Today, Veganix operates as a close-knit team that holds licenses in both Connecticut and New York. Anthony serves as CEO, alongside his son John, who manages operations, and his daughter, Jennifer, who serves as the company’s senior biologist. His wife manages the office team, while another son previously worked in the family business before moving to Europe.

The company maintains a diverse clientele, ranging from high-profile professional athletes and affluent homeowners to local non-profit housing programs for mental health and addiction recovery. It is one of 12 pest control companies nationally to sign the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) Sustainability Pledge, launched in late 2025.

Science meets empathy

For Jennifer Glen, rejoining the family business full-time in 2020 meant bringing a scientific background directly to the field. Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biochemistry, along with formal research training from a medical research program at Columbia University, she approaches every account through both a human and technical lens. At press time, this winner of a 2025 NPMA Impact Award for Women in Pest Management is working on earning her Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) credential.

Glen says the Veganix team views pest management as first responders performing an essential public health service.

“When we enter a home, it’s almost like a doctor doing a physical,” she explains. “We’re not only evaluating the interior and exterior, but also the family dynamic. People call us when they are frantic or fearful. Having a background in science allows me to explain the exact active ingredients we are using, why we choose them, and why they are OK to use around children, pets and plants. But my background in psychology helps me deliver that information with patience and empathy.”

That personal-yet-professional touch is central to the Veganix philosophy. Glen frequently invites clients to inspect product labels and safety data sheets (SDS) straight from the truck.

“We believe in complete transparency, no false advertising or jargon,” she says. “Even when clients ask if low-toxicity products actually work, I can explain the efficacy rates and research behind them. It takes extra time to educate clients and set expectations, but that clarity builds long-term trust.”

A personal, hands-on approach

While green materials and lower-impact protocols can carry higher price tags and demand more labor, the Glens view the investment as non-negotiable. Veganix remains intentionally grounded in classic service values: clear communication, local community involvement and the Golden Rule.

“We view ourselves as first responders for public health,” Jennifer Glen concludes. “At the end of the day, our approach comes down to integrity, respect and serving people with humility. When you prioritize safety and treat every account like it’s your own family’s home, the business naturally grows.”

<p>The post Green All-stars: Veganix Pest Management blends science, empathy in green pest control first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Today, the successful Black-owned company maintains a predominantly residential customer base. Damon relies on a team of cross-trained universal technicians for everything from ants and bed bugs to mosquitoes and snakes, alongside a licensed termite control crew.

Meeting public wants

Damon, who is known around town as “Kevin the Eco Man,” stands by his motto: “It’s not about the bugs, it’s about the people.”

Damon says local public interest in sustainable living and urban agriculture, such as community gardens run by the city or other organizations, has been on the rise in recent years. 

“There’s been a focus lately by community groups to educate residents on how to plant native species in their own gardens to attract beneficial insects,” he adds. “Educational efforts not only help Durham’s ecological health as far as soil, air and water go, but it’s also a nod to the area’s agricultural heritage. Our urban planners are realizing we can be a cosmopolitan city while still having a clean environment where we can live, work and raise our families.”

The added benefit, of course, is that The Eco Man Pest Solutions is offering the exact type of green solutions residents are being made aware of. The company responds to that by supporting local programs and educational outreach whenever possible.

Damon sees it as a win-win. “Because it’s being supported by local organizations and government, there’s an increasing sense of community responsibility and awareness of ecological health,” he adds. “We are playing a role in that as well.”

To that end, Damon currently is laying the groundwork to launch a nonprofit, tuition-free training institute to prepare young people for a career in the trades. Through the Eco Man Works Foundation, begun in 2024, he envisions the institute as having offerings for not only pest control, but plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). 

“The ultimate goal for the Eco Man brand is to be a facilitator of job creation for young people,” he says. “I didn’t have a lot of encouragement or support coming out of high school or someone who was a mentor or who said, ‘Hey, have you tried this?’ We don’t encourage our young people to find their place in the world early enough.”

Damon’s dream is to have Eco Man Technical Institutes in major cities nationwide. He also is working with local technical and trade schools to find ways to cover expenses for students in need. 

Looking ahead

Because The Eco Man Pest Solutions basically states its approach in its name, Damon admits it’s easier to attract customers who are willing to pay for the extra time and labor green-focused treatments often require. It hasn’t always been the easiest path to take, especially in economic times where customers are looking at direct cost over value. But Damon notes it’s important to stay true to one’s convictions. 

It’s also important, he says, to be open to trying new things. New products come to market every year with the promise of green pest management. They’re always worth a try, he says, but be realistic about whether they’re working for your team regarding efficacy and extra time or labor vs. revenue. Do your best to analyze your results from a pilot program objectively and, if it’s not working, “make the decision to move on.”

Looking ahead, Damon predicts a major surge in consumer demand for low-impact pest management and prevention. As a result, he says, “We’re going to see more eco-friendly companies with more market share. I believe that share will reach up to 10 percent within the next seven to
10 years, nationwide.”

