Industry Intel: EPA approves Isocycloseram and NYC rodent office updates

Key takeaways

• New control tools: The EPA has registered isocycloseram, a new broad-spectrum contact insecticide for cockroaches, termites, and bed bugs.
• Municipal shifts: NYC has officially created the Mayor’s Office of Rodent Mitigation to coordinate the ongoing “War on Rats.”
• M&A momentum: High-profile acquisitions and expansions continue across Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and South Carolina.

EPA approves new active ingredient: Isocycloseram

On Nov. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 10 products containing isocycloseram. This new broad-spectrum contact insecticide is proposed for structural pest control, as well as agricultural and turf use. For PMPs, isocycloseram is labeled for use indoors and outdoors on commercial, industrial, and domestic sites to target:

• Cockroaches
• Termites
• Bed bugs

The EPA stated that no human health risks of concern were identified when used according to labels. At press time, the EPA has initiated Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure ongoing compliance.

NYC Establishes Office of Rodent Mitigation

New York City has taken the next step in its “War on Rats.” In December, then-Mayor Eric Adams signed Executive Order No. 63, officially creating the Mayor’s Office of Rodent Mitigation. This office coordinates efforts across city agencies and private-sector partners, succeeding the program previously led by “Rat Czar” Kathleen Corradi.

City officials report that these efforts — including the Department of Sanitation’s “Trash Revolution” — are working. According to the administration, rat sightings have declined for 12 straight months, reaching the lowest percentage of properties with active rat signs in five years.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Expansions

The industry continues to see significant consolidation and growth. Key transactions facilitated by The Aust Group include:

• Eco-Care Pest Management (Maryland) acquired by American Pest.
• Arnold’s Pest Control (New Jersey) sold to Excel Pest Group.

Other notable moves include:

• Cetane Associates represented Good Earth Pest Control in its sale to Certus Pest, and O.C.E. Pest & Termite Control in its sale to The Pest Rangers.
• PestCo Holdings acquired both Southwest Exterminating and assets of Arizona’s Best Choice Pest & Termite Services.
• Massey Services acquired Cloud Pest Management (Oklahoma).

New locations:

• Thomas Pest Services officially cut the ribbon on its new office in Albany, N.Y.
• Best Home & Property Services opened a new headquarters in Florence, S.C.
• AXN Growth Partners (ACTION Termite and Pest Control) partnered with Patriot Pest & Termite Control in Arizona.

Movers & Shakers

Several leaders have stepped into new roles across the industry:

• Oz Siddique is serving as interim leader of Rentokil Terminix’s North American Innovation Center.
• Dr. Cassie Krejci, BCE, has joined FORSHAW Inc. as VP of transformation.
• Anna Iversen, BCE, joined Control Solutions Inc. (CSI) as the PCO technical service manager.
• Chris Catani is the new director of sales and business development at Debug Pest Control.
• Truly Nolen Pest Control added DJ Culberson as director of sales and promoted Daniel Rombach to operations manager.
• Cook’s Pest Control promoted Savannah Fish, BCE (Training Director), Jason Kiefer (Training Manager), Jeremiah Prevatt (Director of Customer Experience), and Jamna Tucker (Customer Experience Manager).