Rodent control is one of the pest control industry’s most dynamic and profitable vertical market segments. Even in the midst of a pandemic, rodent control and public health continues to generate headlines, with rodent activity increasing in many urban areas as a result of the traditional food sources for these pests being disrupted by restaurant closures and stay-at-home orders. With the industry’s increased emphasis on rodent control, it should come as no surprise that a significant amount of innovation is occurring in the marketplace, including new and improved rodenticide formulations; the introduction of IoT-based rodent monitoring systems; and the latest advancements in trapping technology. If you are thinking about expanding your rodent control service offerings or learning more about new opportunities in this dynamic marketplace, you won’t want to miss PCT’s Virtual Rodent Conference featuring an impressive speaker faculty of leading rodent experts on Wednesday, December 2.
Here’s a look at sessions and speakers
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM ET
Rodent Control: A State of the Market Report
PCT Publisher Dan Moreland provides an overview of the rapidly changing rodent control marketplace, highlighting data from various industry studies, including the 2020 PCT State of the Rodent Market report. In this informative session, Moreland will identify some of the key trends that are making the rodent market such an exciting area to invest for a growing number of PMPs interested in expanding their service offerings and enhancing their bottom line.
Speaker: Dan Moreland, Publisher, PCT Magazine
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM ET
Sponsor Presentation – Bayer
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET
Wildlife Exclusion: Keys to Success
Wildlife exclusion is a critical component of many nuisance wildlife control programs. But wildlife prevention and habitat modification require specialized skills and a thorough understanding of the materials and techniques that result in effective, long-term solutions. In this informative, eagerly anticipated educational session, learn practical techniques and tips for doing the job right the first time.
Speaker: Kevin Van Hook, Regional Vice President of Operations, Arrow Exterminators
12:30 PM – 12:45 PM ET
12:45 PM – 1:00 PM ET
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
60 Minute Master’s Class: Rodent Management
Renowned rodent expert Bobby Corrigan, author of the definitive book Rodent Control: A Practical Guide for Pest Management Professionals, will share “real-world” insights about rodent biology, behavior, and control. As one of the industry’s most respected industry consultants, Corrigan has worked closely with leading pest control companies and global brands to develop rodent control programs and treatment protocols that have stood the test of time, while meeting the ever-changing demands of clients and the regulatory community. You won’t want to miss the “Master Class” from one of the world’s leading rodent experts.
Speaker: Dr. Robert Corrigan, President, RMC Pest Management Consulting
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM ET
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Marketing Tips & Strategies to Grow Your Rodent and Wildlife Business
Growing your business in the best of times can be challenging, but it’s even more daunting in the midst of a pandemic. Fortunately, one segment of the industry that continues to perform well is rodent control and wildlife management. Learn how to successfully market and sell these essential services from one of the industry’s most talented marketers, a man who owned and operated a successful pest control business of his own for many years.
Speaker: Hal Coleman, President, Coleman Services
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM ET
Sponsor Presentation – Neogen
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Sponsor Presentation – ActiveSense Systems
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM ET
Rodenticide Pathways & Non-Target Exposure: Lessons from California
Rodenticides have been under increased scrutiny in recent years, with media coverage implicating rodenticides in the poisoning of wildlife in California and other locations. In response, researchers have begun investigating different aspects of rodenticide use and human/wildlife interactions to better understand how wildlife are becoming exposed. In this informative educational session, Dr. Niamh Quinn shares her latest findings and what they mean for the structural pest control industry, as well as what every PMP should be doing to protect future rodenticide use in the U.S.
Speaker: Dr. Niamh Quinn, Human-Wildlife Interactions Adviser, University of California Cooperative Extension
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM ET
Sponsor Presentation – Catchmaster
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM ET
Advanced IPM & Outdoor Rodent Control: Field Mice, Chipmunks & Squirrels
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a critical component of any rodent control program, but its particularly important for field mice, chipmunks, and squirrels, which are among the more challenging pests PMPs encounter on a regular basis. Learn how to effectively manage and control these bothersome pests from a PMP with more than 40 years of practical industry experience, including many years as a technical director for well-known pest control companies on the East Coast.
Speaker: Bill Kolbe, President, WA Kolbe Consulting
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM ET
Conference Wrap-Up