<p>The post Green All-stars: How The Eco Man Pest Solutions built a green pest control brand first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Flatline is a multiple-feed anticoagulant solution labeled for several rodent species, including house mice, Norway rats and roof rats. It is a good choice for everyday use to help stop damage caused by rodents, and it can be used during light to heavy rodent activity.

Like all soft baits manufactured by “The Soft Bait Innovators,” Liphatech, Flatline maintains its integrity in hot environments and offers a palatable formulation and bait matrix that rodents will eat.
 
PMPs can purchase the 28-gram pouches of Flatline in 4-pound bags, cases of eight 4-pound bags and 16-pound pails.

In addition to the effective control provided by Flatline and Liphatech’s full portfolio of intelligent pest management solutions, customers can also take advantage of its team of industry professionals. With more than 150 years of combined experience, all members of the Liphatech team work together to ensure PMPs are equipped with the products, strategies and recommendations they need to combat infestations and work toward achieving control.

About Liphatech

Known for its rodent control solutions, the Milwaukee, Wis.-based Liphatech 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 io 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.

Liphatech.com/flatline

<p>The post Liphatech: Flatline Soft Bait first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

From the start, Treftz wanted to set his company apart from competitors by taking a conscientious, low-environmental-impact approach. His background was in construction and a stint as a technician at a large pest control firm, so he was well-equipped to spot where exclusion efforts could stop pests from entering structures. While that sounds like an ideal approach for a pest management professional (PMP) today, it was practically revolutionary 47 years ago.

“When PMPs were largely at loggerheads with environmentalists, Cascade Pest Control did the unthinkable and reached out to those in the ecological movement and looked for common ground,” Treftz explains. “We knew the public valued both effective pest management and the environment. What we also knew was that a good many people equated concerns over the natural environment with their own environmental health. The public wanted then — as they do now — reassurance that providers of pest management were conscientious of their health and safety in their homes and businesses. Caring for the general environment is an indicator of care and concern overall.”

Treftz was bolstered by swift, word-of-mouth success and growing recognition for this approach. In the years since, Cascade has been the recipient of the Washington State Ecological Commission Award, the Governor’s Environmental Award, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 10 Evergreen Award, making it one of the few structural pest control firms in the nation to receive such distinction from the EPA.

The business has grown from a one-man operation into a regional powerhouse of about 30 employees, serving Greater Seattle and Puget Sound in Washington and Greater Boise and Treasure Valley in Idaho, and their surrounding areas. Treftz says that today, with services focused on exclusion and prevention of ants, spiders and rodents, the secret sauce really is a steady focus on integrated pest management (IPM) and being upfront with customers about how it works.

“It has become clear that pest management must practice IPM and earn public trust at every step,” he explains. “Business benefits will follow.”

A pledge to protect

Treftz points out that Cascade’s markets in both states have unusual rodent pressure. 

“The rodent populations are well-entrenched and continuously migrate throughout urban and suburban areas,” he adds. “Rural areas have constant pressure from native mouse populations.” In response, Cascade has developed a prevention program, focused on monitoring and perimeter defense, that has been a popular and effective service.

When the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) launched its Sustainability Pledge last November (Editor’s Note: visit NPMApestworld.org/your-business/sustainability for more information), Treftz was eager to be one of the first PMPs to sign it.

“The pledge makes perfect sense, given our long-standing environmental values and company legacy,” he says. “The NPMA Sustainability Pledge is also critical to our industry and to each company involved in signing it, both to care for resources and the environment, and to continually earn and maintain public trust.”

Empathy, education in equal parts

In 1994, Treftz went back to college to finish his degree in psychology. He then earned a master’s degree in 1999 in applied behavioral science in the counseling track, with a focus on systems theory and family counseling. The additional education has given him more insights and understanding where both customers and employees are coming from.

Still, he admits there have been many other lessons to be learned over the past 47 years — many from trial and error. His current team, led by Operations Director Kevin Peterson, Field Manager Charlie Neal and Office Manager Karin Torchia, are in place because they share his philosophy that gaining and maintaining customer confidence is the top priority.

“Obviously, intense learning of pest biology and control and applying IPM principles consistently also are essential,” he says, “But empathizing with people’s personal health concerns is critical. We are up front with our values and reputation, whether on our website or in leave-behind literature for our clients. Training staff on these values and attitudes starts day one, and is continually incorporated into our ongoing training and meetings.”

The hardest aspect over the years, Treftz says, has been learning to recognize what makes a candidate for hire the right fit for Cascade.

“When you plan to insist on excellence, you have to manage and monitor your crew carefully,” he advises. “Encouraging technicians to do their best and correcting them when they are in error, and also knowing when they’re just not going to make the grade, are all skills that make or break a company’s excellence. Fast-tracking this learning curve would have done us wonders.”

