Schedule of Events

Overview and rodent SOM findings

Many superbly designed and crafted rodent control equipment and baiting options exist for today’s pest professional. Such includes exterior bait/trap/monitoring stations, snap traps, multiple catch mouse traps, remote monitoring sensors and non-SGAR rodenticides. However, the classic golden rule for getting the best results from this superb equipment remains: the effectiveness of rodent equipment depends on the specific spot the equipment is placed. This is because rodent behavior around human structures has never been as simple as “rodents must follow walls because they can’t see very well.” Sound science has shown that rodents have complex behavioral and environmental triggers for which areas and specific spots inside and outside our buildings they can be repeatedly found exploring, traveling or harboring. What’s more, rodents mark these behavioral spots with their family and colony recognition pheromones creating a cycle of them and their colony members revisiting these same spots repeatedly. Obviously, this dynamic dramatically increases your chances of having rodents encountering and/or interacting with the site’s equipment for which you are charging your client. Research has proven that equipment installed away from these behaviorally favored spots are visited far less often (i.e., are your clients getting their full value of service for their money?).

A new global study led by University of Richmond biologist Jonathan Richardson finds a strong link between rising urban rat populations and three major environmental factors: increasing temperatures, urbanization, and higher human population density. Data from 16 cities shows that 69% are experiencing significant growth in rat numbers—particularly where warming trends are more pronounced. This climate-driven expansion extends rats' active seasons, leading to faster reproduction and compounding pest control challenges. In this session, Richardson will share how this research underscores the need for rodent control professionals and city officials to adapt strategies by factoring in climate change impacts.

Hoffman’s Exterminating, Mantua, N.J., has taken advantage of one of the biggest game-changing technologies for rodent control in years - electronic rodent monitoring. Using smart monitors that alert technicians the moment a rodent is captured, has allowed Hoffman’s Exterminating service professionals to provide immediate response and more efficient service. This technology has also provided them with insights rodent behavior which, in turns, helps identify entry points and high-risk areas. This data-driven approach enables faster intervention, reduces reliance on pesticides, and supports safer, cleaner facilities. In this session, learn from Hoffman’s founder and CEO Bill Hoffman how ERM is helping Hoffman’s succeed in a competitive commercial landscape and what best practices he recommends for PMPs new to this technology.

Rodent exclusion services present a valuable opportunity for pest control companies to expand their offerings and improve client outcomes, particularly when dealing with mice infestations. Companies like Cowleys Pest Services, with decades of experience in pest and wildlife control across central New Jersey, have seen the value of offering comprehensive property protection. By adding rodent exclusion to their suite of services Cowleys offers offers customers a long-term solution that protect both property and health, while building trust and loyalty with clients. In this session, Drew Cowley, founder of Cowleys Pest Control, Farmingdale, N.J., will share how his company has set up its rodent exclusion and how it has benefitted from this cutting-edge offering.