Happy Earth Day! Earth Day started in 1970 when Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” after seeing the damage caused by a massive oil spill that occurred in Santa Barbara, Calif. The day is observed worldwide with rallies and festivals that spread the word about the importance of caring for the planet.

Enhesa, a global compliance and sustainability software company, conducted a study analyzing each state’s performance across five key sustainability metrics: Eco-Friendly Vehicles, Emissions, Recycling, Energy and Waste. Each metric was scored out of a possible 100 points and averaged to produce an overall sustainability score. This score was used to create a final ranking, revealing the most environmentally conscious states.

Top 10 most environmentally friendly states

California scored the highest across Enhesa’s eco-friendliness scale. The state scored highest within the ‘Eco-Friendly Vehicles’ metric, securing the second-highest spot nationwide. This is largely because the state has the highest percentage of hybrid or electric vehicles in the country at 7.7%.

Vermont secured the second spot with an overall score of 63.88. The state’s highest scoring area was within the ‘Energy’ metric, where it claimed the top spot nationwide, with the country’s lowest energy consumption per capita.

Maine claimed the third spot, with a score of 63.64. The state excelled in the ‘Recycling’ metric, achieving the highest score nationwide by recycling an 74% of its packaging material.

Least eco-friendly states

Leading the ranking as the least environmentally conscious state is North Dakota, with a score of 24.47 out of a possible 100. Despite scoring strongly for Eco-Friendly Vehicles, North Dakota ranked last for Emissions, with their CO2 emissions per capita increasing by 205% since 1970, by far the largest increase in the country. Additionally, North Dakota’s performance in the Recycling and Waste metrics placed the state 34th and 43rd.

Securing the second spot was Alaska, earning a score of 27.88. The state ranked last in the ‘Energy’ and ‘Recycling’ metrics. Alaska only recycles 16% of its material packaging, marking the lowest rate in the country.

Ranking as the third least sustainable state, Louisiana achieved an overall sustainability score of just 29.51. The state performed poorly across critical metrics such as ‘Emissions,’ ‘Recycling,’ and ‘Energy,’ ranking in the bottom ten nationwide in each category.

More Earth Day content

If your firm is observing Earth Day in some way, we want to know — comment below or send a note to pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net. And if you’ve recently been or are scheduled to appear on your local news program, please do the same. What follows are just a few of your colleagues putting their best feet forward in front of a receptive audience.

<p>The post Celebrating Earth Day: Top eco-friendly states named first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Bird-X, a leading provider of professional bird control solutions, introduces its Battery-Powered Hog Ring Tool, purpose-built for commercial bird netting installation crews. Featuring a 20-volt cordless platform, a 100-ring magazine and a lightweight, 7-pound design, the tool is engineered to help professional bird netting installers work faster, reach farther and operate with greater freedom.

Designed for demanding installations

Bird netting installation is a labor-intensive process that traditionally relies on pneumatic tools requiring air compressors, long hoses, and a constant power source — equipment that is cumbersome on rooftops, in confined spaces, and at height. Bird-X’s new Battery-Powered Hog Ring Tool changes the equation entirely. Leveraging the industry-trusted 20-volt cordless platform, the tool fires 0.75-inch stainless steel or galvanized rings with instant, zero-delay deployment, allowing crews to set rings quickly and continuously without pausing to manage equipment logistics.

With a 100-ring magazine capacity and more than 1,000 rings per battery charge, the tool minimizes reloads and downtime throughout even the largest installations. Two 20-volt battery packs and a charger are included in every kit, along with a belt attachment system, handle, lubricant and operator manual — everything a professional crew needs to hit the ground running.

“This tool is a genuine game-changer for professional installation crews,” says Fonda Moyers, head of products for Bird-X. “When you eliminate the compressor and the hoses, you eliminate a massive source of cost and complexity from every job. Crews can move faster, cover more ground and finish projects in a fraction of the time — which means fewer days renting expensive lifts, less labor overhead and dramatically better margins on every installation. This tool is built specifically to help our customers reduce job costs by getting the work done faster with less labor time. No more hoses. No more compressors. Just results.”

About Bird-X

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

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

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

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

Bird-x.com

<p>The post Bird-X: Battery-Powered Hog Ring Tool first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking steps to stop pest control companies from using non-compete agreements, which restrict where and when an employee can work after employment with the company ends, typically to preserve customer contact lists or protect proprietary information.

The agency issued a press release on April 15, stating it ordered Rollins Inc. to stop enforcement of non-compete agreements, and said it sent warning letters to 13 other pest control companies advising them to make sure their employment agreements lack “unfair or anticompetitive non-compete provisions.” The FTC declined Pest Management Professional ‘s request to name the other companies it contacted.

