the business and technical service support Rockwell Labs is able to give to its customers.
PHOTO: FOSTER BRUSCA
Looking ahead: Lucas Blevins, Rockwell Labs’ chemical and regulatory manager, shares details about new research going on at the facilities.
PHOTO: FOSTER BRUSCA
Ready for shipment: Attendees experienced how a batch of Rockwell Labs’ InTice product goes from raw material to being packaged and ready for delivery.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/rockwell-hosts-tour-highlighting-its-research-development-and-manufacturing-processes/ Sacramento CA
New from Envu, Barricor Essential Mosquito Control is designed for pest management professionals who have a demand for eco-friendly solutions from customers. It is registered in the 25(b) category, considered minimum risk through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The essential oil-based insecticide delivers a powerful 24-hour mortality rate for Aedes mosquitoes — and 48 hours for Culex when used as directed — yet poses no risk for bees, butterflies, people and pets.
Barricor Essential Mosquito Control’s patent-pending formulation is water-based. The formulation is stable and does not separate over 24 hours, meaning operators don’t need to remix. With no signal word or personal protective equipment (PPE) required (unless required by applicable law), the solution enhances applicator safety and is labeled for use in a wide range of environments, including residential and commercial outdoor spaces.
About Envu
Founded in 2022 and based in Cary, N.C., Envu leverages a 50-year legacy of environmental science to focus exclusively on fostering healthy environments globally. Its specialized service areas encompass professional pest management, forestry, ornamentals, golf, industrial vegetation management, lawn and landscape, mosquito management, and range and pasture. Across all these sectors, Envu collaborates closely with customers to cultivate solutions that allow both the natural world and human society to flourish in harmony.
Termites get their food from wood and their moisture from soil, which is why wood that’s in contact with soil is ideal for termite development. When that’s not the case, termites may build tubes on walls or inside wall voids to bridge foundation walls or masonry that separate wood from soil.
Source: Purdue University, Department of Entomology
Each year, CAPMA brings members together for Legislative Days, which serves as an opportunity to meet with lawmakers, advocate for our industry and ensure the voice of pest management professionals is heard. PHOTO: CAPMA
The California Association of Pest Management Advocates (CAPMA) gathered in Sacramento, Calif., April 7–9 for its annual Legislative Days. The event brings pest management professionals across the state together to connect, collaborate and advocate for the industry’s future.
The event schedule offered a variety of different activities and opportunities to engage and network with fellow pros in the industry.
On Monday, there was a golf tournament and BBQ lunch at Teal Bend Golf Course. That was followed by a casual networking evening at the annual “Bug Crawl” pub crawl.
On Tuesday, the CAPMA offered three hours of Branch 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with presentations by expert speakers, including:
2025 Commitment to Excellence: Introduction to Fumigation with Carlos Montejano, Douglas Products
In addition to the CEU sessions, members participated in a full slate of committee meetings, covering topics including:
Legislative affairs.
General pest.
Termite.
The sessions provided an important opportunity to share ideas, discuss emerging issues and align on goals for the year ahead.
The day concluded with the board of directors meeting, where CAPMA leaders came together to continue guiding the strategic direction of the association.
Wednesday featured a sponsored breakfast and legislative briefing before members met with lawmakers at the Capitol’s Swing Space. The event concluded with a Legislative Luncheon, where CAPMA members welcomed Assemblymember Heath Flora (District 9) as the guest speaker.
Mono County Public Health, based in Mammoth Lake, Calif., recently confirmed a third hantavirus-related death in the town. This is the confirmed cause of death for local resident Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, that made headlines when the couple was found dead in their home on Feb. 26. This week, several news outlets are reporting that Arakawa, who is one of the three deaths confirmed by the agency, was searching online for “flu-like symptoms” in the days before she died. Hackman himself has not reported to have had exposure to hantavirus, and instead died of complications from heart disease and Alzheimers.
Hantavirus is an often fatal illness that humans can contract through contact with — especially inhaling airborne particles of — the droppings, urine or saliva in infected deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
Deer mice are widespread in the Eastern Sierra region, the agency noted in its news release. But what is concerning to authorities is that they are having trouble connecting the newest victim, a young adult, with exposure to the disease.
Map of U.S. cumulative cases of hantavirus by state through 2022. GRAPHIC COURTESY OF CDC
“A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming,” Mono County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Boo said in the release. “We don’t have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus. The home had no evidence of mouse activity. We observed some mice in the workplace, which is not unusual for indoor spaces this time of year in Mammoth Lakes. We haven’t identified any other activities in the weeks before illness that would have increased this person’s exposure to mice or their droppings.”
