One misstep. One shortcut. One unstable ladder.

That’s all it takes for a serious injury or worse.

In 2025, OSHA ranked ladders as the #3 most cited safety violation, with 2,405 total violations. Despite decades of awareness, ladder misuse continues to endanger workers, and too many job sites are still repeating the same preventable mistakes.

For pest control companies, ladder safety is not theoretical. Technicians regularly access attic spaces, rooflines, exterior eaves and multi-story structures. That makes ladder-related fall prevention a core risk management issue, not just a compliance topic for National Ladder Safety Month.

Why Ladder Safety Still Matters in Pest Control

Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries across construction and field service industries. For pest control companies, a single ladder-related incident can trigger:

• Workers’ compensation claims
• Increased EMR and insurance premiums
• Lost productivity and overtime costs
• OSHA citations and fines
• Long-term employee impact

In other words, improper ladder use affects both people and profitability.

The Real Problem: Familiarity Breeds Complacency

Most ladder injuries do not happen because employees lack access to safety rules. They happen because:

• The wrong ladder was used for the job
• The ladder was not inspected
• The base was unstable
• The technician overreached
• Someone stood on the top step
• Three points of contact were ignored

These are not complex violations. They are routine shortcuts. That is why structured training and reinforcement matter.

Five High-Impact Ladder Safety Controls

Rather than repeating generic safety reminders, companies should focus on controls that measurably reduce risk.

1. Standardize Ladder Selection

Require technicians to use the correct ladder type and load rating for every task. Extension ladders must extend at least 3 feet beyond a landing surface. Never allow work from the top three rungs of an extension ladder.

Document ladder specifications in your fleet and

In today’s pest control industry, hiring decisions carry more weight than ever. Labor shortages, seasonal spikes in demand and growth goals often push companies to move quickly when filling open positions. But when it comes to fleet safety, workplace injuries and long-term risk, who you hire - and how you hire - has a direct correlation to your loss history, insurance costs and overall operational stability.

At PestSure, we consistently see a strong connection between structured hiring practices and improved safety outcomes. The companies that treat hiring as a frontline risk management function often outperform their peers in auto, general liability and workers’ compensation performance.

Safety Starts Before Day One

Safety does not begin at orientation. It begins during recruitment.

Clear job descriptions should outline not only driving expectations, but also physical demands, ladder usage, pesticide handling responsibilities and customer-facing accountability standards. When expectations are communicated early, applicants self-select and the likelihood of poor fit decreases.

Pre-employment screening is equally critical. This includes:

• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) reviews
• Background checks
• Verification of prior driving and work history
• Drug and alcohol screening where appropriate
• Evaluation of prior safety incidents or workers’ compensation claims where permissible

Companies that skip or rush these steps assume unnecessary exposure. A single at-fault accident, ladder fall or misapplication incident tied to a preventable hiring oversight can impact your loss ratio for years.

Experience Matters; Structure Matters More

While experienced technicians may present lower initial risk, experience alone does not guarantee safe behavior behind the wheel or on the jobsite. A structured onboarding process closes the gap between hiring and performance.

High-performing pest control companies implement:

• Documented driver training programs
• Distracted driver and defensive driving education
• Ride-along evaluations
• Slip, trip and fall prevention training
• Ladder safety certification and inspection protocols
• Safe pesticide handling and application training
• Written

Labor shortages have pushed many pest control companies to widen the hiring net, often bringing in younger or first-time commercial drivers to keep routes covered. In the short term, it allows companies to fully staff routes and maintain growth, but when it comes to fleet risk, novice drivers can quietly introduce costs that far exceed payroll savings.

For pest control business owners and managers, understanding how inexperience impacts claims, losses, training demands, and long-term insurability is critical to protecting both people and profits.

Why Inexperience Matters More Than Age

It’s easy to assume risk is tied primarily to age, but research from the National Surface Transportation Safety Center for Excellence at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, consistently shows that experience is the stronger predictor of crashes.

Here’s what pest control owners and managers should understand.

