Rhode Island Rodenticide Restrictions Clear General Assembly

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In June, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed HB 7222 and SB 2795, companion bills that would significantly restrict the sale and use of certain rodenticides statewide. At press time, the bills were on the desk of Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee.

The legislation would phase out consumer access to first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides beginning in 2027 and second-generation products beginning in 2028. By 2029, use of those rodenticides would largely be prohibited, with exemptions for public health, agriculture, food production and other limited applications.

The legislation also would establish a voluntary municipal Rodent Integrated Pest Management Pilot Program aimed at evaluating non-chemical rodent control strategies, including sanitation improvements, habitat modification and rodent contraceptives.

Pest management professionals in New England are concerned that these restrictions could reduce access to proven rodent control tools and complicate efforts to manage infestations. The New England Pest Management Association has launched a VoterVoice advocacy campaign urging Gov. McKee to veto the measures. — Brad Harbison

Fifteen Cases of New World Screwworm Cases Confirmed in United States

WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed additional cases of New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico, bringing the total active case count to 12.

NWS is a pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals and have caused serious damage to livestock and economic losses.

A total of 15 animal cases have been reported by USDA’s dashboard as of June 22, including: June 3: cattle in Zavala County, Texas; June 5: cattle in Zavala County, Texas; June 7: cattle in La Salle County, Texas; June 8: cattle in La Salle County, Texas; June 8: goat in Gillespie County, Texas; June 8: dog in Lea County, N.M.; June 9: and cattle in Edwards County, Texas.

On June 8, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said that the U.S. food supply is “not at risk” as a result of New World screwworm being identified, CNBC reported. Rollins held a press conference on June 8 in Texas, where she addressed questions about the current cases of NWS and reaffirmed USDA’s commitment to controlling the pest.

Also in June, USDA announced the appointment of John Bellinger as senior advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness. According to USDA, Bellinger will help support the agency’s team and drive efforts to combat NWS through available technologies. Currently, Bellinger serves on the Texas A&M Board of Regents as chair of the Committee on Research, which he was appointed to in 2023 by Gov. Greg Abbott. — McKenna Christy

In Memoriam: Dwight Reynolds

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dwight Reynolds, who spent more than 30 years in the pest control industry and held various leadership roles in both the Arkansas Pest Management Association and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), passed away on April 20.

Reynolds most recently served as group compliance manager for the western U.S. at Rentokil Terminix.

Industry colleagues praised Reynolds for his involvement in regulatory issues impacting the pest control industry. In 2024, he was recognized as NPMA’s Public Policy Person of the Year.

Stan Cope, director of technical services, Rose Pest Solutions, Chicago, admired Reynolds for his deep expertise, steady professionalism and calm, solution-focused presence, and for the simple joys, like shared traditions, that he brought to those around him.

“Even when others got the room spinning, Dwight remained calm, with a slight smile, and focused on solutions,” Cope said.

During the past several years, Reynolds was part of the Arkansas delegation that had preemption discussion with Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. — Brad Harbison

BOM Hosts Dinner at NPMA Legislative Day

WASHINGTON — Members of Black Ownership Matters (BOM) broke bread and networked with one another at BOM’s annual Legislative Day Dinner in March.

Sterling Barbour, president of Revolution National Pest Council and a board member of Black Ownership Matters, kicked off the evening at Bobby Van’s Grill by welcoming attendees and encouraging them to spend time talking with others about growing their businesses.

The event featured guest speaker and business consultant Steve Johnson, owner of Atlas Opportunity Partners, who reminded attendees that generating revenue money is the most important part of driving a business. “Sales is the one thing you cannot be bad at,” he said.

Black Ownership Matters’ mission is to promote Black ownership of pest control companies by providing financial guidance, business resources, employee development, mentorship and community support.

Learn more about the organization at www.blackownershipmatters.org. — Jodi Dorsch

WSPMA Launches First Legislative Day

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Pest Management Association (WSPMA) recently held its first Legislative Day at the Washington State Capitol, bringing pest management professionals face to face with policymakers to discuss legislation affecting public health, structural pest control and rodent management in Washington.

About 20 WSPMA members participated, meeting with more than 15 elected officials, including state senators, representatives and legislative staff. Discussions focused on the role licensed professionals play in protecting communities, supporting agriculture and implementing science-based Integrated Pest Management programs, according to the association.

A central component of the day was testimony before the House Agriculture Committee opposing House Bill 2516, which WSPMA said would significantly restrict the use of rodenticides. Members outlined potential unintended consequences, including increased rodent populations, heightened public health risks and reduced ability to respond effectively in urban, agricultural and commercial settings. Testimony also emphasized preserving access to effective rodent control tools under existing regulatory oversight, licensing and stewardship requirements.