Rollins is required to send letters, via mail or email, to employees who signed non-compete agreements to inform them the company “would no longer enforce the non-compete provisions,” the FTC’s press release stated.

When reached for comment by Pest Management Professional, Rollins Inc. responded with this statement: “The order issued by the FTC is consistent with our current practices. Last year, we eliminated the use and enforcement of non-compete agreements for nearly all employees, and we are committed to continuing this practice in the future. We want to maintain our teammates’ ability to seek employment elsewhere if they choose to leave Rollins, while also protecting our company’s proprietary information and confidential customer data. Our primary goal, and that of our brands, continues to be to empower our employees to deliver the best solutions to help our customers manage pest-related issues.”

Several states, including Washington, California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, North Dakota and Minnesota, prohibit the use of non-compete agreements. Three years ago, the FTC proposed a nationwide ban on non-compete agreements, calling them “an unfair method of competition.” In response, pro-business groups filed lawsuits contesting the decision and the ban was put on hold.

The ban would have taken effect nationwide and allowed any worker who signed a non-compete agreement to work for a competitor or start a competing business immediately after their employment ended. Exceptions applied to senior-level executives as well as the seller and the buyer of a business.

The proposed rule to ban non-compete agreements the FTC issued on Jan. 19, 2023, received more than 26,000 comments during the 90-day public comment period, and the FTC said nearly all voiced support for the proposed ban. After carefully reviewing each comment, the FTC said it based changes to the proposed rule on the input it received. On April 23, 2024, it issued its final rule and on May 7, 2024, published the rule in the Federal Register. The ban was supposed to go into effect on Sept. 4, 2024, 120 days after it was published in the Federal Register.

Alternatives to non-compete agreements include confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements that meet local, state and federal laws. Pest control companies should review their exiting employee agreements to ensure they remain in compliance.

The FTC’s press release stated it is on a mission to “protect American workers.” It also said it has “prioritized investigating and prosecuting deceptive, unfair, and anticompetitive labor-market practices” and created a Joint Labor Task Force to focus on these efforts.

<p>The post FTC initiates enforcement of non-compete agreements first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Today’s pest management professionals (PMPs) need solutions that are efficient, scalable and built for long-term use. Skyhawk Trapmate delivers with a full suite of reusable electronic remote monitoring (ERM) devices designed to modernize pest control operations.

Every Trapmate device is battery-powered with replaceable batteries, eliminating the need for hardwiring or external power. This allows for flexible deployment in virtually any environment, while ensuring devices can be reused across accounts — reducing costs and maximizing return on investment.\

A complete monitoring ecosystem

Trapmate offers a comprehensive platform that supports:

• Rodent and wildlife monitoring across virtually any trap type
• Insect monitoring solutions, including vision-based systems like Trapmate InsectaVision
• Environmental sensors for temperature, humidity, water, entry and power
• A cellular-connected hub and software platform for real-time alerts and reporting

All devices communicate wirelessly, enabling remote visibility without relying on Wi-Fi or on-site infrastructure.

Built for the real world

Designed for durability and repeat use, Trapmate devices can be easily deployed, repositioned and redeployed as needs change. The battery-powered system ensures reliable performance across food facilities, warehouses, commercial properties and wildlife applications — especially in areas where power access is limited.

Smarter, more efficient operations

With continuous monitoring and real-time alerts, Trapmate shifts pest control from routine checks to exception-based servicing. Technicians can focus only where activity is confirmed — reducing unnecessary visits, improving documentation and optimizing service efficiency.

About Skyhawk

Based in Derry, N.H., Skyhawk Trapmate is a division of Skyhawk, a U.S.-based company specializing in remote monitoring technology for pest and wildlife professionals. Trapmate’s wireless, battery-powered sensors provide real-time trap activity and data to enhance technician efficiency, reduce service visits, and increase client retention.

Trapmate.ai

<p>The post Skyhawk: Trapmate first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

From preventing the spread of disease to safeguarding homes and businesses, professional pest management is an essential service that often operates behind the scenes — but delivers critical impact every day.

Working to establish Professional Pest Management Day

PPMA PestVets chair Marty Overline with State Representative Joe Kerwin, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Representative Kerwin spoke to the group about his House Resolution 478, designating April 29, 2026 as “Professional Pest Management Appreciation Day” in Pennsylvania.

PPMA President Chris Snyder with House Agriculture Republican Committee Chair Dan Moul, who spoke at the legislative luncheon hosted by PPMA. IMAGE: PPMA

About the PPMA

The association was incorporated initially in Philadelphia in October of 1954 as the Eastern Pennsylvania Pest Control Association. Serving as the Association’s first officers were Morris T. Grossman, Charles Cushing, Alexander Ehrlich, Harry Egner and Aubrey McNeil. In March of 1958 the association name was amended to the Pennsylvania Pest Control Association, Inc. and was again amended in December 2000 to its current name, the Pennsylvania Pest Management Association Inc.

