NPMA CEO Reflects on a Decade of Growth, New Initiatives

ORLANDO, Fla. – In kicking off PestWorld 2025, held in Orlando, Fla., in October, National Pest Management Association (NPMA) CEO Dominique Stumpf reflected on a decade of change and progress while unveiling important accomplishments and new initiatives.

PestWorld 2025 was a milestone year for Stumpf, whose tenure as NPMA CEO began in 2016. Since that time, she said, “the world, and our profession, has transformed. But through it all, our greatest strength has been how we lift each other up.”

As part of the Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Envu, Stumpf shared how she obtained her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, a journey marked by uncertainty, persistence and the unwavering encouragement of mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself. Similarly, Joel Nolasco, a Bronx native and member of the New York Pest Management Association, took a leap of faith when encouraged by past NPMA President Norman Cooper to attend his first NPMA event. Like Stumpf, Nolasco has stepped out of his comfort zone and grown into association leadership positions, culminating in him recently being elected to NPMA’s board of directors as secretary.

Stumpf also shared recent NPMA initiatives, including:

NPMA PRO Certified. Launched this past year, the new credentialing program has engaged nearly 700 early-career professionals, with 31 earning certification. The initiative aims to provide a clear path for career advancement and boost confidence across the industry.

Women’s Forum. This event continues to grow in attendance and programming. It features leadership sessions, networking and community outreach, including a charity event with Dress for Success.

Sustainability Taskforce Launch. This group provides tools for members to track environmental impact and enhance workflow efficiency, while promoting responsible practices to consumers.

NPMA continues to address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: labor. The Employee Recruitment and Retention Committee has been working on practical strategies to attract and support service technicians, said Stumpf, who also praised the association’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) committee and chair Erin Richardson from All-American Pest Control in Nashville, Tenn.

Throughout the week, attendees explored the latest pest management solutions, joined engaging sessions and built connections. NPMA said PestWorld 2025 made history with a record-breaking turnout of 4,500 attendees, including industry leaders, innovators and others. PCT has more PestWorld coverage online and will provide additional coverage in future issues. — Brad Harbison

Tyro Group Expands to the U.S. With EnviroSMART Acquisition

ELVERUM, Norway – Tyro Group, headquartered in Elverum, Norway, has acquired EnviroSMART Multifamily Pest Solutions, a Houston-based environmental and pest control provider. Tyro Group said the deal marks its first acquisition outside Europe, signaling its entry into the United States market and reinforcing its goal of building a network of high-performing, customer-focused pest control businesses.

Founded in 2009, EnviroSMART serves multifamily property customers across Texas and ranked No. 79 on the 2024 PCT Top 100 with reported revenues of $10.7 million.

“We are thrilled to welcome EnviroSMART into the Tyro Group family,” said Svein Olav Stølen, CEO of Tyro Group. “Expanding into the USA is a major milestone for us, and partnering with EnviroSMART makes this step even more exciting. Their professionalism, culture and outstanding customer service mirror our own values and make them the perfect partner as we grow our international presence.”

Tyro Group said the partnership will enable EnviroSMART to leverage its global network, operational expertise and investment resources to strengthen growth and enhance services across the U.S.

“Joining Tyro Group provides an incredible opportunity for EnviroSMART to continue growing while maintaining our focus on high-quality pest management,” said John Weigel, founder of EnviroSMART. “We’re excited to be part of a global group that shares our passion for service excellence.”

Tyro Group said that the acquisition supports its broader mission to unite leading pest control companies under one collaborative banner, driving innovation, quality and customer service excellence throughout the industry.

The Aust Group served as the exclusive adviser to EnviroSMART Multifamily Pest Solutions in the transaction.

Now Available: Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, 11^th Edition

VALLEY VIEW, Ohio – The eagerly awaited 11^th edition of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control is available for order. Revised and updated for the first time in more than a decade, the 1,352-page hardcover remains the industry’s leading reference on the behavior, biology and control of hundreds of structural pests.

With contributions from 26 industry and academic experts, the new edition includes expanded and updated chapters on topics such as rats and mice, termites, cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, mosquitoes, stinging arthropods and vertebrate pests. It also covers fumigation, insecticides and safety, pheromones, pest management equipment and regulations.

First published in 1945, the Mallis Handbook has long served as an essential educational tool for pest management professionals (PMPs). The 11th edition was directed by the late Stoy Hedges, who led the past four editions. Following Hedges’ passing in 2023, PCT Publisher Emeritus Dan Moreland completed the project, with support from Technical Editor Dr. Stan Cope of Rose Pest Solutions and Tom Myers of All-Rite Pest Control, who curated the 48-page color ID section with over 500 images. Additional editorial support came from Douglas Webb of Rentokil Terminix and Cope, who finalized the mosquito chapter following the loss of Gene White, a global leader in vector management.

“Throughout the process, we aimed to honor Stoy and Gene’s legacy,” said Moreland. “They inspired generations of PMPs, and we hope they’d be proud of this edition.”

Highlights include: Advanced treatment protocols; updated pesticide reference chart; hundreds of how-to photos and illustrations; comprehensive technical references and large-format layout for easy reading.