1. Hazard Recognition Takes Time to Develop

Experienced drivers anticipate problems. Novice drivers react to them. New drivers often struggle with:

• Scanning intersections effectively
• Identifying developing hazards
• Managing blind spots
• Monitoring multiple risk points at once

In a pest control setting, this commonly leads to:

• Intersection collisions
• Rear-end crashes
• Sideswipes in residential neighborhoods
• Fender-benders in parking lots

The ability to anticipate risk improves with time - but early-stage drivers have not yet built that instinct.

2. Distraction Is a Significant Exposure

Today’s technicians increasingly rely on mobile tools to do their job:

• GPS routing
• Dispatch software
• Digital service tickets
• Customer communication

Novice drivers are especially vulnerable to distraction because they have not yet automated basic driving behaviors. When attention shifts to a device, hazard awareness drops dramatically.

Distracted driving remains one of the most common contributors to severe liability claims and that is why PestSure has implemented a cell phone free policy with its insureds.

3. Fleet Vehicles Are Different from Personal Cars

Most new

While summer heat gets plenty of attention, winter brings its own serious safety challenges for pest control professionals especially those working in cold-weather climates. Snow, ice, reduced daylight, and hazardous driving conditions all increase the risk of injuries and accidents on the job. As temperatures drop, awareness and preparation become critical to keeping technicians safe and operations running smoothly.

Just as with heat exposure, cold-related hazards can be managed with proper planning, training, and smart work practices.

Winter Weather Hazards to Watch

Slips, Trips, and Falls - Icy sidewalks, snow-covered steps, frozen driveways, and wet entryways create prime conditions for slips and falls. These incidents remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries during winter months and can result in sprains, fractures, or worse.

Driving in Snow, Ice, and Early Darkness - Winter driving increases exposure to vehicle accidents due to slick roads, limited visibility, and longer stopping distances. Add early sunsets and unpredictable weather, and technicians may find themselves navigating challenging conditions during both morning and evening routes.

Cold Stress and Exposure - Extended exposure to cold temperatures can lead to cold stress, numbness, reduced dexterity, and in extreme cases, frostbite or hypothermia. Even moderate cold can impair judgment and slow reaction time factors that raise the risk of injury.

How to Stay Safe in Cold Weather - Pest control professionals can reduce winter risks by focusing on footwear, driving habits, clothing, and job-site awareness.

Slips and Falls Prevention

Wear Proper Footwear

• Choose boots with slip-resistant soles designed for icy conditions.
• Use traction aids or cleats when working on snow- or ice-covered surfaces.
• Replace worn footwear before winter conditions worsen.

Watch Your Step

• Take shorter steps and walk slowly on icy surfaces.
• Use handrails whenever available.
• Test surfaces before stepping fully, especially on shaded or untreated areas.

Maintain

The start of a new year is a natural time for pest control company owners and managers to take stock of what’s working, what needs improvement, and where risks may be hiding. For many pest management professionals (PMPs), safety training often falls into the category of “important but” as the demands of the daily grind take priority.

As you look ahead to 2026, now is the right time to establish clear, realistic safety training resolutions that protect your employees, strengthen your operation, and reduce preventable claims. The most effective safety programs aren’t complicated; they’re consistent, practical, and built into the rhythm of your business.

Here are key safety training resolutions every pest control company should consider committing to in the year ahead.

1. Commit to Consistent, Scheduled Training

One of the most common challenges in safety programs is inconsistency. Training that happens only after an incident or inconsistently rarely delivers lasting results.

Resolution for 2026: Establish a standing safety training schedule.
Whether it’s a 15-minute safety talk each week or a longer monthly session, consistency matters more than duration. Put training dates on the calendar in advance and treat them as non-negotiable business activities.

Short, focused sessions can be more effective than long, infrequent meetings. Topics can rotate throughout the year, allowing key risks to be reinforced regularly without overwhelming your team with death by PowerPoint.

2. Focus on the Risks Technicians Face Every Day

Generic safety training often misses the mark. Pest control professionals face very specific risks that deserve regular attention.