In addition to formal testimony, members met with lawmakers and staff to discuss HB 2516 and broader pest management policy issues. WSPMA said these conversations reinforced its position that policy decisions should be informed by science, field experience and real-world pest pressures.

Members also incorporated hands-on educational tools during Capitol visits. Live hissing cockroaches were used to demonstrate insect biology and behavior, while edible crickets helped spark conversations about entomology, ecosystems and sustainability.

Although longtime State Policy Affairs Representative Larry Treleven was unable to attend, WSPMA credited his work with helping establish the association’s presence at the Capitol.

WSPMA said legislators and staff engaged actively throughout the day, asking questions and participating in discussions. Leaders emphasized the event was intended to build ongoing dialogue rather than resolve issues in a single visit. The association plans to continue engaging with policymakers. — Source: WSPMA

Pi Chi Omega Names Scholarship Winners

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Pi Chi Omega announced recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards, continuing a program that has supported future entomologists and pest management professionals since 1976. The organization has awarded 189 scholarships totaling more than $301,000.

“This year’s applicant pool showcased an outstanding level of passion, academic achievement and commitment to advancing the pest management industry,” said Stephanie Hill, Ph.D., chair of the Pi Chi Omega scholarship committee and a 2010 recipient.

President James Miller, A.C.E., said supporting future industry leaders remains central to Pi Chi Omega’s mission. “These students demonstrate exceptional promise, and we are proud to invest in their future success,” he said.

The 2026 recipients are:

• John Osmun Scholarship — Bandana Shrestha, University of Kentucky ($3,500)
• Founders Endowment Scholarship — Jun-Yin Lum, University of California, Riverside ($2,500)
• Alain VanRyckeghem Memorial Scholarship — Ashmita Sapkota, Auburn University ($2,500)
• Austin Frishman Scholarship — Fan-Ling Liu, Texas A&M University ($2,500)
• Norm Ehmann Scholarship — Austin McKay, Louisiana State University ($2,500)
• R. Randall Rollins Memorial Scholarship — Babatunji Daramola, Rutgers University ($2,500)

All six scholarships were awarded to graduate students this year. Pi Chi Omega encourages undergraduate students studying entomology and related fields to apply in future scholarship cycles. Applications open each January and are reviewed by the scholarship committee before awards are presented.

PestWorld 2026 Main Stage Lineup Announced

FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Pest Management Association announced the keynote speakers and main stage programming for PestWorld 2026, scheduled for Oct. 20–23, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Under the theme “Built for Your Business,” the event will bring together pest management professionals for education, networking and industry recognition.

The conference opens Oct. 20 with a main stage ceremony sponsored by Envu and hosted by mentalist Sean Bott. NPMA said Bott’s presentation will combine entertainment, audience interaction and inspiration to help attendees maximize their PestWorld experience.

On Oct. 21, broadcaster and human connection expert Riaz Meghji will deliver “Every Conversation Counts: Building Extraordinary Relationships in a Changed World,” sponsored by Corteva. Meghji will share strategies for building trust, improving communication and creating meaningful connections.

The main stage program concludes Oct. 22 with keynote speaker Kyle Scheele, sponsored by Syngenta. In “Becoming an Idea Factory,” Scheele will discuss how organizations can develop creativity and foster innovation.

Following Scheele’s presentation, NPMA will present its annual Industry Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations across categories including leadership, culture, technology adoption, sustainability and community service.

Early-bird registration ends Sept. 3. Register at www.npmapestworld.org.

In Memoriam: Ted Granovsky

BRYAN, Texas — Dr. Ted Granovsky, a respected educator, speaker and mentor in the structural pest control industry, passed away on May 21. He was 81.

Granovsky made lasting pest control contributions during his time as assistant professor of urban entomology at Texas A&M University from 1978 to 1983. In 1984, Granovsky founded Granovsky Associates, where he provided pest control guidance in food processing facilities and many other industries.

Fellow consultant Richard Kramer remembered Granovsky for two major contributions to the pest control industry. “He was very committed to the training of Hispanic pest management professionals,” Kramer said. “He also developed pest control training video tapes (PCVN) for the industry. The tapes were all produced on VHS. In fact, I still have copies of all the tapes and had the opportunity to participate in some with Ted and George Rambo. He will be missed.”

Colleague and friend Dr. Michael Potter, professor emeritus, University of Kentucky, said one of Granovsky’s most significant contributions to the pest control industry was helping develop the first truly effective bait for Pharaoh ants, a breakthrough that transformed control of a pest that was once considered even more difficult to manage than termites. — Brad Harbison