LA Pest Control Company Rodent Stops Solves Severe Rodent Infestation

IRVINE, Calif. — Los Angeles and the state of California have been facing intense rodent infestation problems in recent years. In November 2018, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported a flea-borne typhus outbreak, which is spread through infected rats and other small mammals, in downtown Los Angeles. Three months later, Los Angeles City Hall was so infested with rats that a motion was filed to remove the building’s carpets out of typhus concerns.

Eight years later, rodents remain a problem and are impacting whole communities and neighborhoods in the region.

Rodents Stop, a family-owned rodent control company that has been serving homes and businesses throughout Southern California for more than 20 years, is tackling the rat-ravaged region with compassion. Heather Goldfarb, general manager of Rodents Stop, said the company aims to give back to the region through its services, and it recently took the opportunity to do so by providing a gratis service.

In late 2025, an Irvine, Calif., home became the subject of news articles and segments for a rodent infestation that was affecting the health of the people living in the house, as well as the surrounding neighbors and homes. A 94-year-old woman, her daughter and son-in-law, who Goldfarb said is an army veteran, were all living in the home.

According to 6abc, the house was declared a public nuisance by the city of Irvine. The city had contracted another company to handle the rodent control efforts, but Goldfarb said the pests kept coming back due to the home’s rat- conducive conditions.

“I reached out to my boss and was like, I saw this story on the news, this family seems like they really need help,” Goldfarb said. “I would like to just see what we can do.”

After four weeks of waiting for the city’s approval, Rodents Stop was permitted to step in and help free of charge. The days of work at the house were labor intensive, Goldfarb said, and the Rodents Stop technicians worked hard to improve the conditions. Ten to 12 Rodents Stop service technicians worked for four days and for about 14 hours each day, Goldfarb said. — McKenna Christy

Alliance Shares 2026 Plans, 2025 Highlights

WASHINGTON — Despite cloudy skies and tornado threats, the pest management industry found bright spots during NPMA Legislative Day 2026.

At the Professional Pest Management Alliance Board of Directors meeting on March 15, Executive Director Jim Fredericks said the Alliance generated a record $3.17 million in 2025 revenue, about $500,000 more than any previous year. He called it a “huge” year for the Alliance.

Those funds supported consumer and commercial campaigns that produced more than 6 billion impressions, including mobile impressions. The Alliance also reported more than 1,700 consumer media placements — a 126% increase year over year — 49 earned articles in commercial publications, 5.5 million website sessions and more than 78,000 broadcast PSA airings, valued at $12.2 million.

Fredericks has traveled nationwide to promote the Alliance and build support. Since October 2025, six pest management firms and supplier Nisus joined as Guardians; additional companies signed on at Advocate and Benefactor levels.

The Alliance outlined 2026 initiatives, including its first Ant Awareness Week, April 12-18; a supplier outreach task force; a social media campaign discouraging do-it-yourself pest control; expanded commercial content on PestWorld.org; and a review and modernization of its bylaws. — Jodi Dorsch

Jeff Hargrave Honored with Paul K. Adams Award of Excellence

LAFAYETTE, La. — The Louisiana Pest Management Association presented Jeff Hargrave, A.C.E., with the Paul K. Adams Award of Excellence during the association’s Winter Convention. The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to the field.

Hargrave is the 17th recipient of the award, established in 1993 in honor of Adams, longtime owner of Adams Pest Control, Alexandria, La., and a leader within both LPMA and the National Pest Management Association.

Hargrave began his career in pest control in March 1997, working in management with Orkin for 20 years. In 2017, he and his wife, Kimi, founded Cajun Bug Exterminating. The company was later sold to Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators in 2024.

He currently serves as an operations consultant in Lafayette, La., under the Stark Exterminators brand.

In addition to his industry work, Hargrave is president of LIPCA, a Louisiana-based pest control operator-owned insurance company. He and Kimi also own JK Strategy & Consulting.

In accepting the award, Hargrave said, “I feel truly blessed and tremendously honored to receive this award and it is something that I will cherish forever. Our industry has rewarded us with an outstanding life for my family. I’ve always valued the opportunity that our industry enables us to protect our customers’ homes and businesses from both pests and termites.” — Brad Harbison

All photos courtesy of companies