Legislative Day 2025 explored policy priorities

The National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) held its Legislative Day event in Washington, D.C., March 9-11.

Pest management professionals (PMPs) and partner companies advocated for the pest control industry by meeting with their state representatives on Capitol Hill. This year, they focused on four issues:

1. Pesticide Preemption. The push is on to include pesticide preemption in the 2025 Farm Bill, Farm Bill, a package of legislation primarily related to agriculture, food and farming. Doing so would mean each state would give one state agency the authority to regulate the sale, distribution and use of pesticides. It would not allow the local regulation of pesticides. If the Farm Bill is passed with pesticide preemption, nothing will change for the 45 states that currently have it. The five states that do not have it —Alaska, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Nevada — will be required to regulate pesticides at the state level. This talking point asked for support to keep this language in the 2025 Farm Bill and ensure pesticides remain regulated by scientific experts.

2. Rodenticides. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently is conducting a review of rodenticides, a process it is required to undertake every 15 years. As the pest control industry waits for the EPA’s amended proposed interim decision on rodenticides, the concern is that rodenticides may be reclassified as restricted use pesticides (RUPs) to reduce their impact on endangered species. This talking point asked for support of a “professionals only” approach to the use of RUPs to ensure access to effective rodent control solutions.

3. Global Malaria Control. The President’s Malaria Initiative has been key in the fight against malaria. As protectors of public health, the pest control industry knows it is critical to help eliminate mosquito-borne disease that may affect Americans who travel, work, and serve in countries where malaria is prevalent. Indeed, malaria currently is on the rise in the United States. This talking point asks for support of the President’s Malaria Initiative in the 2026 fiscal year appropriations process.

4. 25-C Tax Credit. The Efficient Energy Home Improvement Tax Credit makes it possible for homeowners to receive tax credits for insulation that is treated with pesticide or insulation that must be replaced following a pest infestation. The talking point asks for support in maintaining the tax credit.

On March 9, the Pest Management Foundation held a Bourbon Tasting and Wine Reception sponsored by FORSHAW. The event raised funds to help support its mission of advancing the pest management industry through education, research, and outreach. Special guest Stephen Fante, brand ambassador and executive bourbon steward at Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Ky., presented the special release of a limited-edition bourbon. Bottles were available for purchase, and attendees were treated to tastings.

During breakfast on March 10, the Class of 2023 graduates of the NPMA’s Executive Leadership Program, sponsored by WorkWave, were recognized. They are Evens Clerjuste, Universal Pest Control, Robbinsville, N.J.; Sara Cromwell, Abell Pest Control, Etobicoke, Ontario; Anthony Grullon, Nuborn Pest Control, Mamaroneck, N.Y.; Samantha Malone, Olympia Pest Management, Tumwater, Wash.; Melanie Matthews, Modern Exterminating Co., Columbia, S.C.; Jean-Loui Navarro, Mega Bee, Miami, Fla.; Breanna Neerland, ACE, Kwik Kill Pest Control, Madison, Wis.; Aaron Owens, U.S. Pest Control, Richmond, Va.; Suzy Rayner, Valkyrie Pest Solutions, Arnes, Manitoba; John Rosario, ProSource Pest Solutions, Plantsville, Conn.; Kendra Snyder, Quest Termite & Pest Management, Hellertown, Pa.; Will Weaver, MD Weaver Corp., Natick, Mass.; and Kacey Wyman, EPCON Lane, Akron, Ohio.

Also on March 10, Jacob Kulzer, Ecolab’s VP of operations – North America, was honored with the 2025 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award, sponsored by Envu. During his 21-year military career, Kulzer served as a field artillery officer and civil military operations leader during two years in Iraq. James Cooksey, Envu area sales manager for south Florida and the Caribbean and the nephew of David Cooksey, presented the award named for his uncle, saying “Legacy, honor and tradition resonates with those who have served in the military.”

Legislative Day Strategic Partners are BASF, Corteva Agriscience, Envu, FieldRoutes, MGK, Syngenta and WorkWave. Key Partners are Anticimex, Arrow Exterminators, Ecolab, Massey Services, Rentokil Terminix and Rollins.

Event highlights included: