“There was one more working day in the month of June 2026,” William Blair Equity Researcher Tim Mulrooney noted in a news release. “On a workday-adjusted basis, we estimate the index grew about 7 percent year-over-year.”
Dan Gordon, managing member of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, added in the news release, “June’s results continue to move in the right direction. While the overall index remains just below our long-term average growth rate of 10 percent, the underlying trends are encouraging. We’ll be watching closely to see if this positive momentum carries through the remainder of the busy season.”
The month’s results by segment include:
The Residential Pest Index increased 10 percent year-over-year.
The Commercial Pest Index increased 11 percent year-over-year.
The Termite Index increased 7 percent year-over-year.
The Bed Bug Index increased 1 percent year-over-year.
The Mosquito Index decreased 2 percent year-over-year.
About the William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index
The William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index tracks the monthly performance of 161 privately held pest control companies across 40 states with combined annual 2025 revenue of $647 million. The purpose of the report is to track the monthly performance of several U.S. pest markets. It does not include residential door-to-door companies.
RECENT INNOVATIONS: One of the main reasons why bed bugs remain difficult to control is their ability to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, spread easily through human movement and develop resistance to insecticides. These challenges continue to drive the need for improved products, formulation technologies and better management practices.
Back in the late 1990s, the reemergence of bed bugs as a large-scale pest required the industry to rapidly develop products capable of controlling increasingly resilient infestations. Temprid FX insecticide became known as a leading product for managing bed bug infestations and helping curb their spread.
Temprid FX combines the pyrethroid beta-cyfluthrin and the neonicotinoid imidacloprid. These two active ingredients attack the insect nervous system at different sites, helping improve performance against resistant bed bug populations. The formulation also incorporates co-milling technology that promotes more uniform coverage across treated surfaces and enhances the pickup of active ingredients as bed bugs move through treated areas.
In addition to the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), Temprid FX has also shown efficacy against tropical bed bugs (C. hemipterus). Its formulation technology and strong field performance have made Temprid FX a trusted option for PMPs dealing with challenging infestations.
PREDICTIONS: As bed bug populations continue to spread and adapt, the industry likely will respond with improved liquid and dust formulations, advances in formulation technology and, potentially, the development of new active ingredients and botanical-based products. Continued advances in monitoring, detection and treatment strategies will further support control efforts and help PMPs improve treatment outcomes.
The B&G Pressurizing Tank Top (PTT) is an easy-to-install replacement for the traditional pump mechanism in B&G Primeline stainless steel sprayers, eliminating the need to stop and pump during service. It saves up to five minutes for every gallon of output.
The PTT maintains optimal sprayer pressure of 25 to 30 pounds per square inch (PSI), ensuring constant flow of formulation and uniform applications. The long-lasting battery stays powered through the longest days, delivering up to 30 gallons per four-hour charge.
The B&G PTT is designed for technicians seeking time and labor savings without sacrificing application precision.
About B&G Equipment
B&G Equipment, a Pelsis brand, has set the standard in professional-grade pest control, vector control, disinfection and industrial equipment since 1949, starting with the introduction of its iconic Primeline Sprayer. This industry icon was created by Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Bill Brehm (Class of 1998) and George Gilmore while students at Purdue University, with their initials serving as the company name.
Today, B&G Equipment serves industry experts worldwide with a complete line of sprayers, foggers, aerosols, foamers, modular systems and dusters for use in commercial, industrial and residential settings.
About Pelsis
Founded in 1984, Pelsis is based in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England, and operates from 18 locations worldwide. With distribution centers in the UK, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark and the USA, plus a number of global logistics partners, Pelsis supplies customers in more than 80 countries. Its family of brands for the professional pest management industry and related industries include AgriSense, B&G Equipment, Bird-B-Gone, Brandenburg, Curtis Dyna-Fog, Denka International, Edialux Professional Products, GreenProtect, Insect-O-Cutor, Luxan, Network, P+L Systems, Pest-Stop, Silvandersson and Synergetic.
RECENT INNOVATIONS: Aerosols can be an excellent fit for bed bug management because they solve several practical problems technicians can run into during their service. Because of their tendency to squeeze into tiny harborages, cracks and seams, applicators need tools that can target bed bugs directly in the cryptic areas where they hide.
D-Fense NXT aerosol is a reliable choice for managing many tough-to-control pests in and around the structure, including bed bugs. Equipped with a 360-degree valve and flip-up actuator with a crack-and-crevice tip, it allows applicators to treat directly into hidden spaces that may be more difficult to reach with other formulations or equipment.
The label also provides valuable flexibility, with use sites that include both indoor and outdoor applications, as well as mattresses and furniture. Applicators can target bed bugs in many of the common areas where infestations are found, including mattresses, box springs, tufts, folds, edges, baseboards and moldings. For PMPs looking for a convenient and versatile tool to use as part of a comprehensive bed bug management program, D-Fense NXT aerosol will bring the efficacy they expect.
PREDICTIONS: We know travel is one of the primary ways bed bugs spread to new places. With summer here and family vacations around the corner for many American families, it is likely we will see more reports of hitchhiking bed bugs. From rideshare vehicles to airlines, they have popped up in many places frequented by travelers. Recent pest control reports indicate bed bug services remain a significant industry business segment, with no indications of a decrease anytime soon.
Researchers at New York’s Stony Brook University have confirmed a case of the rare Bourbon virus in Long Island. Their paper about the findings was published in the July issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Per the university’s new release, the Bourbon virus, transmitted by lone star ticks, was discovered in 2014 and named for Bourbon County, Kan., the area where the virus was first identified. “There are no vaccines to prevent or medicine to treat the illness, which remains rare but mostly in regions in the central part of the U.S. Symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, rash, headache, body aches and nausea.”
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is a small arthropod that is found predominantly in the south central and southeastern United States. In recent years, it has been moving north into the Great Lakes region. It is called the turkey tick in some areas for its association with wild turkeys.