With the right people in place, fostering a positive customer experience is practically a walk in the park.

“We train our team to remember that customer priorities may evolve throughout the service experience,” Treft concludes. “When facing an active pest problem, their immediate focus often is simply getting it resolved. But once the issue is under control, they may have more questions about the products used and the precautions taken. Being transparent from the beginning and consistently demonstrating care for people, pets and the surrounding environment helps build confidence and lasting customer relationships.”

<p>The post Green All-stars: Cascade Pest Control’s 47-year commitment to eco-conscious pest control first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Thompson brings more than 20 years of executive leadership across Fortune 50 companies and private equity. He entered the pest control industry with Terminix, where a move closer to family turned into a long-term career. He went on to co-found and grow his own pest control company, then joined Certus as director of sales before being named VP of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In 2025, Thompson founded Trivie Business Brokers, where he works with home services owners on valuation, growth and exit strategies. Outside of work, Thompson lives in Auburn, Ala., with his wife, Jasmin, and their two children, Evie and Tripp.

Across hundreds of M&A deals and evaluations, Thompson says he has seen two issues repeatedly erode business value: weak accounting and poor sales tracking. Buyers want to see clear revenue and a documented sales process, and owners who can’t produce either face a harder, longer road when it matters most.

“I met the founders of Smarter Launch because I was frustrated the product didn’t exist yet,” he said in the news release. “When I met Darren (Hunsaker, company founder), the team was building it, and I saw the vision immediately. I’ve been on the Smarter Launch train from the beginning. I meet with owners and operators constantly, and 97 percent of them aren’t looking to sell. They’re looking to improve their business and grow sales. This is a tool every company needs in their arsenal.”

In his first year, Thompson will focus on helping owners recognize how much value sits in a process most companies overlook.

“I don’t think people value the proposal process enough,” he said in the news release. “It’s an essential tool to help owners take their business, and their sales, to the next level.”

About Smarter Launch

Smarter Launch is a proposal software platform built specifically for the pest control industry. Designed by industry professionals, the platform helps companies create clear, professional service proposals that homeowners can easily understand. With features like visual diagrams, customizable branding, automated follow-ups and interactive proposal tools, Smarter Launch focuses on helping pest control businesses communicate value, close more sales and streamline their sales process.

<p>The post Smarter Launch adds industry veteran as account executive first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

The theme for this year’s New York Pest Expo, taking place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 12 at the George Washington Bridge Doubletree Hotel in Fort Lee, N.J. is “The Art of Pest Management.”

At its finest, pest management is a craft blending technology, science and innovation. Never stop growing. Never stop improving. Aim to be a master. Come sharpen your cognitive skills with key insights from some of the industry’s most outstanding talents. Harness the power of the New York Pest Expo – a great pest management event.

The 2026 Edition promises to be bigger and better than ever with more exhibitors and attendees than in years past. Stay tech-savvy and sharp as you visit with dozens of manufacturers and business support providers. Take advantage of great promotions and blowout pricing on supplies and equipment. Come refine your skills and don’t miss out.

Total New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Credits for the event are as follows: 7A: 6.00, 7F: 4.00, 8: 5.00

The scheduled agenda includes:

• Dr. Tim Husen, BCE, PHE, PCQI, Syngenta: “Harmonizing Product Selection – How and Why What We Use Works”
• Lou Sorkin, BCE, Ensult Associates: “Amazing Invertebrate Works of Art”
• Tommy Powell, MGK: “Making Outdoor Pest Control a Virtuosic Performance”
• Isabelle Lucero, J.T. Eaton: “The Hymenopterans – Nature’s Example of Form Meeting Function”
• Ed Dolshun, Catchmaster Pro: “Master the Catch – Proactive Protection against Rodents”
• Sylvia Kenmuir, BCE, BASF: “Make Roach Control a Masterpiece”

Learn more and register online at the URL below.

BugOffPCCenter.com

<p>The post Bug Off Pest Control Center: 2026 New York Pest Expo first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

This is the sixth year that the Tacoma, Wash.-based company has offered the program. Scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic progress, personal achievements, community involvement, and demonstrated commitment to their future success. They include:

• Caden Peloquin / Pacific Lutheran University
• Hanah Jennings / College of Western Idaho
• Jaden Jennings / Western Washington University
• Joss Franco / College of the Sequoias
• Leticia Monge / Arizona State University
• Madison Guinn / Chemeketa Community College

“We know that pursuing higher education takes dedication and often significant sacrifice, both from students and the families who support them,” Sprague’s director of people operations, Leila Starwich, said in a news release. “One of the things I love most about this scholarship program is that it allows us to invest directly in the dreams and goals of the people who make up the Sprague family. Reading this year’s applications was incredibly inspiring.”