<p>The post PPMA visits Harrisburg for Capital Day first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recently announced the launch of a national paid digital awareness campaign designed to reintroduce pest control as a modern, skilled and purpose-driven career. The campaign is focused on reaching people who have never before considered the industry, highlighting the real-world impact of the work: protecting public health, property, and communities every day.

“The pest control industry offers something that is genuinely hard to find: stable, skilled work that makes a real difference in people’s lives every day. We know the demand for our members’ services is only growing, but attracting the next generation of professionals requires us to meet people where they are and show them this industry in a new light,” said Dominique Stumpf, CAE, CEO of the NPMA, in a press release. “This campaign does exactly that — and we believe it will open doors for job seekers and pest control businesses alike.”

Two creative platforms, one mission

To effectively reach distinct audiences, the campaign features two tailored creative platforms. “Weird Flex, Great Career” targets adults ages 18–29 with a bold, unexpected approach that taps into humor and cultural language to spark curiosity and break down outdated perceptions of the industry. “Smart Move, Solid Career” targets adults ages 30–45 with a more direct, benefits-driven message focused on stability, career growth and long-term opportunity.

The campaign is running nationally across Meta (Facebook and Instagram), LinkedIn and digital display advertising.

Expanding the talent pipeline for members

Hiring remains one of the most significant challenges facing the pest control industry today. While demand for services continues to grow, the workforce is not keeping pace.

The NPMA’s Workforce Development Program has driven more than 64,000 applications since 2021 — but that success has largely come from audiences already familiar with the industry. That pool is becoming increasingly saturated. This campaign is designed to solve that challenge by expanding the top of the funnel, introducing entirely new audiences to pest control careers and building long-term interest in the field.

For members, the campaign delivers a broader talent pipeline, sustained awareness that leads to future applications and stronger industry perception and pride.

About the NPMA

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.

<p>The post NPMA launches campaign to modernize pest control careers first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Alpine WSG Water Soluble Granule Insecticide is designed for recurring indoor maintenance and active infestations, killing social pests at the source through transfer. It delivers effective control of ants, bed bugs, German cockroaches and occasional invaders. As a key part of BASF’s Complete Cockroach Control Solutions, Alpine WSG pairs well with cockroach baits without affecting palatability.

Clear and odorless, Alpine WSG’s label includes surface applications and broadcast treatments for indoor and outdoor use — with no outdoor reapplication interval limitations. This non-pyrethroid, nonrepellent insecticide is approved for use in food-handling establishments and has been granted reduced-risk status by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for public health (indoor uses).

About BASF

BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions offers products for turf, ornamentals, urban pest control and professional vegetation management. Backed by a team of experts with a passion for innovation, our comprehensive Pest Control Solutions portfolio can help pest management professionals manage the most challenging pests efficiently and effectively, increasing customer satisfaction and profit potential.

PestControl.BASF.us

<p>The post BASF: Alpine WSG Insecticide first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Farman brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience building and scaling finance teams within recurring revenue and service-based businesses. Her background spans pest control, hospitality, beverage manufacturing and industrial services, including significant leadership experience within a private equity-backed pest control platform.  In her role as CFO, Farman will oversee Aruza’s financial strategy, capital planning, reporting infrastructure and operational finance functions, supporting the company’s continued investment in growth, technology and organizational development. 

“Angela’s experience aligns perfectly with where Aruza is today and where we are headed,” said Josh Langdon, CEO of Aruza Pest Control, in a news release. “She combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational expertise and her proven ability to build scalable finance systems and processes will help position Aruza for its continued growth.” 

Farman’s career

Prior to joining Aruza, Farman served as chief financial officer of Legion Brewing Holdings, where she led financial governance, strategic planning and capital structuring initiatives while partnering closely with executive leadership and investors. Previously, she spent six years as VP of finance for Anticimex Carolinas, where she helped professionalize finance operations, supported multiple acquisitions and contributed to significant revenue growth across a multi-location pest control platform. 

Throughout her career, Farman has been recognized for building high-performing finance teams, implementing modern financial systems and guiding organizations through periods of transformation and expansion. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, operational rigor and alignment across departments to support sustainable growth. 

Farman holds a master of science in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a bachelor of science in business administration from Pfeiffer University. 

“I’m excited to join a company with such strong momentum and a clearly defined purpose,” said Farman. “Aruza’s commitment to its people, customers and core values creates a powerful foundation for long-term success, and I look forward to helping support the company’s continued growth and financial strength.” 

