PCT Radio Network

Suzy Rayner, owner of Valkyrie Pest Solutions, Manitoba, Canada, shared how her homelessness experience has shaped her into the pest control owner and operator she is today, using a trauma-informed approach when working with customers in low-income housing.

Mike Thome and Jen Sweeney-Ingram of UPMTC chat with Mark "Shep" Sheperdigian, Rose Pest Solutions, Troy, Mich. Sheperdigian shares how he got started in pest control, favorite pest encounters, the importance of the "people side" of pest control and what all is involved in his current role as chief science officer.

After nearly 50 years working in the business, Gary Blankenship of Lexington, Ky.-based Guarantee Pest Control recently sold his second generation family business to Scherzinger Pest Control in Cincinnati, Ohio. PCT interviewed Blankenship at the UK Short Course to reflect on his pest control journey, the benefits of attending state and regional meetings for continued growth in the industry and his plans for retirement.

Sydney Crawley, principal vector scientist with Rentokil Terminix, shares how pest activity continues and, in some cases, increases during the winter months, challenging the common belief that pests slow down in cold weather.

Horner, vice president of government affairs & industry stewardship, Arrow Exterminators, was recognized by PCT and Syngenta during the Crown Leadership Awards ceremony at PestWorld, in Orlando.

Hosts Mike Thome and Jen Sweeney-Ingram of UPMTC sit down with Jeff Weier, BCE, consultant and technical director emeritus for Sprague Pest Solutions, to explore Weier’s 50+ year journey through the evolution of pest management.

At the 2025 University of Kentucky Short Course held in Lexington, Ky., Dr. Faith Oi, UF/IFAS extension associate professor, discussed the future of pest control and using integrated pest management on a global health scale under one framework: One Health. PCT interviewed Oi on this developing concept and the role it plays in the future of pest management.

In the following Q&A interview with Jim Fredericks, executive director of the Professional Pest Management Alliance, he shared more about the Alliance's rebranding, the culmination of months of strategic planning sessions, board collaboration and extensive member feedback.

Anneke Cannon, chief operating officer, Sage Pest Control, sat on a panel at NPMA Academy in Palm Springs, Calif., focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and ways fast-growing pest control companies are using AI to enhance operations while keeping a personalized feel to their company’s messaging. PCT interviewed Cannon to learn more about this AI practice.

Beyond the Pest podcast hosts and UPMTC members Mike Thome and Jennifer Sweeney-Ingram sat down with industry veteran Pat Hottel to discuss her entomology career, experiences in Bermuda that kickstarted her pest control journey, the evolution of women in the pest control and more.

At NPMA 30th Academy event, PCT interviewed Julie Tesh-Clark of Pest Management Systems, Inc. (PMi) about some of the company’s outreach efforts, working alongside her father to grow the family business and the impact Academy has left on her leadership style, team-building skills and personal development.

PCT interviewed Russell Hand, service manager for New Jersey-based Viking Pest Control, at NPMA Academy about how heavy precipitation extreme weather patterns led to heavy pest pressure. Hand also discussed Viking's integrated approach to mosquito management.

In PCT’s September issue, readers shared memorable wildlife experiences with these oftentimes unpredictable animals. In the following video interview, PCT interviewed Scott Hornemann of Adam’s Pest Control, Medina, Minn., to hear more about one of his first experiences working with bats lurking in an attic.