A new paper from Scotland’s University of Aberdeen initially arose from an entirely different experiment: researchers were originally looking to study how humidity affects social behavior in Dubia cockroaches (Blaptica dubia). While this species is not a structural pest, it is related to German cockroaches and other pest species via shared taxonomic order, Blattodea, and […]
From the Magazine
Purdue University: Salmonella is replicating in German cockroaches
New research suggests German cockroaches may actively replicate Salmonella in their gut, increasing the risk of antimicrobial-resistant infections in humans.
Roach review: What we don’t know about the industry’s “bread-and-butter” pest
For the most part, cockroaches are the bread-and-butter insect of the professional pest control industry. But it seems the more...
How to overcome the pest control talent challenge
Key Takeaways Across the country, pest management companies are facing a familiar issue: It’s becoming harder to find and keep...
Behind the mic: How the “Redd Man Podcast” attracts and educates Gen Z
A family-owned pest control company that has been in business since 1952 created its podcast to appeal to a younger...
The tools, the training, the truth: Why inspections matter most
If you’re not inspecting correctly, you’re not solving the problem; you’re just guessing. Why training matters: The pest CSI mindset...
A PMP start-up story: My T-shirt collection overfloweth
Key takeaways Hey everybody! It’s my annual Thanksgiving article. 2025 has been a crazy year for me. In February, I...
A strong team keeps the wheels spinning: Leading from afar
Key Takeaways This summer, my brother Raleigh and I — along with Brian Kelly and Mark Ambrose, two retired ABC...
The secret to sustainable success: Understanding your conative strengths
Key Takeaways Do more, naturally As business owners, we all want to get more done. We try to grow faster,...
6 reasons why private equity (PE) buyers are worth a look
If you currently own a pest control company, you’re well aware of the attention our industry is getting from private...
Study looks at cleaning products and gel baits
In addition to the gel bait lifespan study that appears in this issue, Dr. Zach DeVries, an assistant professor in...
New termite species reticulitermes rusti named after PMP Hall of Famer
Science update: A new subterranean termite species, Reticulitermes antonii, has been discovered in Florida, named in honor of PMP Hall...
Do cockroach gel baits expire? New research on efficacy
It’s a common question in the truck: “This tube of gel bait has expired. Is it still good?” In an...
A PMP case study: The decades-old infestation hiding in plain sight
A PMP shares a "war story" case study about solving a mysterious, decades-old roof rat infestation that was hiding in...
NWCOA update: A look at the 2026 Wildlife Expo & training
The National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) is a key partner for pest management professionals (PMPs), providing essential training, certification...
Pro tip: How to identify wildlife by their droppings
A "poopologist" guide for PMPs. Learn the key differences between bat guano, flying squirrel droppings, and rodent scat in this...