Her appointment reflects Aruza’s ongoing investment in executive leadership and operational excellence as the company continues expanding its footprint and enhancing its omnichannel growth strategy. 

About Aruza Pest Control 

Founded in 2016, Aruza Pest Control has rapidly grown to become a trusted name in the pest control industry, providing comprehensive pest management services across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Texas. The company is committed to exceptional customer service, innovative solutions, and a values-driven culture built on accountability, integrity, humility, kindness and gratitude.

<p>The post Aruza Pest Control names new CFO first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Wildlife Removal Services, a family-operated, licensed and insured wildlife control company serving San Diego County since 2008, has opened a new office in Escondido, Calif. The expansion positions the company to deliver faster response times and more consistent service coverage across North County San Diego.

Comprehensive services now available in North County

The Escondido office offers the company’s full suite of wildlife control and remediation services, providing both residential and commercial customers with end-to-end solutions under one trusted provider. Services available at the new location include wildlife removal and exclusion, bat removal, rodent control, bird control and more.

Serving Escondido and surrounding communities

Operating from the new Escondido location, Wildlife Removal Services now provides direct coverage to a broad footprint of North County San Diego communities, including San Marcos, Vista, Valley Center, Bonsall, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway and Solana Beach.

The strategic placement of the Escondido office reduces drive times significantly for technicians responding to North County calls, translating directly into faster arrival windows for customers dealing with active wildlife intrusions, attic damage, or rodent issues requiring urgent attention.

“North County has been an underserved area for quality, humane wildlife control for too long. By establishing a dedicated presence in Escondido, we can respond faster, serve more families and bring the same standard of care our San Diego customers have come to expect. This expansion is a reflection of our commitment to the communities we serve — not just our bottom line,” said Eric Voigt, owner of Wildlife Removal Services, in a news release.

About Wildlife Removal Services

Wildlife Removal Services is a family-operated wildlife control company founded in San Diego, California in 2008. What started as a single-truck operation has grown into a fleet of three service vehicles, supported by more than 18 years of hands-on local expertise across San Diego County. The company is fully licensed and insured and holds a 4.9-star rating on Google across more than 610 customer reviews.

<p>The post Wildlife Removal Services Expands within California first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

Truly Nolen Pest Control recently announced the promotion of David Batista to area manager for Southeast Florida, covering Monroe County through Indian River County.

Batista joined Truly Nolen in 2015 and was most recently the company’s area manager covering Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Prior to joining the company, he spent 10 years working as a service manager and branch manager for another company in the pest control industry. In addition, he has an A.S. degree in cardiovascular science from Ward Stone College and a degree in management and supervision from Miami-Dade College.

Some of Batista’s new responsibilities will include district authority overseeing the company’s service offices in Port St. Lucie, Greenacres, Pompano Beach and Davie in addition to continuing to oversee service offices in Key Largo, South Miami, Central Miami and North Miami. 

“I am most excited about coaching and supporting our team members to help elevate their operational knowledge so that they can be more strategic, proactive and successful,” said Batista. “My favorite thing about working for Truly Nolen is the opportunity to make a positive impact every day – not only for our external customers, but also for our internal team members. Supporting both groups is incredibly rewarding.”

“David’s passion for success, operational excellence, previous success in Miami and the Keys and enthusiasm for developing teams made him the ideal leader to oversee both areas within our South Florida market”, said Lee Blair, Florida regional manager, in a news release. “We are excited about his expanded leadership role and we are glad he is a member of our team.”

Abel promoted to Cape Coral service office manager

Abel joined Truly Nolen as a swing technician in 2019. Before joining the company, he was a Crew Supervisor at the Charlotte Sun newspaper for nearly 10 years, where he worked nights in the packaging department. His team took the newspapers off the printing press, ran them through the inserting machine and bundled them for the paper carriers.

Some of Abel’s new responsibilities will include helping the new service office gain visibility within the local Cape Coral community as well as instilling the company’s core values throughout his team. He also said an architectural drafting course he completed at a technical college has come in handy during inspections. 

 “I look forward to supporting my team any way I can and watching how everyone succeeds in their own ways,” said Abel, in a news release. “My favorite thing about working for Truly Nolen is that our company is a family-owned company that appreciates its team members; however, I also like how we are a serious, smart and strong company but also likes to have fun.”

“Greg’s demonstrated ability as a technician combined with his previous managerial and supervisory experience made him the perfect person for his new position,” said Dave Scott, Senior District Manager, Southwest Florida. “I am proud he is a member of our team and I look forward to his continued success.”

<p>The post Truly Nolen promotes pair of managers first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>