“We’ve been aware of this suspected case for some weeks, but it has taken time to obtain testing,” he added. “The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year. Historically, we tend to see Hantavirus cases later in the spring and in the summer.”
In the April 3 news release, Dr. Boo reported the agency had gone about four weeks without any additional suspect cases, ”but remain concerned about the increase in activity.“
”I want to emphasize that as far as we know, none of these deceased individuals engaged in activities typically associated with exposure, such as cleaning out poorly ventilated indoor areas or outbuildings with a lot of mouse waste,” he said. “Instead, these folks may have been exposed during normal daily activities, either in the home or the workplace. Many of us encounter deer mice in our daily lives and there is some risk. We should pay attention to the presence of mice and be careful around their waste.”
Dr. Boo went on to explain that each Hantavirus case is investigated by local and state public health officials: “Each of our recent cases lived and worked in Mammoth Lakes and experienced illness beginning in February. When a person has died, we can only talk to people who knew them about the places they were and things that they did in the weeks before they got sick. We know that one person had numerous mice in their home. No evidence of mice was found in the other two homes. In all three cases, there was some evidence of mice in places they had worked, but no major infestations were found. Investigators did note that one person did some vacuuming in one or more areas where investigators later found mouse droppings. Vacuuming can aerosolize the virus from mouse waste, spreading the virus through the air and [leading] to infection.”
Dr. Frye is the Community Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension Educator for Cornell University’s New York State IPM Program. With input from pest management professionals, he recently created an “exclusion board,” pictured below, to provide hands-on IPM inspection training.
1. What was the impetus behind creating an exclusion board?
Adoption and implementation of IPM in schools is a priority for the New York State IPM Program. Over the next couple of years, we will offer workshops around the state that focus on keeping pests out with exclusion. The exclusion board was an idea borrowed from others to help school facilities staff see common openings and learn about practical solutions they can apply on their own.
2. How did you choose what went into it?
We wanted to replicate the types of openings commonly encountered on school building inspections and highlight materials that are both easily accessible and known to effectively exclude different pests at those openings, from insects to rodents. Material selection is a critical part of pest exclusion, and we’ve learned through this process that fire safety regulations play a role in determining which products can be used to seal certain openings. Additionally, there are considerations related to indoor air quality, selecting products that provide weatherization benefits to maintain indoor environments, and accounting for air flow in structures that need to breathe, such as attics and air handling intakes.
This is the board prototype as of February 2025, and Dr. Frye welcomes professional feedback as he works toward a final product. PHOTO: DR. MATT FRYE
3. How do you envision people using it?
Other educators have used demonstration boards to give participants hands-on experience implementing exclusion practices. For example, in workshops, they directly apply sealants, fill fabric, escutcheon plates and other materials to the boards for practice. Our goal is to use these boards to create awareness about pest entry points and initiate conversations on exclusion. We will add a slide ruler and a Frye Inspection Tool so participants can probe openings and see where a mouse or rat can enter. This will help facilities staff visualize how pests get into their facility from outside and how they move through buildings using connected spaces.
4. We realize this version is a prototype. What is your timeline for a final product?
We’re currently assessing materials to keep the design light and portable and deciding which types of openings are most important to show. We’ve asked practitioners for feedback and hope to have the
next version ready to share at workshops as early as this summer.
5. Where can readers learn more about the exclusion board for training their teams and commercial customers?
Cornell’s IPM website collates information on the importance of exclusion, material selection, tool selection and inspections.
Rollins Inc. promoted Beth Chandler to chief legal officer, retaining her role as general counsel and corporate secretary.
Chandler has experience in governance, mergers and acquisitions and regulations.
“In nearly 12 years with Rollins, Beth’s foresight and leadership have contributed to our company’s growth and success,” said Rollins CEO Jerry Gahlhoff Jr. “As a member of the executive leadership team, she has worked hard to keep our people safe on the job and manage risk through her oversight of our internal audit, legal and corporate governance teams.”
Chandler’s dedication to serving the greater Atlanta community and mentorship of professionals within Rollins and beyond was recognized with the 2024 OnBoard Inc. Excellence Award. This award is presented to three Georgia-based women leaders who exemplify OnBoard’s mission to increase the number of women in executive leadership and on corporate boards.
“Beth has served as a tremendous leader both within Rollins and the greater Atlanta community,” said Gahlhoff. “I expect that she will continue to be a positive force at Rollins. I am excited to see her work create an even greater impact.”
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).