It is a vector of pathogens that cause tularemia, human ehrlichiosis and several other diseases. But that’s not the worst of it: The bite of the lone star tick has come to be associated with a condition known as alpha-gal syndrome or (cue the ominous music) red meat allergy. Can you believe it? Some people bitten by this tick develop a condition that causes them to react horribly when they eat red meat or dairy products. The symptoms are just like anaphylaxis; they can be severe and even life-threatening. Currently, there is no known cure, and victims must limit themselves to fish, poultry and vegetables. Vegans are unaffected.
The symptoms are brought on by consuming foods that contain a carbohydrate that is called alpha-gal because no one wants to say galactose-α-1,3-galactose. It is found in the cell membranes of all the mammals we typically eat. It isn’t found in humans, apes and monkeys, but that doesn’t help us at all. To make matters worse, it is also found in dairy products.
To be clear, most people bitten by the lone star tick don’t get alpha-gal syndrome, but knowing the possibility exists should be enough to get everyone to take precautions. It also should be noted that some people have lost the syndrome after some years.
The new study’s lead author, Dr. Luis Marcos, and his colleagues identified the first tick-borne Bourbon virus case in April: “The finding was based on the published study of 107 individuals presenting with fever and other tick-borne illness symptoms between 2019 and 2024. Blood samples were collected from patients and sent to the NYS Department of Health. Two cases had neutralizing antibodies for the Bourbon virus. One of these patients had a four-fold rise in antibody titers of the Bourbon virus, which, according to the researchers, indicates an acute or recent infection of this virus.”
Dr. Marcos said in the news release that because Bourbon virus is so rare, and that early symptoms — fatigue and severe headaches — can be very similar to Lyme disease, it’s easy to be misdiagnosed. There are no commercial tests for the virus currently available, but it can be confirmed through lab analysis.
Lower-than-normal counts of white blood cells, which help fight infections
Lower-than-normal counts of platelets, which help prevent bleeding
Read more about the Long Island’s patient’s firsthand account as told to CBS News. On July 1, per an article in TheSouthampton Press, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced a “request for $273.5 million in funding for research of ticks and tickborne diseases in the 2027 federal budget. The initiative would add $90 million more than what was allocated in the 2026 fiscal year toward these efforts. According to a press release from Schumer’s office, new data shows that Suffolk County recorded 3,152 Lyme disease cases in 2024 — the most of any county in the state, while the region from Manhattan to Montauk saw more than 6,600 cases in a single year.”
RECENT INNOVATIONS: One of the most meaningful advancements we now offer in bed bug management is a more integrated, systems‑based approach that reflects how bed bugs actually behave and where PMPs face the greatest operational challenges. Recent updates to our bed bug portfolio and training emphasize precision: targeting the most biologically vulnerable life stages, particularly early-instar nymphs, while maintaining durable residual protection in areas of low human contact. This strategy aligns closely with current resistance realities and supports more consistent outcomes across varied account types.
A significant development in the pipeline for bed bug management is the continued expansion of Ridesco WG Insecticide into broader bed bug programs. While many products are optimized for direct contact or surface‑level applications, Ridesco WG brings value through its flexibility in crack‑and‑crevice and void‑focused treatment scenarios, where bed bugs often retreat, and conventional approaches may fall short.
As part of an integrated strategy, Ridesco WG is being positioned not as a standalone solution, but as a complement to existing tools, helping PMPs extend control deeper into structural harborages while supporting long‑term population suppression.
PREDICTIONS: Looking ahead, bed bug management is expected to continue evolving away from reactive, one‑off treatments and toward programmatic, prevention‑oriented approaches. Resistance pressure and regulatory scrutiny will further reward PMPs who emphasize placement discipline, strategic rotations and life‑stage‑aware control rather than reliance on any single product or chemistry. Our team also anticipates increasing demand for documentation, justification and clarity, driven by property owners, public agencies and legal stakeholders.
Ultimately, the next five years will favor companies that pair effective products with education, protocol clarity and technician decision‑making, reinforcing that the future of bed bug control is less about reaction and more about precision, integration and consistency.
TheCatchmaster Shadowbox Station (model #616) is a discreet, low-cost, easy-to-assemble innovation developed using extensive field feedback. Designed to work witha rodent’s natural instincts, this new station helps pest management professionals (PMPs) provide effective, covert rodent control.
The Shadowbox marks a new era in rodent control, offering professionals a strategic tool that is compatible with multiple control methods. The station accommodates a variety of snap trap models featuring perforated anchors for secure placement and is also compatible with glue boards.
Thinking like a rodent, the Shadowbox is designed to appeal to their natural preference for dark, enclosed spaces, delivering highly effective results. The Shadowbox Rodent Station features an integrated pest management (IPM) Record Keeper, making it simple to track data and maintain service records. Add the Shadowbox to your toolbox this season for a versatile, cost-effective and professional approach to rodent control. Get in touch with your Catchmaster Pro’s region manager to learn more information about the Shadowbox Rodent Station.
About Catchmaster Pro
Catchmaster Pro is the professional brand of AP&G Co., a leading manufacturer of pest management solutions. Using a science-based approach, the company creates high-quality products for rodent, insect and mosquito management. Founded in 1952 in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Moses Frisch, an immigrant chemist from Hungary, AP&G Co. started with the production of specialty adhesives. Now based in Bayonne, N.J., with third-generation Frisch family members at the helm, AP&G has helped to support PMPs in their control, monitoring and prevention work of pests worldwide.
Angela Treleven, chief financial officer of Sprague Pest Solutions, has been named a 2026 CFO of the Year Honoree by the Puget Sound Business Journal. The award honors Washington State’s most impactful financial leaders — the ones who steer strategy, steward growth and strengthen the companies and communities they serve.
Treleven stepped into the CFO role in November 2024 after serving on Sprague’s Board of Directors since 2015. She came to the position from TrueBlue Inc., where she spent several years as VP of internal audit, and she brought a board member’s perspective with her — she knew the company’s numbers before she ever owned them.
