First Fatal Case of Tick-Induced Meat Allergy Identified

HACKENSACK, N.J. — A 47-year-old New Jersey man died in 2024 from alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy first connected to Lone Star tick bites in 2011, the Associated Press reported in November. More than 100,000 Americans have developed the condition since 2010, the AP reported. Outside experts told the AP it appears to be the first known fatal reaction occurring soon after eating meat, though other deaths may have been misattributed.

The case, detailed in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, involved a healthy airline pilot who became ill hours after eating steak on a camping trip and later collapsed after eating a hamburger. Blood tests confirmed alpha-gal syndrome. Dr. Scott Commins called the death an “unmitigated tragedy,” telling the AP it was preventable with better awareness.

According to Texas A&M University, most AGS cases in the U.S. occur in the southern, eastern and central regions where Lone Star ticks are common and the condition is most often seen in adults.

The CDC has received over 110,000 suspected case reports from 2010 to 2022, though the true number is likely higher because reporting is not required. Sources: Associated Press and Texas A&M University

PCO Bookkeepers and M&A Specialists Publishes New Cost Study

NEWTON, N.J. — PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists released a new benchmarking report, the 2025 Pest Control Industry Cost Study, along with a new performance metric for pest control companies, the PCOB Competitive Index.

The Cost Study provides a quantitative analysis of operating costs and financial performance across the U.S. pest management industry. Produced in partnership with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), the report gives owners clearer context for evaluating their operations, said PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists.

“Well-run pest control companies typically know their own numbers, but what’s often missing is the context — how those numbers stack up against the rest of the industry,” said Dan Gordon, founder and managing member of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists. “This study provides aggregated financial benchmarks so owners can see where they’re strong, where they can improve and how to make smarter strategic decisions.”

The report draws from 246 firms in 47 states, representing more than $583 million in annual revenue. Data cover the period Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025, and includes PCOB clients and NPMA member respondents with annual revenue between $500,000 and $22 million.

New for 2025 is a regional breakdown of key performance indicators and the introduction of the PCOB Competitive Index, a proprietary composite metric offering a holistic view of company performance. The Index evaluates three dimensions of business health: growth, profitability and revenue quality. This rewards companies that are expanding, profitable and building sustainable, predictable revenue models. Regions analyzed include the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and West.

Pest control industry members can download the Cost Study and calculate their Competitive Index score on PCOB’s website at https://pcobookkeepers.com.

In Memoriam: Jim Ogle and Jerry Keown

SAN DIEGO and OMAHA, Neb. — The pest control industry is mourning the loss of two longtime leaders: Jim Ogle of Lloyd Pest Control and Jerry Keown of Presto-X. Ogle passed away in November and Keown in December.

Ogle, who died Nov. 15 at age 89, led San Diego-based Lloyd Pest Control for decades, guiding the third-generation family business through significant expansion while championing employee- centered leadership. Ogle was born in 1936, the same year his father, Al, founded Lloyd during the Great Depression. Ogle graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1958, and later served as a U.S. Navy officer. He joined the company in 1960, working in every field position before becoming president in 1975.

Under Ogle’s leadership, Lloyd Pest Control grew from five offices into a major Southern California service provider. He also became a visible national industry voice, serving on National Pest Management Association committees and remaining active with the Pest Control Operators of California. In 1989, he was named to the inaugural PCT/Syngenta Crown Leadership Awards class.

“For decades, this company has really followed Jim’s guiding principle of integrity — and always doing the right thing,” said Scott Crowley, current president and a 36-year employee.

Ogle also helped shape the company’s branding, collaborating with designer Don Young on its well-known “running scared mouse” logo. Even after retiring in 2000, Ogle maintained an office and was considered the company’s “spiritual leader.” His son, Jamie Ogle, now CEO, said his father emphasized education and established Lloyd Pest Control University, an in-house training program.

Keown, former vice president of Omaha-based Presto-X, died Dec. 6, at age 86. A pioneering industry figure, he spent nearly 50 years with the company, beginning as a technician servicing grain bins in western Nebraska. After a brief departure, Keown returned in 1967 as sales manager and, in 1977, purchased the company with business partner Ward Combs II.

Under their leadership, Presto-X grew into one of the nation’s largest independent pest control firms, employing more than 300 people across more than 20 states.

Combs, who worked in operations, told PCT that he and Keown (sales) complemented each other well; he said they were both focused on taking care of their associates and clients. “If we didn’t take care of our associates we wouldn’t have had clients, and if we didn’t have clients we wouldn’t have had a need for associates,” he said. “We held a number of retirement parties for 30- and 35-year employees, and I know that is something we were both very proud of.”

Keown also was a national advocate, serving 35 years on NPMA’s government affairs committee and receiving the FMC Legislative Day Award in 2007. After retiring in 2009, he continued serving on numerous industry boards. — Brad Harbison

Rentokil Terminix Advances Next Phase of Innovation Center

DALLAS — Rentokil Terminix announced the next phase of leadership for its North American Innovation Center, which the company said is an intentional step forward designed to strengthen the company’s long-term scientific capabilities and accelerate its future product pipeline.

