Talking Pest Management

Talking Pest Management

By Talking Pest ManagementBusiness
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Talking Pest Management episodes

  • M&A strategy at Rollins with Steve Leavitt

    This week’s interview is short and to the point and has a more commercial feel to it, as Talking Pest Management welcomes Steve Leavitt, Group President at Rollins Inc. based in Atlanta, USA.As the parent company, Rollins is better known within pest control in the US under its Orkin banner but also has a strong presence in Australia, Singapore, Canada and the UK with franchises elsewhere across the world. Rollins recently made the headlines when it announced the acquisition of Melbourne-based Adams Pest Control in Australia who Steve describes as “a great member to the team.”Quizzed on the Rollins strategy regarding mergers and acquisitions, Steve explains that “it is not so much where we want to be, but who we want to be with.” Quality is the main metric the organisation seeks, a company regarded as kindred spirits whose culture is allied with their own.The value of local knowledge, or as Steve describes it “boots on the street”, is stressed. Which companies are good and which are not. A bad player in the industry hurts everyone. Regarding Covid-19 Steve explains that the commercial side of their business, which makes up the main part outside of the US, was hardest hit. Travel ceased and technology, particularly for communication, had become increasing relied upon. From a personal point of view Steve admits that without personal contact when in discussion with his staff he has had to learn to become a better listener. Finally, something most of those working within the industry realise, pest control certainly might neither be the sexiest nor the most dynamic industry, but it is a stable and reliable one. “When the economy is hurting we get significantly more applicants to join.”


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    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

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    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    9 min
  • The similarities – bed bugs & Covid with Stephen Doggett, Westmead hospital, Sydney, Australia

    Bed bugs and Covid-19 form the major content in this interview with Stephen Doggett, head of medical entomology at Westmead hospital in Sydney, Australia. Although mosquitoes and the threats of mosquito borne disease make up the bulk of Stephen’s work, he is undoubtedly most well known as an internationally leader in bed bug biology.In 2006, Stephen was chief editor the world’s first Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestations (http://medent.usyd.edu.au/bedbug/cop_ed4.pdf), now into its fourth edition and was also the author of the handy guide to bed bugs, ‘Do You Have Bed Bugs’, which has been translated into six languages. However, he was the driving force behind what is certainly the first academic book for 50 years on bed bugs – Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs (www.abmmbb.com). He is also editor of the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association (FAOMPA - https://www.faopma.com/) newsletter which is available to all and is free to download.In this very topical interview Stephen presents his thoughts on the great similarities regarding the current position concerning Covid-19 and bed bugs.

    To aid the listener, minute markers are shown below as to which topics are discussed where in the interview.• Minute 01.40 – the similarities between the treatment and management of Covid-19 and bed bug infestations using the pandemic plan prepared by Taiwan for SARS as the example;
    • Minute 05.10 – the importance of acting early and quickly if bed bugs are detected so preventing their spread. Also the importance of testing and surveillance, just as needs to be done with Covid-19. Without co-operation you will fail;
    • Minute 08.35 – the importance of consistent factual messaging, just as Taiwan achieved with Covid-19. For both situations, fake news and dubious products to be denounced – quality science to be applauded;
    • Minute 09.55 – money spent up front is a wise investment;
    •  Minute 12.12 – how bed bugs and Covid-19 will change society;
    • Minute 16.45 – what of the future for hotels with people travelling less? Social housing likely to be a major problem;
    • Minute 19.10 – what methods of control for the future? Pesticides, vacuuming, heat, traps and digital equipment are discussed.


    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany F

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    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    36 min
  • Pest control during COVID-19 in Italy with Monica Biglietto

    Pest control in Italy during Covid-19 features in this week’s Talking Pest Management interview with Monica Biglietto. Based in Naples, Italy, Monica is a trained chemist, chief executive and technical director of pest control company, Fumigat Srl. She is the ANID (the Italian pest control trade association) representative to CEPA (Confederation of European Pest Management Associations) and is also on the CEPA board of directors.