She is a licensed certified professional accountant (CPA) with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Santa Clara University and is the current chair of the Dick’s Drive-Ins Board and a member of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation Board. She is also a fourth-generation member of the Treleven family, which has owned and operated Sprague for a century. Her father is longtime Sprague leader Larry Treleven, a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame (Class of 2016).
“This recognition belongs to the entire Sprague team,” Treleven said in a news release. “As we enter our second century as a family-owned company, my job is to make sure the financial foundation is as strong as the relationships our technicians build with customers every single day. That’s the work I’m proud of.”
The honor caps a landmark stretch for Sprague, which was also named to the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2026 Corporate Philanthropists List earlier this year for its charitable giving across Washington. This includes the company’s annual Day of Giving, where all 25 branch locations and the corporate office volunteer in their local communities.
“Angela leads with the same values that have carried this company for 100 years — integrity, commitment and a deep investment in our people,” said Sprague Executive VP AJ Treleven, ACE. “This award is well-earned.”
Honorees were celebrated at the Puget Sound Business Journal‘s CFO of the Year awards event and profiled in a special report.
About Sprague Pest Solutions
Sprague Pest Solutions, currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, delivers comprehensive pest management to highly regulated industries across 10 Western states. Since 1926, the family-owned company has advanced the mission that the world deserves to eat safer foods and to live and work in healthier environments, using science-based strategies to protect public health and essential supply chains.
FirstStrike is a soft bait solution for the quality-minded pest management professional (PMP), offering control of Norway rats, roof rats and house mice — including warfarin-resistant house mice — among other rodent species.
This soft bait is formulated with difethialone, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide invented by the experts at Liphatech. A lethal dose may be consumed in one night’s feeding, with first dead rodents appearing four to five days later. It is an excellent choice for clean-outs, lingering rodents or heavy infestations.
Like all Liphatech soft baits, FirstStrike contains a palatable bait matrix that rodents will eat. The bait maintains its integrity in hot environments and is for use in both indoor and outdoor spaces. FirstStrike is easy to place securely on bait station rods and on Liphatech’s SoftSecure (SST) feeding device. The label also allows for the removal of paper to place bait directly on feeding rods.
FirstStrike soft bait is available for purchase in either 10- or 40-gram pouches. The 10-gram pouches are offered in 16-pound cases of four 4-pound bags, two 8-pound pails or one 16-pound pail. The 40-gram pouches are available in 16-pound pails.
In addition to FirstStrike, Liphatech offers a variety of other pest control solutions, including soft baits, mini blocks, pellets, bait stations and more. All Liphatech solutions are supported by its experienced people who work with each customer to understand their unique application and provide intelligent recommendations to help them achieve control.
About Liphatech
With U.S. headquarters based in Milwaukee, Wis., Liphatech is a worldwide manufacturer of pest control products. It is considered to be the developer of three of the industry’s active ingredients: chlorophacinone, bromadiolone and difethialone. The company was founded in France in 1946 to develop anticoagulants for the treatment of heart patients. It developed chlorophacinone in the 1960s and branded it as Rozol, a family of products that includes grain and pelleted products for field and structural use, and a tracking powder for use in and around structures. In the 1970s, Liphatech developed bromadiolone, its original second-generation rodenticide active ingredient.
The innovations continued with the opening of its U.S. facility in 1987. Research there and in Europe resulted in the discovery of difethialone during the late 1980s, with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration as an active ingredient in 1995.
RECENT INNOVATIONS: Bed bugs spend surprisingly little time exposed on open surfaces. Instead, they aggregate inside furniture, wall voids, electronics, luggage and clutter where conventional surface sprays often have limited reach, making vapor-active technologies uniquely valuable for bed bug management.
Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol and Nuvan ProStrips remain important tools because they help PMPs target infestations beyond visible surfaces and direct contact exposure. Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol delivers dichlorvos (DDVP) directly into cracks, crevices, bed frames, furniture joints and other protected harborages where bed bugs spend most of their lives. The active ingredient disperses through confined spaces, helping reach insects hidden beyond direct application.
Nuvan ProStrips extend that concept by allowing PMPs to treat enclosed spaces, infested belongings and sensitive items that are difficult or impractical to service conventionally. When used according to label directions, the strips slowly release DDVP vapor inside sealed containers, moving boxes, closets, vehicles and similar enclosed spaces that contain belongings that may harbor hidden bed bugs or eggs.
PREDICTIONS: Continued growth in multiunit housing, travel-associated introductions, and high-turnover living environments will increase pressure on PMPs to identify and eliminate hidden infestation reservoirs before bed bugs spread between units or locations. Treatment strategies addressing inaccessible harborages, transported belongings, electronics, clutter and other difficult-to-service environments likely will become increasingly important in comprehensive bed bug management programs.
The pest control industry always has rewarded those who work smart. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are giving pest management professionals (PMPs) of every size — from solo owner-operators to regional companies with dozens of technicians — a genuine competitive edge. The best part? You don’t need a tech background to start.
Here’s how you can use AI to change the game across your entire operation.
Scheduling and routing. Time on the road is money out of your pocket. AI-powered routing tools built into platforms like FieldRoutes, PestPac or GorillaDesk, to name just three, can optimize your technicians’ daily routes automatically, cutting drive time and fitting more stops into every shift. For owners managing multiple crews, this alone can recover hours each week. (Editor’s Note: See p. 12 of this issue for more information.)
Customer communication. Following up after every service call is good business, but it’s easy to let it slip. AI assistants like Claude or ChatGPT can draft personalized follow-up emails, renewal reminders and seasonal promotion messages in seconds. Feed it your service details and ask for a friendly, professional note. You’ll spend two minutes instead of 20, and your customers will notice the difference.
Reporting and documentation. Technicians hate paperwork. Claude in particular excels here: Give it rough notes from a field visit, and it produces clean, professional service reports instantly. This improves your documentation, protects you legally and impresses customers without adding that burden to your team.
