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Articles by Brad Harbison
Mosquito and Pest Authority BBQ Supports Autistic Children and Families
The Mosquito and Pest Authority No More Bugs of Brick (N.J.) recently hosted its End of Summer BBQ Bash, welcoming more than 600 guests for a day of food, fun, and entertainment for autistic children and their families. Published October 02, 2025 | Updated October 03, 2025 The free event drew approximately 620 attendees, who enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, carnival rides, bounce houses, games, live music, magicians and appearances by costumed characters.
BREAKING: Bell Laboratories Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway
WINDSOR, Wis. – Bell Laboratories announced it has been acquired by Berkshire Hathaway. The transaction closed on July 31. The acquisition marks a new chapter in Bell Laboratories’ history. A leader in rodent control innovation, Bell Laboratories said it remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services to customers worldwide. Under Berkshire Hathaway ownership, Bell will continue to operate independently, maintaining its leadership, culture and strategic direction.
88% of Travelers Would Give 1-Star If They See a Rodent at a Rental, Survey Reveals
SONOMA, Calif. - Automatic Trap Company, manufacturer of self-resetting traps, announced that its new national survey of more than 400 travelers revealed that any issue with rats or mice could doom a rental or hotel property – especially an Airbnb property. While 88% of people reported that they would give a 1-star rating to an Airbnb with a mouse – 63% of people said that rodents would be the most serious issue they could experience at an Airbnb – worse than noise, bad odors, or unruly neighbors.
Envu Reports on 2024 Sustainability Progress
CARY, N.C. – Envu has published its second annual sustainability report, detailing progress across fiscal year 2024. The report offers a transparent look at how Envu is turning ambition into action through science-based solutions, nature-positive innovation and long-term partnerships. The release marks another milestone in the company’s effort to advance healthy environments for everyone, everywhere.
More Than 7,000 Cases of Chikungunya Virus Reported in China
As reported by multiple news outlets, including the Associated Press, more than 7,000 cases of chikungunya virus have been reported as of Wednesday. Most of the news cases have focused largely on the manufacturing hub of Foshan near Hong Kong and numbers of new cases appear to be dropping slowly, according to authorities.
Rentokil’s First-Half Performance Includes 3.1% Revenue Growth
LONDON — Rentokil Initial reported a solid first-half performance for 2025, delivering 3.1% revenue growth and $444 million in adjusted group profit before tax, in line with expectations, the company said. The pest control and hygiene services group posted strong free cash flow conversion of 93%, ahead of its 80% guidance. Organic growth reached 1.6%, with North America up 1.1% and international markets rising 2.7%.
Aruza Pest Control Partners With ‘Military Makeover’ to Honor Local Veteran
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Aruza Pest Control announced a national partnership with Military Makeover with Montel, the home renovation series airing on Lifetime. As part of the show’s 43rd season, Aruza contributed to the transformation of the home of retired Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient Sean Reeves, of King, N.C. “At Aruza, we believe in protecting more than just homes — we believe in honoring those who’ve protected ours,” said Joshua Langdon, CEO of Aruza Pest Control.
Plunkett’s Pest Control Acquires PureHome Pest Control
MINNEAPOLIS — Plunkett’s Pest Control has acquired PureHome Pest Control, a locally owned and operated company based in Oklahoma City. The acquisition strengthens Plunkett’s presence in the Midwest and extends its reach into the Oklahoma City metro area, reinforcing its commitment to customer-focused, high-quality pest management services. Founded in 2020 by Drew Kaelin, PureHome Pest Control was created with a mission to deliver a more efficient and customer-centric pest control experience.
Riata Capital Group Sells Greenix Pest Control to Gridiron Capital
DALLAS — Riata Capital Group announced Monday that, along with Greenix Pest Control's senior management team, it has sold the company to Gridiron Capital. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Greenix, based in Orem, Utah, offers residential pest control services, including general pest, mosquito and tick management, rodent removal, and specialty services such as bed bug and termite treatment.