The Sprague Scholarship Program is open to eligible Sprague team members, their dependents and partners who are pursuing accredited college, university, vocational or technical education programs. Since its inception, the program has helped support educational opportunities for dozens of members of the extended Sprague family, reinforcing the company’s belief that investing in people creates stronger communities and a brighter future.

About Sprague Pest Solutions

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

<p>The post Sprague reveals 2026 scholarship winners first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

“At Fox Pest Control, we believe strong communities are built by individuals who are willing to step up, serve others, and make a difference where they are,” Steve Short, the Logan, Utah-based company’s VP of sales and marketing, said in the news release. “The Future Leaders Scholarship is one way we invest in future leaders by supporting students who are already creating positive change and encouraging them to continue that impact throughout their education and careers.”

Applicants are required to demonstrate how they have exhibited leadership through service, community involvement and personal initiative. In their applications, students are asked to share how they have taken ownership of challenges, served others,and made a positive impact where they are. These experiences should reflect the Fox Pest Control’s core values of Extreme Ownership and Lift Where You Stand.

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time, and the winner is expected to be notified on or about Nov. 1, 2026.

The scholarship’s impact can be seen through recipients like Shreyan Singha, the 2025 Future Leaders Scholarship winner, who used the award to advance his educational goals while supporting a nonprofit that serves children and families facing serious medical challenges.

“This scholarship helps me further reach my goal of making healthcare more accessible in two ways,” Singha said in the news release. “It allows me to further my studies in learning the business behind healthcare so I can understand more as to how to make healthcare more affordable. The scholarship also allows me to support a charity close to my heart: Kids of Love. This local nonprofit works hard to support children with debilitating illnesses and their families both financially and emotionally.”

Students interested in applying can review the full Fox-Pest.com/community/scholarship.

<p>The post Fox Pest Control offers ‘Future Leaders’ scholarship first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

The Foundation’s newest scholarship is the Hoffman Exterminating’s Bugsbee Buddies Scholarship, established by Hoffman’s Exterminating, which is now an Arrow Exterminators company. Named after the company’s mascot, Bugsbee, this $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating high school senior entering college or trade school or a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in environmental sciences, entomology, food sciences or a related field, with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Eligibility criteria
• Priority will be given to applicants who are residents of or are attending school in the Delaware Valley, including Southern New Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.
• Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a meaningful connection to environmental stewardship, food safety and sustainability through academic research, professional experience, volunteer activity and/or other relevant engagement opportunities.

Bill Hoffman, founder and former owner of Hoffman’s Exterminating, is now Arrow Exterminators’ VP of food safety and commercial development. His statement regarding the scholarship is as follows:

For more than 46 years, the pest management industry has provided me with opportunities I could never have imagined. I started my career as a part-time helper, in the summer of 1980, with a regional family pest control company. I worked in the field with no experience, no education and no real direction as to where I would go. I was fortunate to learn from mentors, including Bill Kolbe, who invested their time, knowledge and belief in me. Establishing this scholarship through the Pest Management Foundation is my way of giving back to an industry that has given so much to me and my family.

I believe the future of our profession depends on attracting, developing and supporting the next generation of leaders. Through education, mentorship and opportunity, we can ensure that our industry continues to grow, innovate and serve our communities with excellence.

It is my hope that this scholarship helps aspiring professionals achieve their goals, discover their potential and build rewarding careers in an industry that has truly changed my life.

The scholarship application period opens Oct. 1. Visit the Foundation’s website for scholarship application requirements and how to apply. Or contact Foundation Executive Director (and Pest Management Professional “Callback Cures” columnist) Dr. Michael Bentley, BCE, at mbentley@pestworld.org.

About the Pest Management Foundation

he Foundation has been in existence for more than 30 years and was originally named the Buettner Pest Control Foundation in honor of William O. Buettner, the NPMA’s first president and executive vice president and Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 1998).

<p>The post The Foundation adds ‘Bugsbee Buddies’ scholarship first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Edited by Mark VanderWerp, BCE, manager of education and training, Rose Pest Solutions, Madison Heights, Mich.

Why rabies requires medical attention

Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if people don’t receive medical care before symptoms appear. Rabies spreads primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. In the United States, animals most frequently found with rabies are bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes. If you may have been exposed to rabies, you should urgently seek medical attention. After a rabies exposure, the rabies virus must travel to the brain before it can cause symptoms. The time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is the incubation period, which may last for weeks to months. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.

SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Answers to September Tech Test

1. b, 2. False, 3. c, 4. True, 5. d, 6. True, 7. b, 8. False, 9. a, 10. True

<p>The post Tech Test: What do you know about wildlife? first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Hernandez joined Truly Nolen in April 2026 as a manager-in-training in the company’s commercial division.

Before joining the company, Hernandez spent 13 years in pest control with The Steritech Group, where he started as a technician and held multiple positions including operations manager in Miami. He also developed a sales background over the past three years.

Hernandez’s new responsibilities will include helping the service office gain more visibility with the local Broward and Palm Beach County commercial community as well as instilling the company’s core values throughout his team.