Training and onboarding. High turnover is a persistent industry challenge. AI tools can help you build training materials faster than ever. Use them to draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), quiz new hires on pest identification or create onboarding checklists tailored to your company’s processes. Quick-reference guides techs can pull up in the field can be done in minutes.
Automating file and task management. One tool worth knowing is Claude Cowork. Designed for non-developers, Cowork lets your office staff automate repetitive file and task management work such as organizing reports, processing documents and managing workflows without writing a single line of code. The AI works quietly in the background so your team can focus on your customers.
Estimating, proposal writing and marketing. AI can draft polished commercial proposals, scope-of-work summaries, and a full month of social media posts in an afternoon. Give Claude your voice, your service area and your seasonal focus and let it do the heavy lifting on content your competition is still writing by hand.
I love baseball. There are many things that resonate with me involving our boys of summer.
First, no sport follows statistics the way baseball does. Business key performance indicators (KPIs) are a natural stepping stone from baseball analytics.
Second, baseball is a grind. They play 162 games in just 187 days. For most pest control companies, we push our team members very hard during that same period of mid-March through mid-November. The mental stress is trumped only by the physical toll our bodies take by the end of our busy season. Pest management professionals (PMPs) understand the daily grind that baseball professionals go through.
Baseball also shows a team member a clear path up the career ladder. A player gets drafted out of high school or college and goes to rookie ball, then Arizona Fall League, onto Low-A, then High-A, maybe eventually Double-A, then finally Triple-A before the Major League parent team calls up the promising rookie.
Once they make the majors, they can become a utility player, an everyday player, an all-star and maybe a Hall of Famer.
Drafting a winning roster
Motivating team members by creating a clear career path for your employees is one of my favorite business topics. In Lawton, Okla., Environmental Pest Control (EPC), owned by Chad Highley, ACE, is looking to take his employees to the next level. Highley has been working diligently on motivating his employees since he bought EPC in July 2019.
Chad Highley
The 50-year-old worked as a medic, handyman, Home Depot floor manager (where he met his wife, Stacy), assisted-living facility manager, deputy sheriff and car salesman before finally landing with Terminix in 2012.
EPC has been growing steadily under Highley’s leadership. He has raised revenue from $408,000 in 2019 to nearly $1.2 million last year. He is on pace to hit $1.35 million this year.
EPC’s growth can be attributed to many things, not the least of which is training. His wife homeschools their three children and also is responsible for implementing the “Tator-to-Tech” (orientation-to-technician) training program she created for EPC. Highley attributes EPC’s growth to answering the phone, doing the right thing, and most importantly, depending on God’s guidance and blessing.
Step up to the plate
Because you can’t have a clear career path at a company if you don’t know how to do your job, Highley makes sure his technicians feel confident.
To help employees stay motivated, EPC offers several interactive programs. For example, “Feedback Fridays” give employees a chance to voice their ideas or concerns. At the weekly meeting, with an emphasis on “CEG” (community, education and growth), Highley and his team give presentations, play games with employees and do a weekly deep dive into a scheduled topic.
In addition, from Monday through Thursday, Highley puts $5 into a jar for every five-star review. Gold stars are given for the five-star reviews received during the week and stapled to a designated wall in the office. During the Friday meeting, names of everyone who earned a star are put into a random drawing for all the money in the jar.
EPC also hosts an annual winter shoot-out event and a year-end employee appreciation dinner.
Coaching champions
As EPC grows, its leadership will need to show their techs and office staff there is a clear path for advancement.
“We have great people but I feel like Chad and I struggle with how to motivate,” Stacy told me. Chad echoed her thoughts and explained, “I believe we are good leaders but sometimes, it is hard to instill our passion into others.”
I provided five action items they currently are implementing:
Create a company hierarchy chart. Company owners are at the top, and then below are boxes showing various positions within the company that are filled or need to be filled within the next year. This needs to be regularly revisited and tweaked as the company evolves.
Institute leadership classes. Most PMPs are learning on the job. I suggested holding an hour-long class each Tuesday morning with a group of employees they want to put on the management track. Leadership resources include the Society of Human Resources Management and the Harvard Business Review.
Set goals for employees. I always gave a $1 per hour raise for each additional license or certificate my employees earned. EPC is working on a “badges” program to reward employees who reach a certain level of expertise.
Don’t just hand out titles. Don’t hand out titles before they are earned. This lowers the bar and gives undeserving staff members a sense of entitlement. Make employees earn their title and coach them into their new positions.
Listen to feedback. This is EPC’s “Feedback Fridays” program mentioned earlier in a nutshell: If your people think they have an opportunity to make a difference within your business, they will take ownership of their department and strive to make your company great.
The event brought together women representing a wide range of professional roles within the pest management industry, including business owners, managers, sales professionals, technicians and other industry leaders from New York City, Upstate New York, and New Jersey.
The program featured a guided discussion centered on quotes from Susan B. Anthony and their relevance to the challenges and opportunities facing women today. Participants also toured the historic home of the pioneering women’s rights advocate before concluding the day with a roundtable discussion focused on advancing opportunities for women within the pest management profession.
“We wanted to create a space where women in our industry could freely share their challenges and successes with one another,” said Holly Sanefski, chair of the PWIPM-NY Committee. “Holding the event at Susan B. Anthony’s historic home provided a meaningful backdrop for conversations about leadership, advocacy, and the progress still being made by women in our profession.”
Susan B. Anthony was one of America’s most influential advocates for women’s rights and women’s suffrage. Her Rochester home, now preserved as a National Historic Landmark and museum, serves as a lasting reminder of her leadership and contributions to the women’s rights movement.
The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA) is the professional trade association representing New York’s pest management industry. Through education, advocacy and professional development, NYPMA promotes excellence, public health protection and responsible pest management practices throughout the state.
RECENT INNOVATIONS:Allergy Technologies’ Affordable Housing Control (ATAHC) Complete joins ATAHC Bed Bug and ATAHC Plus in our suite of comprehensive, property-wide, prevention-based pest control solutions designed specifically for affordable housing communities.