All U Need Pest Control Expands to South Carolina with Acquisition
CHARLESTON, S.C. — All U Need Pest Control has expanded its operations into South Carolina with the acquisition of Pest Control Geeks in Charleston, S.C. The deal, finalized Monday, marks the company’s 12th branch and its first in the state. The Charleston branch will begin operating immediately under the All U Need Pest Control brand. All existing technicians from Pest Control Geeks will remain with the company.
In Memoriam: Doug Mampe
SARASOTA, Fla. - Dr. Doug Mampe, a respected entomologist and educator, passed away on Saturday. He was 84. Throughout a career that spanned more than 40 years, Mampe left his mark in the pest control industry in the areas of research, technical leadership and industry advocacy, including serving as technical director of the National Pest Control Association (now NPMA), from 1965 to 1974.
In Memoriam: Tom Forshaw III
CHARLOTTE – Tom Forshaw III, longtime leader of Forshaw Distribution, passed away on June 29, after battling cancer. He was 81. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in applied mathematics and minors in computer programming and economics, Tom then joined the U.S. Army, where he spent time as a company commander in Korea and later with the psychological warfare unit.
Call for Entries: 2025 PCT Vehicle Wrap Contest
Many innovative, marketing-focused PCOs have taken advantage of the fact that their service vehicles are constantly on the road, thus providing an opportunity to be a moving billboard. In recent years, many PCOs have taken vehicle graphic design to a new level with creative, eye-catching service vehicle wraps.
In Memoriam: Ed Sheehan
NEW YORK CITY - Edward J. Sheehan, founder of Colony Pest Management and a pioneering figure in NYC’s pest control community, passed away on June 30, after battling mesothelioma. He was 79. Sheehan spent more than five decades helping to shape the pest management industry in New York City and beyond. He began his career in 1967 and went on to lead Checkmate Exterminators for 27 years.
City of New Orleans to Spray for Mosquitoes Amid Rising WNV Activity
NEW ORLEANS, La. - In response to an increase in mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) conducted targeted mosquito spraying this week in several neighborhoods. Officials say the spray treatments are a proactive effort to stop the cycle of West Nile virus, which is commonly spread between birds and mosquitoes and can infect humans through mosquito bites.
PCT, UPMTC Announce ‘Beyond the Pest’ Podcast
CLEVELAND – PCT and the Urban Pest Management Technical Committee (UPMTC) are thrilled to announce the launch of the “Beyond the Pest” podcast. Join UPMTC members who will inspire and inform with stories about their pest control experiences and career paths, including how they obtained technical roles with pest management companies.
Despite Economic Uncertainties, Most PCOs Sticking to 2025 Growth Projections
CLEVELAND – Despite a somewhat turbulent start to 2025, half (50%) of those who responded to PCT’s recent reader poll reported no change in their 2025 growth outlook. Sixteen percent have scaled back expectations and 18% expressed increased optimism. Another 16% are still assessing conditions before making a decision. Rob and Jen Jackson of Jackson Pest Management, Leo, Ind., have adopted a cautiously conservative approach to their 2025 growth outlook.
Get Listed on the PCT Top 100 List!
PCT magazine is in the process of identifying the largest 100 pest management firms in the U.S., based on 2024 revenues. Please fill out the form and send it back to PCT. CLICK HERE to fill out the online form. The deadline to submit your numbers is Friday, Feb. 14.
Nominations Open for 2024 Crown Leadership Awards
Is there a pest management professional who has made significant contributions to our industry who is deserving of being recognized as a 2024 Crown Leadership Awards honoree? If so, fill out the online nomination form. *Deadline is March 19, 2024.
First Class of NCPMA Leadership Development Academy Graduates Original
RALEIGH, N.C. — TheNorth Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) announced that 16 individuals have completed the association’s first class of the Leadership Development Academy. The graduation was held during the 2023 United We Stand Conference in Greensboro on Nov. 17. “We are so proud of these graduates for being our first class of the Leadership Development Academy.