While cramped spaces and unusual layouts can make setting up lighting in a crawlspace a hassle, you can’t work in the dark! Crawlspace Depot offers durable light-emitting diode (LED) lights as the ideal solution to light up even the darkest crawlspaces quickly and easily. Graded for both indoor and outdoor use, the lights are designed to make setting up a safer workspace a snap.
Each string has five LED lights that together produce 7,000 lumens, use just 50 watts, and have a life of 50,000 hours. Each light also includes an attached carabiner to make installation fast and simple.
About Crawlspace Depot
Based in Greensboro, N.C., CrawlSpace Depot is your one-stop-shop online for all your crawlspace installation and maintenance needs. It carries a full line of reinforced polyethylene wall and floor liners, tapes, dehumidifiers, insulation, sump pumps, adhesives, cleaners, odor control, moisture detection instruments, and a variety of tools and accessories. Founded in 2011 by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Billy Tesh (Class of 2017), who is also president and co-founder of the Greensboro-based pest control services firm Pest Management Systems Inc. (PMi), CrawlSpace Depot carries industry-trusted brands and offers a variety of training videos and user support by phone and online.
The more information pest management professionals (PMPs) have on their fleet and drivers, the easier it is to stop and solve inefficiencies. Six industry leaders share their products, services and predictions on this revenue-boosting side of pest control
Peter Young, PCOpro program manager and underwriter for auto, property and inland marine, Brownyard Group
Peter Young
Brownyard Group’s pest control insurance program, PCOpro, offers PMPs specialized coverage to meet the changing needs of the industry. As resources such as digital technologies evolve and become more available, pest control company fleets will likely encounter new opportunities and challenges. Insurance providers and pest control business owners must monitor these industry changes and reconsider how they address risk management and vehicle safety. A focused return to the fundamentals will help owners and operators protect their businesses from the ground up, no matter what changes come their way.
Predictions: Distracted driving has become the leading cause of commercial auto accidents — and likely will continue to be a top risk exposure for the foreseeable future. Yet the very technology behind distracted driving promotes risk mitigation, as owners and operators can monitor commercial drivers via telematics and GPS tracking. Such technology can help owners and operators identify unsettling behaviors and needs for training or other actions.
In this environment of increased gas and repair costs, supply chain shortages and more, it’s tempting to reduce vehicle maintenance, driver safety training and insurance coverage to trim costs. But such cutbacks can increase risk exposure exponentially. Instead, create a culture of safety that includes regular vehicle maintenance, safe-driving training, and consistent review and enforcement of fleet safety policies. Such fundamental safety practices, paired with the right insurance coverage, will help keep insurance claims down, prevent rising premiums and allow PMPs to focus on business.
ServiceTitan Fleet Pro, now integrated directly into the FieldRoutes platform, is a comprehensive, proactive fleet management solution that helps PMPs make the most of their investments. Vehicle GPS systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted smart cameras offer real-time data and insights, empowering our customers to make better-informed business decisions and gain a competitive advantage.
Fleet Pro users manage and oversee operations across the entire fleet management lifecycle to save money, improve driver safety, and maximize their investment. AI-assisted dashcams help prevent unsafe driving, protect against liabilities and facilitate driver coaching. Studies show they can reduce accident risk by nearly 75 percent, with improved driver behavior and real-time risk detection. Through GPS tracking and telematics, Fleet Pro users can maximize billable hours and ensure payroll accuracy with minimal operational overhead.
Predictions: The pest control market will continue to grow in 2025, buoyed by increasing urbanization and growing awareness of pest-related health risks. However, rising operational costs and an uncertain economic climate will challenge PMPs to maximize efficiency and return on investment (ROI).
The companies that compete and win in a highly fragmented market will embrace a digital transformation and adopt technologies to improve efficiency and customer service. In the face of rising costs of critical resources — including labor, fuel and vehicles — AI-powered solutions and intelligent automation through platforms like ServiceTitan Fleet Pro will help PMPs win by streamlining operations, maximizing productivity and increasing profitability with existing headcount.
Andrew McGinty, director of sales and marketing, LIPCA Insurance
Andrew McGinty
Auto policies continue to be one of the hardest markets to find for our industry. When the word “fleet” is introduced, it shrinks the opportunities tenfold. “Umbrellas” and “excess markets” are included in this as well. The adoption of technology is key to our insureds’ helping keep rates as low as possible, and it must be taken seriously. As the world adapts, so must the industry. That’s been our take since our founding by several Louisiana pest and lawn control professionals back in 1985, and we continue to be owned and staffed by industry professionals today. Our auto coverage is offered at competitive rates throughout the country as just one of many insurance services we offer.