    Asked about Italy’s initial reaction to the Covid-19 crisis, Monica admits at first it was one of confusion. But she neatly sums up the current challenge saying: “We had to change from dealing with macro pests to micro invisible pests. Disinfection became our main activity with safety of our own personnel a key consideration.”
    With protective clothing hard to find, staff teams and their travel reorganised and all administrative staff working from home, operations became very different. However, the crisis has brought the value and level of professionalism in the industry to greater public recognition. With ANID’s leadership dealing at Ministerial level and with the production of guides and protocols, the industry has worked together co-operatively, rather than in competition.
    Fumigation has always been a significant sector in Italy and asked why this is so, Monica explains how there has always been a culture of fumigation, as a recognised treatment for bacterial activity, probably mainly brought on by the high temperatures, often over 40°C, for long periods in the country.
    Looking to the future, Monica identifies the increasingly important role played by women in the industry along with the significance of the CEPA MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) activities which promote professionalism and she encourages everyone to embrace this.
    For the longer 10-20 year future, Monica sees a great challenge, out of respect for the environment, of switching to pest control with only vital, or no, use of biocides. Heat – both hot and cold – along with the use of physical traps are seen as ideal alternatives.


    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany F

    acebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    27 min
  • PEST CONTROL AN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY 🎙️ Talking Pest Management with Patrick Vernié

    Continuing the trend, this week’s Talking Pest Management interview is with Patrick Vernié, another member of the board of CEPA, the European pest management services trade association.

    In addition to his CEPA role, Patrick Vernié’s ‘day job’ is as a senior stakeholder for Bayer Environmental Science based in Lyon, France. This role involves him in the co-ordination of Bayer’s activities across Europe, extending to Africa and also Asia. Patrick has been involved within the professional pest control industry for approaching 25 years and has played an active role within CEPA for the last 15.
    Patrick begins by explaining how overall the Bayer business is totally based on science and innovation searching for solutions for society at large – in short ‘Health for All: Hunger for None’. Asked how the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected its business, Patrick unsurprisingly says that no-one could have predicted this scenario but industry has had to adapt as best it can. Bayer’s top priority was to ensure the safety of all its employees – to this effect Patrick has been working from home since mid-March. The next priority was to ensure continuity of supply of products for customers. With boarders often closed this proved a challenge getting products to customers, but it also brought home the complexities involved in the supply chain, with components coming from many different places.
    With Europe under lockdown, the significance and contribution towards public health of pest control has come to the fore. There is no better time for stake holders to come together and recognise the CEPA introduced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). And by stake holders Patrick emphasises this is not just pest controllers on their own, but also to join forces with customers, regulators and politicians – to recognise the importance of the industry.
    As to the future, Patrick predicts the COVID-19 crisis will accelerate and stimulate the changes which were already entering the industry – notably the increased use of artificial intelligence, such as remote working not just for technicians but for managers alike. However, people still remain key.
    “These are very exciting times for the industry. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate to society, and the world at large, how essential it is. We need the right tools to do our job efficiently. We need to raise the bar on training standards to ensure a high and universal level across the whole of Europe,” he concludes.


    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany F

    acebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    29 min
  • Pest control the Norwegian way with Rune Bratland

    This week Rune Bratland is welcomed by Daniel Schröer to Talking Pest Management. Rune is CEO and owner of pest control servicing company, Skadedyrservice AS, based in Bergen in the west of Norway. He is also chairman of SKABRA, the Norwegian Pest Control Association as well as being on the board of CEPA, the European pest management services trade association.

    In general, familiarity and news of what is happening in the Norwegian pest control market is not great outside Norway, so it is very interesting to hear from Rune what is both similar, but also different.
    Starting with what is similar, Covid-19 is a problem common to everyone and like elsewhere in Europe, after an initial shutdown period, pest controllers were deemed key workers. But what is unique across Scandinavia is the position regarding home insurance – whereby pest control is included as a service. A free home inspection is offered and then, if a problem arises, treatment is arranged. So arrangements between insurance and pest control company are mutually advantageous.
    Asked how pest control has changed over the last 20 years, Rune explains how back in 2020 no formal training of technicians was required. Formal training was, however, introduced on 2004 since when there has been a gradual shift towards integrated pest management (IPM) and now the uptake of digital trapping and remote monitoring. Interestingly, he records how both first and second generation rodenticides are employed, because as yet, there is no evidence of resistance.
    As part of his CEPA board remit, Rune has special responsibility for training and was involved in the development of the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). This, Rune explains, is a self regulated standard that defines minimum training requirements which will differentiate, across Europe, trained professional pest controllers from just pest controllers.


    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany F

    acebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    19 min
  • RODENT BEHAVIOUR changed during quarantine? | Peter Trotman

    Once again Talking Pest Management catches up with Peter Trotman, based in the UK and managing director of pest control company, Pest Pulse.

