5 Questions with Katie Aybar

1. Is artificial intelligence (AI) really going to impact pest management?

Jeff King, from The Pest Rangers in Pennsylvania, said the pest management industry has seen limited innovation, but AI presents a game-changing opportunity. From collections and sales to customer service, King said technology enhances every aspect of the business. Other service industries have successfully adapted technology to improve safety, efficiency and professionalism — pest management can, and should, too, he added.

2. What new products/innovations will we see in the market?

The pest management industry is introducing new and unique active ingredients, along with advancements in formulation types. Syngenta representatives said they are waiting for registration on their new Plinazolin technology, which will be the first new active ingredient to be introduced in decades.

Another innovative product, Advion Trio, is a cockroach gel bait featuring three active ingredients — indoxacarb, novaluron and pyriproxyfen. New AIs are crucial for combating resistance in pest populations, ensuring adaptability in the industry.

3. How is technology affecting the daily operations of PMPs?

Technology is slowly making its way into the pest management industry. From Bell Labs iQ products that offer Bluetooth technology, to BASF’s new RFID technology, many new products are designed to save PMPs time, effort and money.

4. How do new products help PMPs deliver better services to their customers?

New products like Advion Trio feature the IGR pyriproxyfen, which disrupts hormonal growth in cockroaches. The product also contains novaluron, which prevents proper cuticle formation during growth, effectively disrupting their ability to fully develop. Such products provide a broader level of control and help PMPs prevent costly callbacks at their accounts.

5. Besides new products, how can I increase productivity in my business?

Take advantage of the efficiency tools your distributor may offer. SiteOne’s Partners Program rewards customer loyalty with savings and many member benefits like business solutions, marketing tools and continuing education. Plus, streamline your operations by ordering all of your products directly through the SiteOne app. Learn more at SiteOne.com/GetStarted.