“I am excited to be part of a great team at the perfect time as the growth of commercial pest control is on the rise,” Hernandez said. “My favorite thing about working for Truly Nolen is the family feel, and a sense of belonging and being part of something bigger than just pest control.”

Truly Nolen Commercial Division Manager Verne Keller said, “Manny’s proven leadership, customer focus, and passion for development will be a tremendous asset as he supports our customers, strengthens our teams and continues to grow within our company.”

About Truly Nolen

Founded in 1938, Tucson, Ariz.-based Truly Nolen of America is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States. Truly Nolen has over 80 branch offices in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. The company also has independently owned and operated franchises in an ever-growing number of territories including Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Canada, Puerto Rico and over 60 countries.

<p>The post Truly Nolen names operations manager for Florida commercial service office first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Per the news release, researchers examined seven factors that can contribute to the amount of cleaning and household upkeep residents face: reported mold, signs of rodents, signs of cockroaches, inside water leakage, outside water leakage, average household size and the average number of rooms in occupied homes.

Each factor was converted into a percentile score across 20 metropolitan areas and weighted to create a final Home Cleaning Pressure Score out of 100:

1. Washington, D.C. 78.45
2. Cincinnati, Ohio 72.04
3. New York City 69.24
4. Houston, Texas 63.16
5. Philadelphia, Pa. 62.34
6. Boston, Mass. 57.57
7. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif. 56.09
8. San Francisco, Calif. 54.77
9. Los Angeles, Calif. 53.29
10. Milwaukee, Wis. 48.85
11. Chicago, Ill. 47.04
12. Denver, Colo. 45.72
13. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas 44.74
14. Cleveland, Ohio 42.60
15. Atlanta, Ga. 39.80
16. Seattle, Wash. 38.16
17. Phoenix, Ariz. 37.17
18. New Orleans, La. 36.84
19. Detroit, Mich. 34.38
20. Miami, Fla. 17.76

Why Washington, D.C. is No. 1

Rather than being driven by a single extreme result, the study notes, Washington, D.C.’s position comes from relatively high cleaning pressure across several household conditions.

• An estimated 13.47 percent of occupied homes reported inside water leakage, the highest proportion among the 20 metropolitan areas analyzed.
• D.C. homes also had the largest average number of rooms at 6.44, while approximately 17.22 percent reported signs of mice or rats during the previous 12 months, the third-highest rate in the study.
• The metropolitan area also recorded an average household size of approximately 2.59 people, while 10.40 percent of homes reported signs of cockroaches.

“Keeping a home clean isn’t only about how often someone vacuums or wipes down a countertop,” Zentura Cleaning CEO James Carter said in the news release. “A larger space, more people using it, moisture problems and signs of pests can all create work that keeps returning. When several of those pressures overlap, routine cleaning can become much more demanding.”

Why Cincinnati ranks No. 2

Despite not recording the highest rate of either rodents or cockroaches, Cincinnati took the second spot for high percentages in other areas:

• Approximately 12.91 percent of occupied homes reported outside water leakage, the highest rate among the 20 metros studied.
• A further 10.64 percent reported inside water leakage, while approximately 12.82 percent reported signs of rodents.
• Cincinnati also had an average of approximately 6.09 rooms per occupied home, among the largest homes represented in the analysis.

“The findings demonstrate why the final index can differ substantially from rankings based purely on pests or one individual housing problem,” Zentura Cleaning’s new release points out.

Why New York City ranks No. 3

New York ranked third overall and recorded one of the broadest combinations of household-condition challenges in the study. Approximately:

• 4.22 percent of occupied homes reported mold
• 17.01 percent reported signs of mice or rats
• 20.13 percent reported signs of cockroaches
• 10.36 percent reported inside water leakage
• 10.60 percent reported outside water leakage

New York recorded the second-highest mold estimate among the 20 metros and ranked among the highest for both rodent and cockroach signs.

Its results contrast with metropolitan areas that perform extremely poorly in one category but relatively well across the others.

Top cockroach percentage: Houston

Approximately 33.27 percent of occupied homes in the Houston metropolitan sample reported signs of cockroaches during the previous 12 months, the highest share among the 20 metropolitan areas analyzed. That is roughly equivalent to one in every three occupied homes.

New Orleans recorded the second-highest rate at approximately 29.71 percent, followed by New York at 20.13 percent, Dallas-Fort Worth at 19.42 percent and Atlanta at 18.27 percent.

“The places people see are usually the places they clean most often. The areas that get missed are under appliances, around cabinet edges, along baseboards and close to sinks,” Carter said in the news release. “Those less-visible areas can collect crumbs, grease and moisture, so a thorough cleaning routine has to go beyond the countertop and the middle of the floor.”

Note that the data only records reported signs of cockroaches, and should not be interpreted as the percentage of homes with a professionally confirmed infestation.