    Discussing the current Covid crisis, Peter says he was not surprised pest control was deemed an essential service and explains how the lockdown has actually been a benefit for practical pest controllers. With facilities closed down, this has provided the opportunity to spend extended periods of time in situations where access was previously highly restricted.
    Covid has also raised the awareness of the benefits of pest control with customers along with the increasing professionalism of technicians – he congratulates CEPA on all they have done gaining recognition for the industry via the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding).
    Regarding rodent behaviour, mice and run-through boxes had attracted his attention. Peter explains that as a company they extensively use run-through boxes with double traps at each end where mice are usually captured on the second, inner trap, indicating they are entering at some speed. Some four weeks into lockdown, with far less humans around, mice were no longer scurrying around at such velocity and were being caught, and in larger numbers, on the first trap. Mice activity had now reached the lowest level he had ever seen.
    On the other hand, rat numbers had increased; their behaviour had become more aggressive, and with a lack of available street food they were gnawing into bins. “Mice down – rats up.”
    As to the future use of smart technology, Peter explains how the use of the remote monitoring technology is now much easier, and also cheaper, so now equals the cost of traditional pest control. But on a practical level he is still learning how ‘smart’ and ‘traditional’ can work alongside each other. “Smart and traditional complement each other.”
    As to the future, asked how Covid is likely to affect the pest control industry, Peter recounts a recent discussion he had had with a City investment analyst. Whilst several pest control clients are likely to suffer, they are still willing to spend money on pest control – so the industry as a whole is reasonably robust. With increased remote working, there will be more choice in the labour market and pest control may well become more attractive to the younger generation who can foresee a longer term career within this sector.

    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany 

    Instagram: @futuragermany F

    acebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management


    34 min
  • The Future of rodent control with Dr. Robert Corrigan

    Dr Robert (Bobby) Corrigan is one of the world’s most renowned urban rodent experts. He is president of RMC Pest Management Consulting based in New York City, USA and has more than 30 years experience working within the industry.  In this far reaching interview, Bobby begins by discussing the effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic on rodent behaviour, the role of Integrated Pest Management and the power of quality data. Looking to the future he shares his opinions on the rapidly increasing use of remote rodent monitoring technology and concludes by prophesying what pest control, and those working within it – who he refers to as „observational biologists“ – will be like in the future.  In the current situation, Bobby first comments on the effect Covid-19 has on rodent behaviour. He explains that it is hardly surprising their behaviour has changed – deprive them of food for several days, reduce the number of people on the streets and then we wonder why are we surprised to see disorientated and frightened rodents out in daylight.   Discussing Integrated Pest Management, Bobby says clients understand good housekeeping and proofing and are keen to be seen spraying and baiting but forget all about monitoring. „This is a service that will carry itself long into the future,“ says Bobby.  The new digital technology using remote sensors coupled with good database management will allow us to not only treat the pests but to profile their population – to prove how pest populations have reduced. He forecasts that remote monitoring won’t threaten technicians, it will enhance their role, it will make their activities more meaningful and so inspire them – to make them „observational biologists.“  He explains how pest control has basically followed the same work pattern for hundreds of years, but feels the tipping point of accepting this new technology is very nearly upon us – using the example of how the industry swung from spraying for cockroaches to baiting for cockroaches. Certainly interesting times ahead and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.   We look forward to catching up again with you in a few months time.

    Talking Pest Management is a leading worldwide source of pest control news and opinion. It is designed for business leaders and opinion formers around the globe and explores current market situations and also innovative new technologies. Our videos feature interviews with prominent industry figures to bring you market-affecting insights, with the aim of helping people make informed business decisions in our industry and beyond.

    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany Instagram: @futuragermany Facebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4uListen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    45 min
  • Exclusive Bayer insights on Covid, new products and innovations with Richard Moseley

    Richard Moseley is technical manager for the Bayer Pest Solutions team in the UK, having been involved within the professional pest control industry for more than two decades.

    Richard shares his opinions and experiences of working in pest management in the current Covid-19 situation. Everyone has had to find new ways to operate and communicate, for example through online events and webinars. But Richard is quick to point out this information transfer is not „a one-way street. Information back from practical pest controllers is equally important.”

    Throughout, the challenges posed by pests remain. In fact, in these difficult times, pest activity can make an already difficult situation even worse – for example the shutting down of a busy food factory or a stressed hospital ward. The correct choice and use of appropriate products and formulations is vital – „the right product in the right place“, he explains.

    Access to some sites can be problematic so Richard views the increased use of remote technology as becoming even more important. Lessons can be learnt through limited access. This generates greater knowledge and more data – in fact it can „future-proof“ pest management by putting controls in place – a view we totally agree with him. 

