“When encountering a pest species I haven’t seen before, whether truly novel or simply unfamiliar, my protocol begins with principles, not prescriptions. The first priority is to document the context: where and how the pest was found, what environmental conditions were present, and whether photos or specimens can be safely collected for identification. I then assess whether the finding is incidental or indicative of a broader issue. Was it a single specimen or several? Did it fly or crawl? A lone flying insect may be an intellectual curiosity, while a single crawler, especially one found deep inside a structure, raises different questions. If multiple specimens are found, I begin investigating potential breeding or feeding sources. That discipline applies whether the pest is unexpected or entirely unknown.”
– Dan Baldwin, BCE, Hawx Pest Control
“Get a positive ID. If it is indeed a new pest not encountered in your area, contact your local university extension office, as they might need to report it. Then they can advise you on control measures.”
– Greg Baumann, Nisus
“While you may want to jump into services for any new species, it is very important to conduct hands-on research yourself first. You have to be confident your service program will work before you charge your clients.”
– Michael Broder, BHB Pest Elimination
“When encountering a new invasive species, do as much online research as possible. Have a relationship with university resources in your area that can give you advice. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers in the industry; we as a group are incredible at helping one another.”
– Doug Foster, Burt’s Termite & Pest Control
“Luckily, this does not happen very often — but one we currently are dealing with in Texas is the hammerhead worm, or Bipalium kewense. According to what we have been informed by our state, this worm is an invasive species that can cause skin irritation on contact and is a predator of beneficial earthworms. The warning is that if you cut one in half, it will regenerate and become two separate worms — and if you cut one again, it will regenerate again. Due to their invasive and regenerating nature, they are like a small horror movie and are not to be taken lightly. This is just a current example of the importance of knowing what you are dealing with when facing something you are unfamiliar with and getting information before taking control measures. It’s the ready-aim-fire and not the ready-fire-aim thought process.”
– Dennis Jenkins, ABC Home & Commercial Services of DFW
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