Top rodent percentage: Boston

Boston recorded the highest proportion of occupied homes reporting signs of mice or rats.

Approximately 24.48 percent of Boston-area homes, close to one in four, reported rodent signs during the previous 12 months.

Philadelphia followed at 19.90 percent, with Washington, D.C. at 17.22 percent and New York at 17.01 percent.

At the opposite end, Phoenix recorded the lowest rodent-sign estimate among the metros analyzed, at approximately 2.09 percent.

Methodology

The analysis examined housing conditions across 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas using AHS microdata. Individual housing-unit records were analyzed using the final AHS survey weight rather than unweighted sample counts. Seven factors were included:

• Reported mold: 18.75 percent
• Reported signs of mice or rats: 12.50 percent
• Reported signs of cockroaches: 12.50 percent
• Inside water leakage: 12.50 percent
• Outside water leakage: 12.50 percent
• Average household size: 15.625 percent
• Average number of rooms: 15.625 percent

For mold, a housing unit was classified as reporting mold when at least one of the AHS mold-location variables indicated mold in the basement, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room or another room.

Each metric was converted to a percentile score relative to the other metropolitan areas included in the study. The percentile scores were then multiplied by their respective weights and combined to generate the final Home Cleaning Pressure Score out of 100.

A higher score indicates a greater combined presence of household conditions associated with cleaning and upkeep pressure. The score does not measure how clean or dirty residents are, how frequently residents clean their homes, or the quality of cleaning performed.

Percentages are weighted estimates based on the AHS survey sample and may differ slightly from other published Census tabulations because of rounding, disclosure protection and differences in tabulation methodology. Complete results can be found here.

<p>The post U.S. Census uncovers pest harborage trends first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

The statement the company issued at the time of the Nader’s Pest Raiders acquisition included a heartfelt message from president and owner Randy Nader that holds true today, 16 years later. 

“Merging my company with a larger successful operation that shares the same family values and business philosophies was critical to my decision. The opportunity for our employees to advance and grow in this environment and in a family culture can only make us all more successful,” Nader was quoted as saying in the press release dated Dec. 1, 2010.

Nader was 31 years old when he started Nader’s Pest Raiders in 1991. After more than two decades of solid growth, he had a team of 65 employees. After the acquisition, most stayed and many were promoted to management roles.

Nader also stayed with the company after the acquisition. While his title has changed from president to operations consultant, he’s still on board today because he wants to keep building the business. 

“It’s really nice to see my employees grow and their families benefit,” he says. “I’m extremely proud of them.”

Family matters

As a company owner who considered his entire team family, even those who were not related to him, he said it would have broken his heart if his employees were upset about the acquisition. 

“I was really good at hiring and keeping people,” Nader says. “Hopefully, they saw a place where they could work for the rest of their lives.”

Because Nader stayed with the company, he is well aware of the impact the acquisition had on his employees. “We had good training,” he says. “We hired really good people. People who were spraying lawns are now running the service center.”

A sure sign of a successful acquisition is no hard feelings. So, when he runs into the employees who worked for him, it’s all good.

“There’s no bitch session,” he adds. “There’s none of that at all.”

It’s quite the opposite, in fact. One employee he sees regularly always gives him a hug and reminds him how blessed she is because of what he did. Nader admits it’s “the coolest thing.” 

Customer care

At the time of the acquisition, Nader’s Pest Raiders serviced Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine and the Fernandina area, as well as the Coastal Georgia area, and specialized in residential pest, termite and lawn care services.

Customers took the news well for the most part, he says, and some people think he still owns the company. “They know me by reputation, so they trusted me,” he adds. “They still do, 16 years later.”

Had the acquisition not been good for employees and customers, “I probably would have had to move because I know so many people here,” he teases. “I’ve been involved in the community ever since I started my business.”

Acquisition decision

Arrow Exterminators is a family-owned business, and Nader has known the Thomas family — Chairman Joe Thomas and CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick — for years. He also has gotten to know President and COO Tim Pollard and Chief Development Officer Kevin Burns. 

“They mean the world to me,” Nader says. “They do exactly what they say; integrity and honesty are important.”

But 16 years ago, it was another Arrow Exterminators team member who initiated talk of a possible sale. Nader was a close friend of Jeff Singley,
who was appointed president of the company in 2012. Sadly, Singley passed away six months later. “That was a tough time,” Nader recalls.

The two friends never talked about the possibility of selling Nader’s Pest Raiders to Arrow Exterminators — until one day they did. “That’s how this happened,” he says. “I never spoke to another company about selling.”

Nader was 50 at the time of the sale and says he knew he eventually was going to have to make some hard decisions about the future of his business. His children were in college and had no interest in running the business. And although he was an owner who always promoted from within, he wondered whether he would have to bring someone in to take over the company. He discussed his options with his wife, Kim, to whom he has been married 46 years. 