Purdue Pest Management Conference to Take Place as Scheduled in 2024
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The 88th annual Purdue Pest Management Conference will take place Jan. 8-10, at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., as planned. Despite its storied 88-year history, the conference is facing a number of challenges, including departmental changes and rising costs due to inflation.
Mosquito Joe’s Powell a Neighborly Franchise of the Year Award Winner
WACO, Texas, – Neighborly recognized its top performing franchise owners of 2022 during the brand’s 42nd annual Reunion conference last month in Denver, Colo., with more than 3,500 in attendance. During the event, top-performing franchise owners across Neighborly were recognized with a number of awards, including Franchise of the Year, presented by each brand president to a franchise owner who exhibited exceptional growth, leadership, customer service, and sales.
U.S. Payrolls Grew by 150,000 in October, BLS Reports
WASHINGTON - Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 150,000 in October, and the unemployment rate changed little at 3.9 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Job gains occurred in health care, government, and social assistance. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity. Both the unemployment rate, at 3.9 percent, and the number of unemployed persons, at 6.5 million, changed little in October.
In Memoriam: Charles ‘Charlie’ Frommer
ROSLYN, N.Y. – The pest control industry mourns the loss of Charles “Charlie” Frommer, who passed away on Oct. 28, at 88. Charlie and wife Lori owned and operated Great Neck, N.Y.-based Evins Pest Control, which they bought from Dave and Jackie Ferguson in 1992, and sold to Rollins in 2012. Prior to moving to the service side of the industry, Charlie had a distinguished career with the state of New York and later with manufacturer Velsicol.
N.C. State Research: Sugar Aversion Hampers Cockroach Coupling
A new study from North Carolina State University shows the behavioral mechanism behind a sweet cockroach mating ritual that takes a bitter turn, resulting in rejected males. Male German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) offer females a pre-mating “gift” of body secretions that combines sugars and fats – think of the roach version of chocolate – in order to attract and hold female attention long enough to start copulation.
Pass Pest Control Acquires T&G Pest Control
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Pass Pest Control announced the acquisition of T&G Pest Control, Evansville, Ind. T&G was led by owner Ryan Fleming, who previously worked alongside Pass Pest Control President and CEO Keith Smith as a sales representative at Terminix, and later as region sales manager with Action Pest Control. Similar to Pass Pest Control, T&G is primarily a residential (85 percent) service provider.
Orkin Pledges to Double Its Veteran Employment by 2026
ATLANTA – In celebration of Veterans Day and to encourage employment within the military community, Orkin is making a hiring pledge to bring more Veterans into its workforce. In honor of its 125th anniversary, by 2026, Orkin plans to double its current number of Veteran employees to represent 10 percent of its overall workforce. Finding a job after serving the country affects nearly 200,000 veterans each year, and only one in four have a job lined up after leaving the armed forces.
Military Background Helping Robertson Brothers Excel as Franchisees
Editor’s note: In recognition of Veteran’s Day, PCT is sharing the story of Bailey and Brandon Robertson, both military veterans, own and operate multiple Mosquito Squad territories in Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Bailey served in the U.S. Army, and Brandon, a current member of the Tennessee National Guard, previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Their military backgrounds have made them effective leaders of the successful southeastern U.S. Mosquito Squad franchises.
Thomas Pest Services Recognized as 'Best of the Best'
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Thomas Pest Services was voted "Best of the Best" by Daily Gazette Readers, the company's second recognition for best pest control services in the Upstate New York area. Earlier this year, Thomas was recognized in the Best of the Capital Region by the Times Union, an Albany-based newspaper.. Sarah Thomas-Clark, vice president of Thomas Pest Services, expressed her excitement about this recognition, saying "We are thrilled to receive this acknowledgment from The Daily Gazette.
Drones Slowly, but Steadily Finding a Place in Pest Control Business
CLEVELAND — Drones are more than a fun toy to break out at the beach or BBQ. Some pest control operators have found them to be useful tools, particularly when it comes to inspecting difficult-to-access areas like rooftops. Results from PCT’s most recent reader poll showed that 21 percent use drones while another 79 percent do not. Bill Kirchner, president of Cleveland Chemical Pest Control, said his company used them in the past (before commercial certification requirements).