Predictions: Unfortunately, we don’t expect to see any rate reductions for auto insurance as the market continues to shrink. It’s basic Econ 101. However, we hope that technological advancements and the use of AI and other applications to help with route planning and efficiency can help soften the blow for our insureds. More efficiencies for our insureds can provide cost savings and best practices to counter other business expenses that continue to increase. These applications also can provide real-time feedback and guidance to not only the drivers but also the owners to track unsafe driving methods.
As AI and other technologies advance over the next few years, the costs of these methods should be more realistic to the industry.
RoadFlex’s trademarked, AI-powered Proactive Fuel Risk Management Platform makes fuel and fleet management significantly more efficient for pest control businesses. Customers save an average of 11 percent in fuel spent annually with RoadFlex.
RoadFlex comprehensive platform for fuel and fleet purchases also eliminates the risk of fuel fraud and theft. It combines real-time vehicle telematics data with transaction data to grant fleet managers complete visibility into every purchase and customizable spending controls for different employees and job needs. It authorizes purchases by verifying that the card is used by the correct employee and for the correct vehicle. It also blocks suspicious transactions and flags them for review. All of this happens in real time.
Predictions: Businesses will continue using AI to automate reporting, analytics and financial savings for their fleet operations. Fuel risk management platforms will become more commonly used to automatically analyze historical fueling data and enable businesses to prevent unauthorized purchases while looking for cheaper locations.
Electrification will progress over time. Most businesses will manage fleets of vehicles with both gasoline/diesel and electric vehicle (EV) charging needs. Therefore, fuel management solutions that allow transactions at fuel and EV charging stations will be required.
Business leaders will continue integrating data sources from their fleet and fuel management tools. For example, when your team’s fuel card transactions flow into your business management tool, you can easily manage operation costs.
Insuring commercial fleets has proven to be a significant challenge over the past year, and it likely will stay that way for a while. Insurers have been plagued with inflationary repair costs, and lawsuit settlements have grown commensurably. Over the past few years, many lawsuits have pierced through the auto liability limit and into umbrella limits. In some suits, the umbrella limits were hit as well. This has caused reinsurance to skyrocket; in some cases, reinsurers have walked away from the auto line altogether.
These factors have chased away many of the fleet carriers in the market — and the ones that remain typically are very selective and can be very costly. In some fleets, carriers have required us to remove the physical damage coverage before they can quote the coverage. In others, we’ve been forced to utilize liability deductibles of between $10,000 and $25,000 or more just to obtain a quote. Even with these actions, getting renewal terms is not guaranteed.
Still, rest assured that our industry-focused team is working hard to get our clients the best coverage possible at competitive rates.
Predictions: Despite the difficulty in finding good people, it is paramount that you hire drivers with good motor vehicle records (MVRs) and at least a few years of driving experience. These MVRs need to be checked at least twice a year.
It is entirely possible that the carrier may exclude a driver (or drivers) from coverage based on MVRs or accident frequency.
Because of the state of the fleet market, it is more imperative now than ever that you take additional proactive measures. Install cameras and telematics in your entire fleet. Consider hiring a fleet manager to manage MVRs and review weekly driving behavior scorecards. Discipline problem drivers. Coach repeat offenders. If their behavior does not improve, they should be terminated.
PestPac’s integrated route optimization tool, RouteOp, automates the routing process to save users time every day. While automating the process saves hours in the office, the resulting routes save significant time on the road, too, empowering users to take on additional customers with the same staff and fleet they already have.
RouteOp’s time, cost and fuel savings are notable, with individual users reporting efficiency and improvement values in excess of $300,000 per year; service growth of 20 percent more jobs per technician; and reductions in drive time of up to 50 percent. As a result, pest control business owners can be better stewards to their technicians and the environment, significantly decreasing windshield time and overall carbon footprint simultaneously.
PestPac also offers a telematics integration featuring industry-leading GPS vendors, allowing users to gather current and historical vehicle information to gain valuable insight. Current positions can be overlaid on a map with planned work for real-time tracking and dispatching to cover high-priority, last-minute requests. Historical information is used along with optimized routes, enabling driver comparison reports for enhanced accountability.
Predictions: Over the next five years, we foresee an increased adoption of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics for route optimization, real-time tracking, predictive vehicle maintenance and more informed decision-making.
Sustainability efforts will continue to push fleet managers toward electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle choices, along with eco-friendly logistics strategies, with increasing urgency. Enhanced data analytics will drive increases in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, while the fleet management market will continue to expand with smart, innovative solutions to accommodate the industry’s evolving demands on the road.