It was easy for the Arrow Exterminators team to perform due diligence, Nader says, because he ran a great business. Plus, his debt was extremely low. Sixteen years after the acquisition, Nader says the brands are doing extremely well, thanks to great locations that allow for tremendous growth.

“We are better trained, and our management and employees are second-to-none,” he says. “Our employees really make the difference.”

Fortunately, Arrow Exterminators listened when Nader explained how he built the business. “They wanted to continue to do the things that were good,” he says. “This never would have happened with another company, and I certainly wouldn’t be working with another company if they weren’t like Arrow Exterminators.”

Anytime he had a concern, Nader knew he could talk about it with the Arrow team. “Honesty and integrity mean everything to me, and that’s what they’re about,” he says. 

“I tell anybody who asks that they’re going to know honesty when they sell their business to Arrow Exterminators,” he says. “It’s going to be the best situation in their life ever, to have a chance to start doing what they want to do once they sell their business.”

In addition, Nader’s involvement in the community remains strong by choice. “Arrow Exterminators has allowed me to do the things that I like to do, and it’s certainly benefiting all of us: the charity, the community and the employees who see the things we do,” he says. Those charities include the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, which supports children with cancer, as well as Angelwood, which provides services to children, adults and families living with disabilities.

Arrow Exterminators’ management team is as honest and as nice as they were when Nader first met them, long before he thought of selling his company. “There is no difference,” he adds. “It has been 16 years, and I’m still working with them.”

Because Nader’s Pest Raiders was the third company he sold, his experience helped. Knowing his business well worked in his favor, too. This time around, his main concerns centered on taxes, which he worked out through his accountant and Arrow Exterminators, and his employees’ well-being.

“If your employees and customers mean anything to you whatsoever, it’s really going to affect your future who you sell to, because your employees are family and your customers are friends,” he says. “I’m happy I sold the business to Arrow Exterminators. I thank God every day that that’s what happened.”

<p>The post 2026 Merger Guide: How Nader’s Pest Raiders’ sale to Arrow benefited employees, customers first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Every pest control visit is a chance to grow your business. With Private Label by Catchmaster, your logo goes on professional-grade glue traps and monitoring stations, so every product you place becomes a marketing touchpoint that keeps working long after the job is done. Every Catchmaster Private Label partner is paired with a dedicated Catchmaster Pro sales representative who guides you from design through production.

If you’re attending PestWorld 2026, stop by Booth No. 231 to try Catchmaster’s new interactive private-label tool. Drop in your logo and company name right on the spot and watch your own branded products come to life on screen. It’s the fastest way to picture what’s possible, and it’s just the start. Every private label partner gets a dedicated Catchmaster representative to guide design and production from concept to shelf. 

Don’t miss what’s new from AP&G’s Catchmaster Pro at PestWorld 2026. 

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. 

CatchmasterPro.com/collections/private-label

<p>The post Catchmaster Pro:  Private Label by Catchmaster  first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Hoffman’s Exterminating Co. built its stellar reputation on its commitment to quality service, highly trained employees, and community involvement. Its beloved mascot, BugsBee, aids brand recognition.

In March, it joined the Arrow Exterminators family of companies. The Mantua, N.J.-based pest control company, which employs more than 100 team members and serves customers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, continues to operate under the Hoffman’s Exterminating Co. brand.

Bill Hoffman, CEO at the time of the acquisition, founded the family-owned company in 1990. He did not reach the decision to sell his company lightly. Going from zero to more than $16 million in revenue took hard work, dedication and a team of skilled employees, and he did not intend to partner with a company that was a bad fit. 

“This was never about simply selling a business,” says Hoffman, 64, who now serves as VP of food safety and commercial development. “It was about bringing together two great family businesses that shared similar values.”

The acquisition allowed the Atlanta, Ga.-based pest control powerhouse to expand to the northeastern portion of the country. Arrow Exterminators already serves customers in Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Considering all options

About four years ago, Hoffman and his partner began discussing their succession plan. They explored options that included offering an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), bringing in another partner, transitioning ownership to their children, and transferring ownership to a key employee. 

“Ultimately, several factors — primarily the cost and risk involved — made those options less viable,” he says.

However, partnering with Arrow Exterminators made sense. Hoffman had been working with the company on projects for years, providing joint services to national and regional companies and serving on boards. He even attended a Christmas party at the home of Chairman Joe Thomas, who is a Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer (Class of 2009). These experiences not only helped build trust; they also helped confirm their company cultures, missions and beliefs were aligned.

“Selling a business is emotional, but you should never make an emotional decision,” Hoffman explains. “For many owners, the company represents a lifetime of hard work. It also may be the single greatest opportunity to provide financial security and retirement for your family, while creating more opportunities for your employees.”

Acquisition process

Hoffman says there was no single factor that compelled him to sell. “Rather, several key factors aligned at the same time and indicated we were ready for the next chapter,” he explains.