Aspire Software and FieldRoutes Unveil Solutions at Annual Conference
LAS VEGAS – Aspire Software and FieldRoutes kicked off their annual user conference, IGNITE 2023 —a three-day event that brings together professionals from the lawn and landscape, pest control, and commercial cleaning sectors, to share best practices, industry knowledge and highlight the latest technological innovations and software solutions.
NPMA Announces 2024 Eastern Conference
FAIRFAX, Va. – NPMA announced that the 2024 Eastern Conference will take place Jan. 18-19, 2024. NPMA says this event is poised to be a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation, uniting industry leaders and professionals from across the Eastern region.
Bed Bug Service Requests Up 60 Percent in Paris for Rentokil
PARIS – "Paris is Crawling with Bed Bugs"; "Bed bugs in Paris: Here's What We Know So Far"; "Bed bug Infestations Sweep Paris." Print and digital media, as well as social media influencers, are having a field day reporting on recent bed bug outbreaks in The City of Lights. But is the bed bug problem really worsening in Paris?
Bed Bug Service Requests Up 60 Percent in Paris for Rentokil
PARIS – "Paris is Crawling with Bed Bugs"; "Bed bugs in Paris: Here's What We Know So Far"; "Bed bug Infestations Sweep Paris." Print and digital media, as well as social media influencers, are having a field day reporting on recent bed bug outbreaks in The City of Lights. But is the bed bug problem really worsening in Paris?
Use of Handheld Computers Among Service Technicians is Widespread
CLEVELAND – The days of leaving customers with a paper ticket are mostly over in the pest control industry. Seventy-three percent of respondents to PCT’s recent poll said their service technicians use handheld computers, while only 27 percent said they do not.
Pest-X Honoring Community Champions with Annual Awards
WALKERTOWN, N.C. - Pest-X Exterminating, a pest control company serving the Piedmont Triad, announced the launch of its annual Pest-X Community Champion Award. This initiative is aimed at recognizing and celebrating the dedicated individuals who make a positive impact in our local communities. Nominations are now being accepted from the public, and the winner will receive $500 and a complimentary year of pest control services.
N.C. State Study Examines Evolution of Mosquitoes and Their Hosts
Researchers at North Carolina State University and global collaborators have mapped the mosquito’s tree of life, a major step toward understanding important traits, such as how the insects choose their hosts, feed on blood and spread disease. The findings will help researchers make better predictions to model disease transmission and understand what makes some mosquitoes better disease carriers than others.
Burt's Celebrates 'Covered for the Cause'
COLUMBUS, Ind. - Burt's Termite & Pest Control, Columbus, Ind., celebrated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in pink fashion. Service technicians wore pink booties and button to raise awareness of breast cancer and honor those who have been affected by this disease. Burt's partnered with Shubee shoe covers and local business, Buns and Beards Beauty Loung, to support their annual Bask to Beat Cancer event.
Adam's Pest Control Acquires Midwest Pest Management
MEDINA, Minn. — Adam’s Pest Control announced it has acquired Brooklyn Park-based Midwest Pest Management. "We chose Adam’s because of their commitment to customer satisfaction. It’s the perfect home for both our customers and our technicians," said Jon Hagel, owner of Midwest Pest Management. Todd Leyse, president of Adam’s Pest Control, said it's a honor to continue the relationship he and his father, Harold, built with Hagel throughout the years.
Legion Pest Management’s Poplin Wins Volunteer Service Award
MURRIETTA, Calif. - David Poplin with CDS Services, dba Legion Pest Management, was a recipient of President Biden’s Volunteer Gold Service Award. The award showcases Poplin’s commitment to supporting veterans and the community, and further solidifies his position as a leader in the pest control industry. Poplin is a U.S. Marine Veteran who honorably served.