Joseph Latino
ATAHC Bed Bug focuses on preventing and controlling bed bug infestations through a proactive approach that includes property-wide remediation, resident education, ActiveGuard Mattress Liners and periodic technical monitoring. Rather than simply responding to complaints, the program emphasizes prevention and early detection/engagement, helping housing providers dramatically reduce infestations, reinfestations and costly callbacks.
ATAHC Plus addresses rodents, cockroaches and other structural public nuisance pests. The program combines advanced, information technology (IT)-based rodent monitoring, data-driven reporting and targeted pest management strategies to provide a more efficient and comprehensive approach.
ATAHC Complete brings the best of both programs together into a single offering.
PREDICTIONS: The future of managing bed bugs and other pests in affordable housing will be driven by stronger partnerships among PMPs, housing providers and residents. As communities seek more cost-effective and sustainable solutions, PMPs will increasingly rely on preventive strategies, advanced monitoring technology and actionable data rather than archaic, reactive treatments.
The most successful programs will be collaborative, building-wide, prevention-focused efforts that improve outcomes, reduce costs and create healthier living environments. Technology will continue to play an important role, but meaningful resident engagement and strong partnerships will remain the foundation of long-term success.
Selling a pest control company is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Unlike selling a home or vehicle, selling a business is a complex process that requires careful planning, confidentiality, negotiation and execution.
Daniel Aust
The sale process often includes business valuations, preparing a confidential information memorandum (CIM), identifying and engaging qualified buyers, negotiating price and terms, facilitating due diligence and guiding the transaction to closing. It can take months to complete and involves numerous moving parts. You only have one opportunity to take your company to market, so choosing the right broker is critical.
Important influence
A good broker does much more than simply find a buyer. Their job is to position your company in the best possible light and maximize its value. This includes highlighting key strengths such as recurring revenue, strong earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), low customer churn, route density, long-tenured employees, tenured customers and an experienced leadership team. These factors can significantly influence both buyer interest and valuation.
Confidentiality is another crucial aspect of the sale process. If employees, customers or competitors learn prematurely that your business is for sale, it can create unnecessary uncertainty and disruption in your business. An experienced broker acts as a buffer between seller and buyer, carefully screening prospective acquirers and requiring signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before sharing confidential information. Protecting confidentiality helps preserve employee morale, customer confidence and the overall value of the business throughout the process.
Valuable experience
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is misinterpreting the underlying value of their company. Some inflate what buyers are willing to pay, while others underestimate the value they’ve built. A broker who specializes in the pest control industry understands current market conditions, knows which buyers are actively acquiring companies and can identify which parties have the financial capital and know-how required to close a transaction.
Stuart Aust
Just as significantly, an experienced broker knows how to create competitive tension among multiple qualified buyers. When buyers compete for a strong acquisition opportunity, sellers often benefit from higher valuations, better terms and greater negotiating leverage. This competitive process can add substantial value to a transaction and often results in outcomes that would be difficult for an owner to achieve on their own.
Selling a company without professional representation can be costly. Most business owners sell only one company in their lifetime, while experienced brokers participate in transactions every day. Without access to qualified buyers and market research, it’s difficult to know whether you’re receiving the best offer or leaving substantial money on the table.
Before hiring a broker, check references. Speak with previous clients and look for someone who has a proven track record in the pest control industry, not simply a general business broker.
Selling your business isn’t just about finding a buyer. It’s about achieving the best possible outcome while minimizing risk. A great broker will protect confidentiality, attract qualified buyers, negotiate on your behalf, manage due diligence and guide the process from start to finish. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish with what may be the largest financial transaction of your life. The right broker can make all the difference.
FACT: Buyers will thoroughly examine your financial statements, operations, contracts, licensing and customer data. This is often where deals encounter challenges and pitfalls. A skilled broker helps prepare documentation in advance, anticipates potential issues and keeps the transaction moving toward a successful closing.
Truly Nolen Pest Control has promoted Mari Varnell to national commercial business manager. The Tucson, Ariz.-based company’s National Commercial division manages pest control in all 50 states and for some of the largest companies, brands and restaurants throughout the nation.
Varnell joined the company in June 1996 as an admininstrative assistant for the North Tucson, Ariz., service office. In 2005, she joined the National Commercial team, where she has been “an integral part of building several internal systems as well as creating and improving processes that have contributed to much of the division’s success,” per a news release.
“I am excited about the opportunity to continue help developing procedures and processes that enhance and help our division’s continued growth and success,” Varnell said in the news release. “My favorite thing about working for Truly Nolen is the team members I get to interact with each and every day and help them expand and develop in their roles.”
Truly Nolen National Commercial Division Manager David Bolton called Varnell “a shining star throughout her 21 years within our department in various roles. She was well-deserving of this promotion, and I look forward to her continued success.”
About Truly Nolen
Based in Tucson, Ariz., Truly Nolen of America traces its roots to 1938, and to 2006 PMP Hall of Famer Truly Wheatfield Nolen. Nolen’s son, the late Truly David Nolen, founded Truly Nolen of America and Orlando, Fla.-based Truly Nolen International, both of which feature a fleet of yellow “mouse cars” and antique vehicles. Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States, with more than 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. It also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories, including Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Canada, Puerto Rico and more than 60 countries.
Easily upgrade Bell’s most versatile rodent station into a rodent sensing machine with Express iQ rodent sensing trays. Each tray is completely weather- and waterproof and comes with a fully integrated battery, proprietary sensor and antenna. The sensors collect timestamps of rodent activity and use Bluetooth technology to communicate that data to technicians’ smart devices via the free Bell Sensing App. The data gathered empowers pest management professionals (PMPs) to improve their service, letting them know where to add additional rodent stations or rodenticide, or where to move stations to win the fight against rodents.
Express iQ trays can be placed in both new and existing Express stations. To install, simply remove the existing tray and add the iQ tray, follow set-up instructions and begin sensing — there’s no need for tools, nuts, bolts or expensive gateway equipment.