Resolution for 2026: Prioritize training around real-world exposures, including:

• Slips, trips, and falls on uneven surfaces or wet conditions
• Safe driving practices, distracted driving, and winter road hazards
• Ladder safety and working at heights
• Chemical handling, labeling, and PPE compliance
• Heat stress, cold stress, and fatigue

The end of the year is one of the most valuable times to step back and evaluate the strength of your safety training and compliance programs. A structured, honest safety training audit helps you identify gaps, reinforce what’s working, and set clear expectations for the year ahead.

Whether you’re a pest control business owner, branch manager, or training supervisor, a year-end review of your safety program ensures your company will enter 2026 prepared, compliant, and aligned with PestSure’s commitment to risk management, loss prevention and continuous improvement through training and education.

Below are practical steps to help you evaluate your current safety programs, refresh your training calendar, and reinvigorate (or create) your safety committee using proven best practices.

Start With a Comprehensive Program Review

An effective year-end audit begins with a full evaluation of your safety activities over the past 12 months. Consider these core areas:

1. Training Completion and Documentation

• Were all required regulatory trainings completed?  
• Do you have complete, accurate attendance records?
• Were tailgate meetings held consistently?
• Did new hires receive all required training? Did they receive sufficient on-the-job training in the field?

Compare your records to your annual plan and regulatory requirements. Gaps in documentation are as serious as gaps in training.

2. Incident, Injury and Near-Miss Analysis

Examine trends in:

• Auto incidents
• Slips, trips and falls
• Dog bites
• Customer property damages

Identify the behaviors, conditions, or processes that need new or reinforced training.

3. Policy and SOP Review

Get out your training manuals and slide decks and ask:

• Are your written safety procedures current?
• Did you introduce new equipment, chemicals, or service offerings this year that require updated documentation?
• Did you cover new regulatory requirements?
• Do employees understand and follow your policies?

If policies are outdated, unclear, or inconsistently enforced, update them before rebuilding your

It only takes a moment of distraction for something to go wrong and in this case, that moment could have caused a serious accident.

A pest management technician shared a story that’s worth every technician and safety manager’s attention. After completing work under the eaves of a customer’s home, he carried his ladder back to his truck and placed it on the rails to secure it for the drive. Before he could finish tying it down, the customer called him over to discuss another pest issue behind the house.

After inspecting the shed and completing an additional service, the technician packed up, thanked the customer, and drove away. About six blocks later, as he accelerated onto the freeway ramp, he heard a sharp scraping noise. His ladder had slid off the truck. Fortunately, no vehicles were behind him, and the ladder tumbled harmlessly to the shoulder. The technician immediately pulled over and retrieved it.

No one was hurt. The only damage was a dented ladder, but the technician knew how differently this story could have ended.

If a motorcyclist had been behind him, or if he had been driving at full freeway speed, the result could have been catastrophic. The technician’s candor in sharing his experience is a reminder that small lapses can lead to major risks and that safety requires attention, even in familiar situations.

Breaking Down What Went Wrong

The problem wasn’t carelessness, it was distraction. The technician had every intention of securing his equipment but was interrupted mid-task. When the conversation with the homeowner extended, that small but critical step was forgotten.

This kind of “near miss” is common in the field. Technicians juggle multiple responsibilities - solving pest issues, engaging with customers, documenting services, and managing tools and materials. With so many competing priorities, it’s easy

When Rottler Pest Solutions set out to strengthen driver safety across its 300-plus vehicle fleet, leadership knew it would take more than reminders and policies; it required a complete cultural shift. With growing awareness of the risks tied to mobile device use, the company took a hard look at how to better protect employees, customers, and its brand.

Using telematics data, internal safety reviews, and lessons learned from past incidents, Rottler developed a comprehensive no cell phone policy focused on prevention, accountability, and support. The initiative combined clear expectations with real-time monitoring and consistent coaching, ensuring every employee understood the “why” behind the rule and how it benefited everyone on the road.