Since its inception in 2023, the Innovation Center has become a strategic engine for the company’s North American growth plan, advancing experimental research, expanding product development capacity and laying the groundwork for industry breakthrough, said Rentokil Terminix.

“As we move into the next stage of growth, we’re focused on building on the Center’s early achievements and expanding its ability to deliver meaningful scientific and customer impact,” said Alain Moffroid, CEO of Rentokil Terminix. “This moment represents a deliberate investment in the future, one that positions us to accelerate the next generation of innovation across our business.”

To drive this work forward, Rentokil Terminix will initiate a comprehensive search for its next head of science and innovation in early 2026. During this time, Oz Siddique, group innovation and product development director, will serve as interim leader of the center. Siddique has played a critical role in guiding the center since its inception in 2023 and will work closely with the team to ensure seamless continuity, support active research streams and advance projects that are shaping the company’s future portfolio, said Rentokil Terminix.

Professional Pest Management Alliance Expands Investor Network

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Professional Pest Management Alliance announced that 12 new pest control companies have joined its investor network. As an important voice of the pest management industry, the Alliance operates entirely through voluntary contributions from pest control companies and industry partners, said the Alliance.

Seven pest control companies have joined as Guardian investors, committing one-tenth of 1% of their annual revenues to support the Alliance’s work: A1 No Nonsense Pest Control, Newburgh, N.Y.; Commonwealth Exterminators, Lawrenceville, Va.; Hyres Pest Control, Douglassville, Pa.; JEM Pest Solutions, Camden-Wyoming, Del.; Natura Pest Control, Vancouver, Wash.; Pest Solutions, Ruther Glen, Va.; and Stride Pest Control, Austin, Texas.

The Alliance also welcomed four new Contributor investors, including: Abalon Exterminating, New York, N.Y.; Dave’s Pest Control, Sturbridge, Mass.; High Priority Pest Services, Eatonton, Ga.; and Sage Pest Control, Draper, Utah

Additionally, Veseris, Austin, Texas, has increased its commitment to the Supplier Guardian level.

Research Project Studies Cockroach and Asthma Risks in Affordable Housing

LEXINGTON, Ky. — More than 25 million people in the U.S. live with asthma, and cockroach allergens are a key trigger in many low-income, urban settings.

A University of Kentucky Martin- Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment–led research team, with collaborators at Louisiana State University, has received a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Healthy Homes Technical Study award to develop a complete and durable approach to cockroach control in affordable housing. The project, “A Complete Approach to Cockroach Management in Affordable Housing Communities,” is funded by a nearly $1 million cooperative agreement with HUD.

The study is designed to reduce allergen loads by pairing proven pest biology with resident-supported practices and procurement reforms that reward effective methods. The team will work across multiple affordable housing communities, enrolling about 50 homes for in-home trials and pairing with surveys and laboratory testing.

WSDA Confirms HPAI in Domestic Flocks in Three Counties

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Fall migration of wild waterfowl continues to drive high statewide risk of avian influenza (bird flu). Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in domestic flocks in Jefferson, San Juan, and Clark counties.

These detections bring 2025’s total number of affected counties to 10. Since the beginning of the outbreak period in 2022, 4.1 million domestic birds have been euthanized across 24 counties in Washington state. During a recent 30-day span, WSDA recorded first-time detections in Clark, Grant, Island and Grays Harbor counties, underscoring how widely the virus is circulating. Reports of sick domestic and wild birds continue across Washington.

Dr. Amber Itle, sate veterinarian with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said bird flu isn’t new to Washington and has been the longest and most deadly outbreak on record. The continued spread of HPAI shows how persistent the virus is in migrating birds. — Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture

NPMA Launches Sustainability in Pest Management Site

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announced the launch of its comprehensive Sustainability in Pest Management site, a new online resource designed to help pest management professionals of all business sizes integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Developed by NPMA’s Sustainability Task Force — comprised of industry experts and led by Steve Nylund, North American president of Anticimex — the site addresses the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious pest management services while providing businesses with tools to improve their bottom line.

The site features a comprehensive framework built around five essential areas: mobility, service efficacy, facilities, environmental impact and technology. Each pillar includes actionable strategies tailored to help companies make measurable improvements.

NEPMA PestVets Holds Third Annual Clothing Drive

MANCHESTER, N.H. — In November, the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) PestVets group held its annual clothing drive to benefit Liberty House in Manchester, N.H., which provides substance-free housing and support to veterans experiencing homelessness.

PestVets collected new underwear, socks, T-shirts and sweatpants in all sizes for both men and women. Donations were dropped off at any SiteOne location in New England or with Forshaw, which also collected items during regular delivery route.

“Each donation offers comfort and dignity to a veteran working to rebuild their life,” said Kelley Altland, chair of the New England PestVets Unit. “We’re proud to continue supporting Liberty House and the veterans they serve.”

Liberty House helps veterans overcome challenges such as substance misuse, housing insecurity and unemployment through its four-step program: recovery, wellness, employment and transition to independence, according to NEPMA.