Just like the standard Express tray, the Express iQ tray works great for baiting or trapping, offering versatile options to fit the needs of the account. Each tray can hold two TRAPPER T-Rex or T-Rex iQ rat traps, two Mini-Rex mouse traps, up to eight bait BLOX or a combination of these. PMPs can also purchase a full pallet of 96 Express stations with the iQ tray pre-installed.
The Indiana Pest Management Association (IPMA) held its annual Summer Conference July 16–18 at Indiana’s historic French Lick Resort, bringing together pest management professionals (PMPs) from across the state for education, networking and fellowship.
The event kicked off Thursday evening with a welcome dinner at the iconic 33 Brick Street Bar & Restaurant, famously associated with Indiana basketball legend Larry Bird. Attendees enjoyed reconnecting with industry colleagues and preparing for a busy weekend of learning and activities.
Friday morning featured an outdoor Continuing Education Unit (CEU) training program attended by 36 participants. Six industry experts delivered hands-on educational sessions, including B&G Systems equipment training, Birchmeierbackpack sprayer training presented by R-Pro Partners & Solutions LLC, liquid termiticide equipment calibration by Reliable Exterminators, regulatory updates from the Indiana State Chemist Office, and Bell Laboratories’ rodent sensor bait station training. The outdoor format provided attendees with practical, real-world learning opportunities focused on improving service quality and operational efficiency.
That evening, members gathered for the IPMA Membership Dinner, Board Association Membership Meeting and Live Auction benefiting the IPMA Scholarship Funds. During the dinner, IPMA presented the prestigious Keyman Award to Joe Long of Ace Pest Control in North Webster, Ind. The award recognizes Long’s outstanding service to the association, his dedication to the board and the countless hours he has devoted to representing the industry and advocating on behalf of the Legislative Committee.
On Saturday morning, attendees enjoyed the title-sponsored Oldham Chemical Co. Golf Open Tournament at Sandy Creek, the resort’s newest nine-hole course. Throughout the day, participants also took part in clay shooting and poolside activities, offering opportunities to relax and strengthen professional relationships outside the meeting room.
The weekend concluded with a memorable strike with Neogen’s Sponsored Bowling and Billiard’s Night at the French Lick Resort’s newly renovated bowling facility. The event provided a fun and energetic finale to a successful Summer Meeting.
About the Indiana Pest Management Association
The Indiana Pest Management Association is a statewide association dedicated to advancing the pest management industry through education, advocacy and professional excellence.
The Pro-Pest Lookout monitor/trap has a highly effective, specially formulated, attractant already impregnated into the glue for cockroaches and other common household crawling insects.
The Pro-Pest Lookout comes two traps per sheet (pictured), allowing the flexibility of having two separate traps or one larger trap. Both configurations offer ramps on both ends, even after separating along the perforation.
Pro-Pest Lookout monitor/traps are manufactured with heavy-duty cardboard and a printed black interior. Easy-to-follow directions and a tracking chart are printed on the bottom of each trap. The units are discreet and easily placed to pinpoint infestations. Private labeling is available.
About J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing
As a salesman of termite and rodent control products for a major chemical manufacturer for 26 years, Jim Oakes worked closely with both industry distributors and pest control companies all over the southeastern U.S. Recognizing a need for product lines specifically designed for the pest control industry, Oakes founded J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing in May 1989.
With his experience and knowledge of termites and treatments, the first lines Oakes introduced were drill bits and spray hoses. Sheffield Masonry Drill Bits were designed with an emphasis on using quality European steel for durability and a full selection of shanks, diameters and lengths commonly used by pest control companies. Chemtrol, now known as Chemoak, was designed with consideration to chemical resistance, safety factors, working pressures, flexibility and ease of use.
Nearly four decades later, the product lines of J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing include not only equipment, but encompass a wide range of products, including:
Advantage Flying Insect and Yellow Jacket Traps
Pro-Pest Professional Lures for Rodents and Nuisance Wildlife
XLure Pheromone Monitoring Traps
Pro-Pest and Safestore brands
Pro-Pest Pantry and Clothes Moth Traps
Pro-Pest Crawling Insect Traps
J.F. Oakes Sales & Marketing sells its products through distributors in the U.S., Canada and internationally.
Oridian Capital Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm formerly known as HCI Equity Partners, has formed AnchorPoint Foundations. Based in Washington, D.C., AnchorPoint is building a platform of quality brands specializing in foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, basement waterproofing, concrete lifting and related technical services.
Each company will continue operating under its own trusted local brand, supported by the shared resources, infrastructure and expertise of the AnchorPoint network. Oridian intends to make significant investments in the team and infrastructure, and in the expansion of AnchorPoint’s brand portfolio through targeted acquisitions.
“The foundation repair and waterproofing industry represents an attractive opportunity to build a scaled platform in an essential services category,” Doug McCormick, Oridian chief investment officer, said in a news release. “We are excited to partner with a group of high-quality operators who have built trusted businesses in their respective markets and are well-positioned for continued growth.”
Oridian Managing Director Nate Novak added, “AnchorPoint reflects Oridian’s strategy of building strong service platforms in tandem with experienced local management teams. We look forward to supporting our partners as we continue to invest together in their people, expand their capabilities and deliver quality service to homeowners.”
Pest management professionals (PMPs) can now upgrade Mantis brand flying insect management systems to energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the way that works best for your operation:
For technicians who prefer to retrofit existing systems on their own schedule, the exclusive PestWest LED Lamp Conversion Kit (product code: 130-000328) provides a simple upgrade from 15-watt fluorescent lamps (with magnetic ballast) to LEDs. Installation requires only replacing the fluorescent lamp and starter with the included LED lamp and dedicated LED smart starter.
Now for a limited time, PestWest also offers a convenient, ready-to-use option: a complete Mantis Uplight that has already been retrofitted with LED technology (product code: 125-000553). This eliminates the need for field conversion and allows PMPs to order a fully assembled LED-equipped system — same classic design, powered by next-generation LED technology.
