New England Pest Management Association Hosts Rodent Symposium

ATTLEBORO, Mass. –– On August 5-6, the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) hosted its inaugural Northeast Rodent Symposium in Attleboro, Mass. The two-day event drew over 100 pest management professionals (PMPs) and vendors from across the region, highlighting the latest science, tools and strategies in rodent management.

Designed as an interactive and educational experience, the symposium featured a full day of expert-led presentations followed by a second day of presentations and hands-on training with industry-leading products and techniques.

The smaller-group format on day two allowed attendees to rotate through training stations focused on remote monitoring, bait station placement, exclusion techniques and alternative rodent control methods including the use of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Day One Highlights: Expert Speakers and Industry Insights

Day one brought together a number of experts who shared insights on the science, regulations and practical applications of rodent control. Dr. Jonathan Richardson of the University of Richmond opened the program with a discussion on Urbanization and Rodents: Future Challenges. He was followed by George Williams, ACE, PHE, of Nisus, who addressed critical disease concerns such as hantavirus and their implications for food safety.

Attendees also heard from Taryn LaScola of the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, who provided important state updates. Later sessions included Dr. Matt Frye of Cornell University discussing rodent control issues in the field, Sam Oliver of Food, Drug, and the Bug alongside Dr. Frye presenting on monitoring and reporting, and Sylvia Kenmuir, BCE, of BASF offering valuable guidance on understanding modes of action in products and improving communication skills.

On Tuesday evening, attendees were treated to a barbecue hosted by Nisus and prepared by their very own John Singletary, ACE, and Harry Bryan. Guests enjoyed a delicious spread and a lively opportunity to network with peers, vendors, and experts in a relaxed setting.

Day Two: Presentations and Hands-On Training

The second day opened with Kevin Moran, BCE and Shelia Haddad, Bell Labs, presenting on Real IPM: Alternatives and Label Considerations for Stations. Following this, representatives from Boston and Cambridge Inspectional Services, John Ulrich and Dave

Powers, shared their perspectives on what cities are seeing and what they expect from PMPs working in urban environments.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to applied training, where participants gained practical, field-based experience at a series of interactive stations. Experts guided PMPs through applying carbon dioxide, gas, and pellets for rodent control; working with rodenticide innovations; testing exclusion kits and excluder systems; perfecting bait station placement; and using advanced IQ station monitoring technology. This interactive format reinforced the lessons from day one, ensuring attendees left with both knowledge and practical skills to take back to their businesses.

The turnout of over 100 PMPs and vendors underscored the importance of rodent control in both residential and commercial environments across New England.

"The Northeast Rodent Symposium provided pest management professionals with the knowledge, resources, and practical training needed to tackle rodent pressures in today’s urban and suburban environments,” said Mike Bourdeau, NEPMA President.

NEPMA extended gratitude to all vendors and sponsors who made the event possible, including:

· Michael Becker, Veseris

· John Murphy, Liphatech

· Mitchell Goldstein, Skyhawk

· Kevin P. Moran, Forshaw Inc.

· Kelley Altland, BASF Pest Control Solutions

· Kelly Fillion, LocaliQ

· Susan Masciarelli, Web-Cote Industries

· Peter Daniello, Neogen

· Bret Farrer, Bell Labs

· Patrick Ryan, PDM

· Andrej Branc, Pelgar

· George Williams, Nisus

· Robert Kelly, SiteOne Landscape Supply

· Paul Rossler, Xcluder – Global Material Technologies

· Kim Geissel, AP&G Co., Inc.