    The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential service performed by pest managers – a role recognised by society by declaring them as key workers. This offers the industry at large the opportunity to elevate its status to one of competent and trained people using new technology. 

    We will surely revisit Richard in the next months for another interview to see how Bayer is coping with the crisis and supporting its clients and distributors further. 

    Thanks Richard for your time and insights, it’s been a pleasure.

    Talking Pest Management is a leading worldwide source of pest control news and opinion. It is designed for business leaders and opinion formers around the globe and explores current market situations and also innovative new technologies. Our videos feature interviews with prominent industry figures to bring you market-affecting insights, with the aim of helping people make informed business decisions in our industry and beyond.

    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany
    Facebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    33 min
  • Covid19: Pests can damage your property - take preventive measurements says Mark Porter

    Mark Porter is CEO and founder of his own family business, Porter’s Pest Control based in Morden, South London. He has been in the industry for 17 years, and for nearly four years has run his own business, Porter’s Pest Control.A few years ago Mark got „famous“ for his bed bug video in which he treated thousands and thousands of bed bugs in a London property. This received literally millions of clicks on Facebook. Since then his business has flourished and so has his reputation with both clients and within the industry.In contrast to other CEOs, Mark is very hands-on and observant when it comes to rodents. He comments how rodent behaviour in London has changed following the Covid-19 lock-down, saying he now sees far more rats in broad daylight searching for food. “Hunger will cause animals to do crazy things. However, it’s really nice, for once, to actually see your enemy,” he explains.Quizzed how his relationship with clients may have changed during the pandemic, Mark comments how communication is key. “Each client gets personal service, so you build a level of trust. You are then recognised as the pest control expert.”Asked how his regime has had to change, he says: “A good person will adapt to change. You have to learn to cope. But service mustn’t slip”He is quick to credit the British Pest Control Association who has played a vital part in the current crisis – particularly for all its work ensuring pest controllers gained key worker status and for all their guidance documents.Well done Mark. He are sure you hear from you again in the future.

    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.


    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.com

    Follow us on social media:

    LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany

    Facebook: @futuragermany


    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany


    Futura Germany Podcast

    Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ

    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    15 min
  • Exclusive news: the worlds largest digital pest control contract launched at Tesco UK

    Tony O’Donovan is one of the few people worldwide that really love Pest Control from the bottom of their hearts. With over 25 yrs experience in the field he is the Head of Pest Control Worldwide at Tesco, one of the world’s largest shopkeepers with close to 8.000 shops internationally.  Tony shares with Daniel exclusively that Tesco has signed a new contract for digital pest control with tens of thousands of digital traps in over 4.000 stores inside and outside all over the UK with their service provider. This is the world’s largest contract for digital products and surely marks the tipping point of digital in our industry.  For his group, data is gold as well as a large tool kit, which Tesco establishes with the digitization of traps they used and tested over years. So basically, nothing new, just digital helpers to increase pest protection for their shops, logistics, production and more.   Tony is unique in his role too, as he knows the client side as well as the pest management and prevention side. Sustainability is extremely important for him as well as independence from ever changing laws on pesticides available to professionals.  Digital is not a „silver bullet“ and it probably takes significantly more budget to his group, but „somebody had to take the leap of faith“ and we are glad to have had the opportunity to discuss with Tony on an early stage on this topic.  Rest assured that we will revisit this topic shortly and Tony will update us on the project, which probably is something the word looks up to and inspires many other companies around the globe to go digital.  Tony, thanks so much for your time. Definitely one of the leading figures in our industry and happy to have you aboard at CEPA as well. Speak soon.

    Talking Pest Management is a leading worldwide source of pest control news and opinion. It is designed for business leaders and opinion formers around the globe and explores current market situations and also innovative new technologies. Our videos feature interviews with prominent industry figures to bring you market-affecting insights, with the aim of helping people make informed business decisions in our industry and beyond.

    Subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date on the latest insights on the pest management industry.

    For more breaking news, white papers, videos and more: www.futura-germany.comFollow us on social media: 

    LinkedIn: @futuragermany

    Instagram: @futuragermany
    Facebook: @futuragermany

    If you want to be part of Talking Pest Management email us at [email protected] and join the conversation @ Futura Germany

    Futura Germany Podcast Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KPaC4u

    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2xmJqkZ
    Or on every other platform: @Talking Pest Management

    25 min

About Talking Pest Management

From the publisher's feed

In Talking Pest Management our host Daniel Schröer speaks with renowned experts in pest control about the current status and future of this industry.