Why upgrade to PestWest LED Technology?
Flexible options: Retrofit an existing Mantis system or order a complete, field-ready, retrofitted Mantis LED Uplight.
Simple installation: Each conversion lamp includes a dedicated LED starter.
Each complete LED Uplight (125-000553) contains the 64-diode lamp, smart starter and the LED glue board for maximum catch.
Energy savings: Reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent.
Extended service life: Rated for up to three years of operation.
Effective attraction: Produces 365nm UV-A light to attract flying insects.
Broad compatibility: Designed for 120-volt direct, 15-watt magnetic ballast systems.
Quality construction: Features metal end caps, an uncoated glass tube and UL-listed components.
The PestWest LED Lamp Conversion Kit (product code: 130-000328) LED-compatible black glue boards (product code: 135-000247) and complete retrofitted Mantis Uplight (product code: 125-000553) are available through preferred structural pest management distributors. Installation videos and additional LED flying insect management options are also available online.
About PestWest USA
Based in Sarasota, Fla., PestWest USA is a leading manufacturer of insect light traps (ILTs) and part of the Killgerm group of companies. PestWest offers a full range of traditional fluorescent and advanced LED ILTs, Bio-gel+ biological cleaning products, bed bug inspection tools, and expert training for pest management professionals.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released the findings of its 2026 Pest Control Industry Sales Operations Survey, a first-of-its-kind study examining how pest control companies structure, staff and incentivize their sales functions. The research, sponsored by PestPac by WorkWave, reveals an industry where, per its news release, “sales is deeply embedded in service delivery rather than handled by traditional, dedicated outside sales teams.”
Conducted in April among pest control business owners, operators and managers, the survey found that technicians and ownership/management are the most common sources of sales activity, with outside sales representatives playing a secondary role at most companies. Management and ownership contribute the largest share of revenue among respondents, though technicians are nearly as prominent once all revenue sources are considered. Other key findings, per the news release, include:
Digital channels, referrals and word of mouth rank as the top lead generation channels industry-wide.
Pricing and promotions are the most commonly cited factors in winning new residential contracts, followed closely by service quality and reputation.
Base pay plus commission is the most common sales compensation model, and commission on any closed sale is the most prevalent commissionable event.
Most companies do not yet offer back-end or retention-based sales incentives; clawback provisions and no-penalty policies are the most common approaches when customers cancel early.
Cash remains the top incentive for sales performance, with non-cash rewards used far less frequently.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has not yet been widely adopted for sales support, signaling significant room for growth.
Open-ended responses reinforced these themes, per the release, with companies “repeatedly describing education-first, trust-based selling; technicians as a core sales channel; referrals and customer advocacy as primary growth drivers; collaborative internal cultures over individual sales competition; and service quality and reliability as their strongest sales differentiators.”
“This survey confirms what many of us have long suspected: In pest control, sales and service are inseparable,” NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf, CAE, said in the release. “Our members employ a variety of sales strategies, always focused on protecting residential and commercial clients from the disease and damage caused by pests. While each company may utilize different strategies, we are impressed by the results of this survey, demonstrating how companies continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of their consumers. “
WorkWave CEO Kevin Kemmerer agreed, noting: “These findings validate the shift we’re seeing across the industry: Data and AI adoption in pest control is still in its early innings, and for PCOs making these investments, that’s a massive competitive advantage. Businesses that pair their strongest asset — trusted, technically credible field technicians — with predictive AI insights, richer [customer relationship management, or] CRM data, and smarter automation are the ones positioned to scale the fastest and capture market share. We’re proud to sponsor research that gives expanding companies a clear benchmark for where they stand today and how to leverage advanced technology for explosive headroom tomorrow.”
The report also identifies clear opportunities for the industry moving forward, including:
formalizing technician sales training and incentive programs
developing back-end and retention-based compensation structures
investing in sales talent retention practices,
exploring how CRM systems and AI can support sales at scale
The full report, including detailed findings on sales team composition, compensation structures, training timelines, and technology adoption, is available at NPMApestworld.org/salessurvey.
About the National Pest Management Association
The National Pest Management Association is a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members. It was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. The association has had many notable leaders over the years, including Pest Management Professional Hall of Famers Bill Buettner (Class of 1998), Dr. Ralph Heal (Class of 2003), Dr. Phil Spear (Class of 2004) and Bob Rosenberg (Class of 2013), to name just a few.
About WorkWave
WorkWave is on a mission to “deliver innovative software and fintech solutions to the dedicated service professionals who ensure the world remains safe, clean and beautiful.” Powering millions of services every year, leading companies in lawn care, pest control, commercial cleaning and security guarding rely on WorkWave’s comprehensive software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, including its core offerings PestPac, RealGreen & TEAM Software, to manage and grow their businesses. Backed by decades of experience, passionate teams and an unwavering commitment to its customers, WorkWave’s vision is to empower the world’s mobile service workers to build a brighter future.
Roban Foam is a dense, low-expansion polyurethane sealant that blocks rats, mice, and insects from entering structures. It cures slowly to create a strong seal in structural gaps, cracks, and pipe penetrations. A rodent-repellent chemical is added for greater repellency. The durable, long-lasting formulation offers all-weather pest protection. It it particularly ideal for filling and sealing around foundation gaps, utility lines and other high-risk entry points.
Combine Roban Foam with Roban Blocker or copper mesh to create an even more robust rodent protection barrier. In areas with a severe rodent infestion, use Roban Guard for enhanced protection.
About PelGar
Based in the United Kingdom, PelGar provides products and expertise in more than 60 countries worldwide, including the United States. The company supports customers who are directly involved in controlling nuisance pests, national campaigns against the vectors of disease, and local and national Conservation in Partnership (CiP) projects. PelGar’s global network of experienced staff and in-country resources guarantee an exceptional level of service.