At first, his conversations with Arrow Exterminators focused on vision, growth and future opportunities. Hoffman says he had serious discussions about four years ago, but the timing was not quite right. That changed in 2025. 

“I reached out again, and many of the obstacles we had faced previously had been resolved,” Hoffman recalls. “Chief Development Officer Kevin Burns and I sat down, created a list of pros and cons, agreed on terms, and started the process. We intentionally kept things simple and limited the number of people involved.”

When it came time to consider an acquisition partner, Hoffman says he had four primary priorities:

•  Protect the company culture.
•  Protect the company’s reputation and customer relationships.
•  Take care of employees the same way they always had.
•  Ensure that they continued to support and serve the community.

No stranger to the acquisition process — Hoffman acquired 15 companies over the years — he understood what to expect. Still, he relied on a team of trusted professionals that included a financial advisor, an attorney and an accountant. 

“This is the time to look under the hood and honestly evaluate your business,” he says. “It takes discipline to slow down and assess both what you do well and where you can improve. Whether a transaction happens soon, later or not at all, improving your company benefits everyone.”

Resist the temptation to make major changes for the sole purpose of making your numbers look better, Hoffman adds. Selling off assets or undertaking significant operational changes could raise questions during the due diligence process. “Stay true to who you are and focus on doing it better,” he says.

Sharing the news

Once the details of the acquisition had been worked out and the deal had been finalized, the time came to share the news with employees.  

Hoffman’s Exterminating Co. waited for the right time. First to get the news was the leadership team, which found out the night before. The next day, the announcement was made to all employees as part of a joint meeting with Arrow Exterminators’ leadership team.

“As expected, the news was difficult for some employees. Reactions ranged from excitement and optimism to fear and uncertainty,” Hoffman says. “I believe there is no ‘perfect’ way to deliver this kind of news. In my situation, the most important factor was remaining calm, positive and committed to our people.”

Hoffman and his team also personally contacted the company’s top customers and communicated with many others via email. Every email included his direct email address and cell phone number. 

“Our message was simple: Hoffman’s is here to stay. Our people remain in place, our brand remains strong, and our commitment to serving customers remains unchanged,” he says. “Overall, customers responded very positively.”

Communication was instrumental in reassuring employees and customers, as a joint email blast from Hoffman and Arrow Exterminators CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick reinforced the two companies’ commitment to quality, community and their people. 

“I do think that ‘walking the walk,’ as I remained actively engaged by meeting with customers, working alongside our team and consistently reinforcing the reasons behind the decision, kept people engaged and less stressed,” Hoffman says. “Our goal was to create more opportunities for employees and customers alike, opportunities that would extend well beyond my years with the company. By staying visible, accessible and committed, we were able to build confidence throughout the transition.”

While keeping the lines of communication open helped customers and employees feel better about the deal, there were some unknowns. 

“The most difficult part of the transition was understanding exactly what would happen during the first 90 to 120 days,” he says. “That includes changes in staffing, leadership, corporate processes and any new policies or practices introduced by the acquiring company.”

Hoffman reiterates that partnering with Arrow Exterminators was the right move: “Change is difficult for everyone, but standing still can be even more challenging in the long run.”

<p>The post 2026 Merger Guide: Hoffman’s Exterminating joins Arrow Exterminators family first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Since then, tens of thousands of technicians have trusted the Exacticide in the field, using it to tackle pest control applications where accuracy, reach and control matter most. For 25 years, Technicide has continued to improve and refine the tools PMPs rely on every day.

The Exacticide helped establish a new approach to professional dust application, providing technicians with a powered, controlled alternative to traditional dusters. Its versatility allows it to be used across a wide range of pest control applications and paired with accessories designed to reach difficult areas, cracks, crevices, voids and elevated locations.

Today, the Exacticide Lithium Ion represents the latest evolution of that technology. Combining the proven foundation of the original Exacticide with modern lithium-ion power, improved ergonomics, narrower wand tips and extended runtime, it delivers the precision and flexibility professionals expect from a modern electronic power duster.

Designed for the realities of professional pest management, the Exacticide gives technicians a compact, battery-powered solution that can be configured for a variety of applications without sacrificing control or performance.

But 25 years isn’t just about the equipment. It’s about the PMPs who have trusted the Exacticide throughout its history. Their feedback, experience and continued support have helped shape every generation of the tool.

About Technicide

Technicide, founded in 1989 by third-generation pest management professional Jim Harper, has been helping PMPs take control of their work with smarter tools for more than 35 years. Born from hands-on experience and driven by innovation, Technicide products are crafted to save time, reduce labor, and improve results in the field — all proudly manufactured in Heber City, Utah.

From the original Injecticide to the Exacticide, to the Tech-Reach Bait Pro, Techni-Baiter and more, its tools are built to empower the PMPs who protect our communities from pests every day

Technicide.com

<p>The post Technicide: Exacticide first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>