LinkedIn, Facebook are Most Beneficial Social Media Sites, PCOs Report
CLEVELAND – Whether it’s marketing, sharing outreach efforts, branding or other functions, PCOs are using social media in a variety of creative ways to grow their businesses. According to results from PCT’s most recent poll, LinkedIn (47 percent) and Facebook (38 percent) are the most beneficial social media sites for their businesses, followed by YouTube (9 percent) and Instagram (7 percent).
AJ Treleven Recognized with NPMA Emerging Leaders Award
TACOMA, Wash. – Sprague Pest Solutions announced that director of operations, AJ Treleven, has been awarded the 2023 Emerging Leaders Award by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). This award, sponsored by Rentokil Terminix, is nominated by peers and awarded to a single recipient each year. It recognizes a rising star who has made significant contributions to the association and/or to the pest management profession while demonstrating leadership and continuing service.
Rollins Reports Q3 Revenues Up 15 Percent YOY
ATLANTA - Rollins reported third-quarter revenues of $840 million, marking a 15.2 percent increase over the third quarter of 2022. The company's operating income for the quarter was $177 million, a 21.8 percent increase over the same period in the previous year. The operating margin was 21.1 percent of revenue, an increase of 120 basis points over Q3 2022.
Massey Services Acquires Solstys Environmental
ORLANDO, Fla. — Massey Services announced it has acquired Solstys Environmental, Norcross, Ga. Solstys Environmental provides residential pest and termite services to nearly 4,000 customers in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. This acquisition further expands Massey Services’ coverage in and around the Atlanta area, where the company now has 16 service center locations.
Fifth Human West Nile Virus Case in Massachusetts Confirmed
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announcedthe fifth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a Massachusetts resident this year. The individual is a male in his 70s who was likely exposed in Hampden County. The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate in the Greater Boston area (Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties), and in parts of Berkshire, Bristol, Hampden, Hampshire, Plymouth, and Worcester counties. No risk level changes are associated with this recent case.
TruGreen's New Survey Highlights Americans’ Reactions to Creepy Crawlers
According to new research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of TruGreen more than half (56%) feel frustrated when they find a bug or pest at their home. Others feel scared (39%), disgusted (39%) or anxious (39%). Still, 22% would rather call in a professional or get someone else to squish it for them. Only 17% would swat it, and 12% feel it is their duty to release them back to nature. Other research findings include: Spiders aren’t so scary to homeowners.
Chicago Ranks No. 1 on Orkin’s Rattiest Cities List
ATLANTA – Chicago continues its first-place run in the rat race, topping Orkin’s Top 50 Rattiest Cities List for the ninth year in a row. Los Angeles moved up to the #2 ranking while New York rounds out the top three spots. Jumping up 10 spots this year is Houston to #20, and Greensboro, N.C., moves up 17 spots to take #50. New this year, Orkin is celebrating Chicago’s top spot placement by releasing a limited-edition t-shirt made available for free while supplies last.
NPMA Featured in Forbes Article on Bed Bugs
FAIRFAX, Va. - The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) was featured in an article on Forbes. In the article, Dr. Jim Fredericks, executive director of the Professional Pest Management Alliance (NPMA’s, noted that bed bugs pose such a threat because of their hitchhiking abilities. “They can hide inside suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags, and can end up wherever these items are taken,” he said. This article was syndicated on BestInBusiness.news.
Carpenter Ant Activity ‘About Normal’ During Past 12 Months
CLEVELAND – For much of the country, carpenter ants are the pest ant species that get PCOs’ phones ringing. As reported in this year's State of the Ant Market sponsored by Syngenta, among all ant species, carpenter ants account for 15 percent of their location's service calls in 2022. How busy have PMPs been with carpenter ants during the last 12 months?
Create a Culture Where Employees Feel Empowered and Trusted, Says Decorated Fighter Pilot Harris
HONOLULU – After a storied 20-year military career as a United States Air Force officer, mission commander, and special operations pilot, Lt. Col. Jason Harris has transitioned to the speaker circuit, where he shares his unique combat leadership lessons and expertise with high level associations and Fortune 500 companies.
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