Order at https://store.pctonline.com, email the store at books@gie.net or call 800-456-0707 for quantity discounts.

University of Kentucky Technical Directors’ Retreat Unites Science and Practice

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In an era of rapid technological change and increasing regulation, pest management professionals depend on strong partnerships with university researchers to stay ahead. Now in its fifth year, the University of Kentucky’s Technical Directors’ Retreat once again gathered industry leaders, researchers and technical experts from across North America to exchange knowledge and shape the future of pest control.

The retreat, founded by Dr. Zach DeVries, associate professor of urban entomology and The Bill Gatton Foundation Early Career Professor, took place Sept. 30-Oct. 1, at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. DeVries opened the event by highlighting its mission: to bring technical experts together to discuss how to advance pest management. “For us as a research lab, these discussions help shape the projects we pursue,” he said, emphasizing two-way learning between academia and industry. He also acknowledged the event’s growth and thanked sponsors Control Solutions, Douglas Products, Envu and Syngenta.

Graduate students from the DeVries Lab — including Simona Principato, Ben Grady, Olivia Katz, Allison Lopina, Bandana Shreshta, Sophie Robinson and Julian Porras-Villamil — presented studies on bed bug health effects and behavior, cockroach allergens and pest control innovations.

Industry professionals also led sessions, including:

AI in Pest Management. Chad Gore of Rentokil Terminix discussed AI’s benefits for automation, data analysis and technician efficiency, while cautioning about risks such as misinformation and privacy issues.

Trends and Workforce Development. Ashley Roden of Sprague Pest Solutions led a session on technology and workforce readiness, highlighting the need for better hands-on training and strategic investment in people as well as tools.

Commercial Accounts. Mike Thome, also of Rentokil Terminix, focused on challenges in commercial pest control, emphasizing specialized training, accountability and pricing strategy.

Regulatory Concerns. Kevin Thorn, owner of Thorn Pest Solutions, Pleasant Grove, Utah, guided discussions on rodenticide regulations, state-level preemption, and AI restrictions, urging proactive engagement with regulators and data-driven advocacy. — Brad Harbison

PPMA Debuts Fresh Look

FAIRFAX, Va. – The Professional Pest Management Alliance, which drives consumer demand for professional pest control through marketing and education, has unveiled a new brand identity. Debuted at the 2025 PestWorld Convention, the refreshed look reflects a forward-thinking evolution while staying true to the Alliance’s mission to grow, promote, protect and defend the industry.

The rebrand follows months of strategic planning, board collaboration and member feedback, resulting in new funding levels and enhanced benefits to support growth and expand the organization’s impact. For over 25 years, the Alliance has advanced the industry through marketing and consumer trust campaigns. Since 2004, professional pest management use among high-income homeowners has risen from 18% to 42%, adding nearly 10 million households to the market, the Alliance reported.

“We’ve developed a brand that captures who we are and where we’re heading,” said Jim Fredericks, executive director. “We’re honoring our legacy while signaling a bold step forward that reflects the innovation and unity shaping pest management.”

The new identity retains elements of the original mark while introducing a modern design and voice. Bobby Jenkins, chairman and owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services, called it “a rallying point for the entire industry — proof that when we work as one, we all grow.”

Members Support Colleague Facing Cancer Treatment

BUFORD, Ga. – Members of the Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia have rallied to support a colleague facing a serious health battle. When Eric Shaw, owner of A&E Pest Control in Winder, Ga., began treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, fellow members quickly stepped in to cover his routes and keep services running, the organization said.

“Eric has always been a dedicated and valued member of our team,” said Connie Rogers, executive director of CPCO of Georgia. “When we learned about his diagnosis, it wasn’t even a question — everyone wanted to help. That’s what being part of this organization means. We take care of each other.”

Since treatment began, a group of PCOs including Ron Combs, Amy Combs, Kevin Holmann, Bill Haynes, Mayo Cummings, Robert Pinion, Dallas Steinmetz and Bruce Hoover have been volunteering to complete Shaw’s daily routes. Their support has ensured customers continue receiving the consistent service they expect, the group said.

Orkin’s Hudson, Rescue Dog Aid Texas Flood Victims

Hudson said the destruction was far worse than expected, with massive cypress trees uprooted. After registering, the pair were assigned an area to search. Buddy, a certified search and rescue dog through an Austin program, signals a find by sitting and turning toward a victim.

Hours into the mission, Buddy alerted Hudson to a teenage girl clinging to a tree while holding two younger girls. Officials rescued all three. Hudson and Buddy continued searching for six hours until water levels became unsafe, helping save three people and assisting with recoveries. They returned for three weeks to support ongoing operations.

Two weeks later, one of the rescued girls visited Hudson with gifts: a gold charm for him and a harness for Buddy. Hudson said the gesture confirmed the impact of their work.

Buddy’s instincts first showed during a camping trip when he helped save a man trapped in a river. Despite early skepticism, he completed 12 weeks of training and became a certified search dog. — McKenna Christy