A Costly Reminder That Sparked Change

In June 2024, just months before the rollout of Rottler’s no cell phone policy, a distracted driving incident underscored the urgency of this effort. One of Rottler’s technicians was positioned in one of two left-turn lanes and began his turn after noticing the cars beside him move.

What he didn’t realize was that while the adjacent through lanes had turned green, his lane still showed red. Moments earlier, he had been looking at his phone and, although he set it down before accelerating, the distraction lingered leading him to proceed through the intersection and collide with another vehicle.

Thankfully, no one was injured, but the at-fault accident caused nearly $12,000 in damages. The event reinforced what Rottler’s leadership team was thinking as they considered how to strengthen driver safety and reduce risk exposure across their fleet.

“The incident did reinforce the need for a no cell phone policy,” said Steven Bopp, A.C.E, Rottler’s safety and fleet manager. “It is an incident that we based some of our decisions off of and we still refer back to today.”

Rolling Out the Policy

In

Even industries that seem “offline” or hands-on - like pest control - are not immune to cyber risk. As digital tools, cloud systems, and remote access become more integrated into operations, pest control companies face growing threats to their data, finances, and reputation.

Over the course of Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, PestSure wants to call attention to the top threats pest control firms should watch in 2025 and how to defend against them.

1. Phishing and Social Engineering Evolved

Phishing remains a leading entry point but in 2025, it’s smarter, more targeted, and increasingly powered by AI. Attackers may impersonate your scheduling software vendor, supplier, or even a client, using deepfake audio or personalized email content. These campaigns are harder to spot because they adapt to your organization’s language and behavior.

2. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) and Double Extortion

Ransomware continues to dominate the threat landscape, but now many attacks come via RaaS platforms meaning less technically skilled actors can launch sophisticated attacks using rented toolkits. Attackers increasingly combine data encryption with data theft, threatening to publish sensitive information if demands aren’t met. How serious is the ransomware threat? According to research from Identity Week, in the first half of 2025 alone, disclosed ransomware incidents rose nearly 49 percent compared to last year.

3. Business Email Compromise and AI-enhanced Scams

Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes are growing more sophisticated, even integrating AI-generated voices or video snippets to convince victims of authenticity. Because pest control companies often handle contracts, vendor payments, and client billing, BEC scams pose a serious risk.

4. Unpatched Systems

In 2025, more devices (thermostats, sensors, vehicle telematics, smart traps, etc.) are connected via edge and 5G networks. These often lack strong security measures, becoming weak links in your network defense. Many software and firmware updates for tools

Conference Delivers Industry-Specific Insights to Help Pest Control Companies Build Safer, Stronger Workplaces

Designing and implementing an effective safety program requires all the right pieces working together. That was the focus of the 2025 PestSure Safety and Loss Prevention Conference, held September 9-10 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The annual event brought together representatives from more than 60 insured companies across the country for two days of interactive sessions, peer-to-peer networking, and practical takeaways tailored specifically to pest management companies. With 15 breakout sessions and multiple keynote addresses, attendees left with proven strategies to strengthen their safety programs and reduce risk.

“The Safety and Loss Prevention Conference is part of PestSure’s unique value proposition to our insureds,” said Todd Burke, COO of PestSure. “There is no other event in the industry like it. The program is packed with timely, relevant education that directly addresses the challenges our insureds face every day in the field. Our insureds receive tremendous value by attending.”

Linda Midyett, vice president and loss control director for PestSure, updated attendees on the captive’s cell-free initiative introduced in spring 2024. One year into the program, Midyett reported that PestSure has seen a 14 percent decline in auto crashes compared to the previous year, a reduction largely attributed to the early success and strong adoption of the initiative by its insureds.

“Our goal with the cell-free initiative was to change behavior and create safer driving habits across our member companies,” added Midyett. “Seeing a measurable reduction in auto crashes in just one year shows that our insureds are embracing the program and making safety a true priority on the road.”

Key Educational Highlights

• The Science Behind Distracted Driving – Dr. Paul Achley - Returning speaker Dr. Paul Achley reinforced the dangers of distracted driving, reminding attendees that “no one is