Schedule of Events

Research and development for pest control products is vital to keeping your customers happy and growing your business. Marshall Gaster, head of marketing for Professional Pest Management at Syngenta, briefly highlights how Syngenta is investing in innovations that can help you now and long into the future. 

German cockroaches have a notorious history of developing resistance to almost all insecticides registered for their control since the 1950’s. Resistance can also be an issue for the currently used gel bait insecticides. This presentation will initially outline some basic concepts related to insecticide resistance. Next, collaborative efforts between manufacturers and academic researchers that are allowing the pest control industry to stay one step ahead of resistant German cockroaches will be discussed. Lastly, case study-based findings that provide a roadmap for achieving effective and long-term control of resistant German cockroaches in problem accounts will be presented.

Dr. Chris Keefer, technical services manager for Professional Pest Management at Syngenta, talks about the company’s ongoing research and development process. Dr. Keefer also discusses Advion® Trio cockroach gel bait, the latest cockroach control boon for PMPs.

When an invasive cockroach species is introduced into a new environment, many questions arise, including “What impact will they have on the established pest species?” In many areas of the western USA, oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are being displaced by Turkestan cockroaches (Periplaneta lateralis, aka Shelfordella lateralis and Blatta lateralis). What should PMPs know about this new cockroach species? How are PMPs and the research community adapting? Andrew Sutherland, Ph.D, BCE, from the University of California, will do a deep dive into biology, ecology, and management of the Turkestan cockroach and will also review some other invasive cockroach species.

Professional cockroach control requires service technicians who understand the biology and behavior of a variety of cockroaches. Technicians also need to have a thorough understanding of today’s technologies and how they work in order to combat issues like bait aversion. On top of that, it requires service professionals who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty when inspecting and treating in tight spots. Join industry veteran Chad Gore as he takes a deep dive into cockroach control protocols and what he’s found to be successful for training today’s professionals.