WorkWave, a Holmdel, N.J.-based provider of software and solutions that help mobile service companies thrive, has opened registration ior the WorkWave AMPLIFY Customer Conference 2027. Taking place from Jan. 31, 2027, through Feb. 3, 2027, at the iconic Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the conference will bring pest control, lawn care, cleaning and security professionals together to explore strategies for scaling operations, adopting new technology, and preparing for what’s next in field service.
Formerly known as Beyond Service, the conference has evolved into WorkWave AMPLIFY to reflect the momentum and impact of WorkWave’s community of industry innovators and principal decision-makers. It is designed to help business owners, executives and operations leaders turn deep industry knowledge into actionable, measurable results. For PestPac, RealGreen and TEAM Software customers, the 2027 conference offers a powerful opportunity to learn from peers, product experts and industry leaders.
WorkWave AMPLIFY 2027 is expected to bring together more than 1,000 forward-thinking attendees for three powerhouse days of immersive learning, technology insights and more than 70 focused sessions. The event will feature operational expertise, data insights and technology solutions for field service organizations.
Event highlights
AI and innovation. Get an exclusive first look at new tools and product announcements that are redefining how the pest, green, cleaning and security sectors leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for growth.
High-value, role-specific learning paths. Explore practical strategies for tackling operational bottlenecks and common industry challenges, from labor constraints and rising costs to business scaling.
Peer-to-peer learning. Join customer-led sessions focused on real-world business wins, practical lessons and strategies that have supported growth.
Complimentary product boot camps: Kick off the experience on Sunday, Jan. 31, with intensive, focused product training led by software experts to help attendees build product mastery before the main event begins.
“As our customers continue to push boundaries and scale new ways to grow, we’ve transformed our flagship event to match their ambition,” WorkWave CEO Kevin Kemmerer said in a news release. “Next year’s conference is focused entirely on helping you amplify what matters most: your growth, your impact and your ultimate results.”
WorkWave is on a mission to “deliver innovative software and fintech solutions to the dedicated service professionals who ensure the world remains safe, clean and beautiful.” Powering millions of services every year, leading companies in lawn care, pest control, commercial cleaning and security guarding rely on WorkWave’s comprehensive software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, including its core offerings PestPac, RealGreen & TEAM Software, to manage and grow their businesses. Backed by decades of experience, passionate teams and an unwavering commitment to its customers, WorkWave’s vision is to empower the world’s mobile service workers to build a brighter future.
Aruza Pest Controlhas acquired the Charleston, S.C., operations of Core Pest Solutions. Core Pest Solutions will continue with its operations in Charlotte, N.C., and Logan, Utah. The acquisition expands the Charlotte, N.C.-based Aruza’s footprint in the Charleston market.
“This acquisition represents another exciting step in Aruza’s growth strategy,” Aruza CEO Joshua Langdon said in a news release. “Core Pest Solutions has earned an outstanding reputation in the Charleston market by putting customers first and building lasting relationships. Those values closely align with our own. We’re excited to welcome their customers and team members to Aruza and look forward to continuing the high level of service they have come to expect while introducing expanded service offerings.”
“We’re proud of what our team has built over the years,” Core CEO Tyler Roskelley said in the release. “Finding the right long-term partner was incredibly important to us. Aruza shares our commitment to customer care, employee development, and operational excellence, making them the ideal organization to continue serving our customers and providing new opportunities for our employees.”
The acquisition also reflects the continued investment and strategic support of Concentric Equity Partners, Aruza’s investment partner based in Chicago, Ill.
“At Concentric Equity Partners, we seek to partner with exceptional management teams that prioritize people, culture and long-term value creation,” Concentric Operating Partner Rob Swartz said in the release. “This acquisition represents another important milestone in Aruza’s strategic growth across the Southeast.
The acquisition supports Aruza’s long-term strategy of growing through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions of respected pest management companies that share its commitment to customer service, employee development, and core values.
Customers transitioning from Core Pest Solutions will continue receiving professional pest control services with access to Aruza’s comprehensive residential pest management programs, including Aruza 360°, Aruza 360° Plus, termite protection, mosquito reduction, rodent control, crawlspace solutions, insulation services and other home protection offerings.
About Aruza Pest Control
Founded in 2016, Aruza Pest Control offers comprehensive services in North and South Carolina, Florida and Texas. Built on a foundation of five Core Values — accountability, integrity, humility, kindness and gratitude — Aruza’s commitment to exceptional customer service and innovative pest management solutions has earned it recognition, including being named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.
About Concentric Equity Partners
Concentric Equity Partners is a private investment firm that partners with leading middle-market companies by providing capital and strategic advisory to accelerate long term value creation. Concentric’s approach is simple: Support entrepreneurs and operators by providing the resources required to achieve extraordinary results. The firm’s investment team is made up of individuals with distinguished track records as operators and professional investors across a variety of growth oriented middle market companies.
Concentric Equity Partners is the direct investing arm of Financial Investments Corp., a private asset management firm and family office with over $2 billion in investment commitments under management. Financial Investments Corp.was founded in 1994 by father and daughter Harrison and Jennifer Steans and has been partnering with private companies for more than 25 years.
Family-owned and -operated since 1964, Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States, ranked by revenue. Arrow has more than 200 service centers, more than 3,600 team members and revenues exceeding $470 million. Featuring QualityPro accreditation by the National Pest Management Association, the company offers innovative and environmentally responsible services to protect homes and businesses of customers and operates in 16 states: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Arrow is led by President and COO Tim Pollard, CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick, and Chairman Joe Thomas, a Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2009). The company was founded in 1964 by industry veteran Starkey Thomas and his wife, Jean. Since acquiring its first company in 1988, Arrow has grown by partnering with pest control businesses that share its values and dedication to quality. Today, it stands as the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States.
Arrow offers a full range of services, including pest control, termite protection, mosquito prevention, wildlife control and exclusion, handyman work, insulation services and new construction treatments. These services are available for both residential and commercial customers.
As a third-generation family business, Arrow respects the time and effort it takes to build a successful pest management company. The team understands the importance of creating strong foundations for lasting partnerships and works closely with acquisition partners to ensure a smooth transition for both customers and employees.
