More than 80 PestSure insureds gathered in Chicago to explore how moving beyond compliance can make safety part of a company’s culture

More than 80 PestSure insureds from across the country gathered in Chicago for the annual PestSure Safety & Loss Prevention Conference, focused on sharing ideas, learning from experts and identifying practical strategies to strengthen workplace safety.

This year’s theme, Safety Saturation, challenged attendees to move beyond rules and procedures and make safety part of their company’s identity, influencing everyday decisions and behaviors.

“Bringing our insureds together to share ideas, learn from experts and learn from one another is one of the most important things PestSure does,” said Todd Burke, COO of PestSure. “The collaboration and culture within the captive are what make PestSure unique and valuable. When the insureds come together with a shared commitment to safety and take those ideas back to their companies, the impact extends well beyond the conference. It benefits their employees, their families, their businesses and the captive as a whole.”

Making Safety Part of Your Company’s Identity

Keynote speaker Lori Guasta, a partner with Environmental Resources Management, encouraged attendees to view safety as an organizational value rather than simply a compliance requirement.

Investing in safety, she emphasized, delivers benefits throughout a business.

Safety saturation means employees consistently recognize risks and make safe decisions, even when no one is watching. For pest management professionals, that includes driving between service stops, navigating slippery surfaces, climbing ladders and entering crawlspaces.

Familiarity can create complacency. Tasks performed daily may seem routine, making associated hazards easier to overlook.

Guasta emphasized that leadership, relationships and trust are essential to building a lasting safety culture.

Everyone is a leader because leadership is influence.

Owners establish priorities, managers reinforce expectations and technicians influence coworkers through their actions. Even scheduling

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it an ideal time for pest control companies to take a closer look at a business risk that continues to grow - cybercrime.

Pest control companies rely on technology for nearly every aspect of their operations. Customer records, payment information, routing and scheduling systems, email, payroll, mobile devices, banking and cloud-based applications all help companies operate more efficiently.

That connectivity also creates risk.

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for opportunities to gain access to company systems, steal sensitive information or manipulate employees into sending money or providing login credentials.

That is why cyber insurance has become an important coverage for pest control companies to consider.

What Can Cyber Insurance Cover?

Traditional business insurance policies may not be designed to respond to many losses associated with a cyber event. A properly structured cyber insurance policy can help address exposures including:

• Data breaches and the costs associated with notifying affected customers
• Cyber extortion and ransomware incidents
• Business interruption resulting from a cyberattack
• Data restoration and system recovery
• Forensic investigation and incident response
• Legal and regulatory expenses
• Liability resulting from compromised customer or employee information
• Certain social engineering and fraudulent funds transfer losses, depending on the policy and coverage purchased

Coverage can vary significantly among insurers and policies. Understanding exclusions, limits, deductibles and sublimits - particularly those involving social engineering and funds transfer fraud - should be part of the cyber insurance review process.

Insurance Is Only Part of the Solution

Cyber insurance can provide an important financial safety net, but insurance alone cannot prevent an attack.

Cybersecurity requires a risk management approach that combines technology, employee education and strong internal controls.

Companies should also review who has authority to transfer funds, access sensitive information or make changes to payment instructions. Requiring additional verification for significant financial transactions

Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part PestSure series for Fall Prevention Month examining how pest management companies can reduce slips, trips and falls during service. Part One addressed arrival checks, safe travel paths, transition points, footwear and changing weather conditions. Part Two focuses on controlling hazards once service is underway.

A safe arrival and worksite assessment are important but fall prevention cannot stop there.

The equipment technicians carry, the ladders they use and the way they manage the service area can either reduce risk or introduce new hazards.

As Fall Prevention Month ends, pest management companies should remind technicians that the safety plan continues throughout the entire service call - from unloading equipment to completing the final walk-through and returning to the vehicle.

Carry Equipment Without Blocking Your View

Trying to carry too much at once can prevent a technician from seeing curbs, steps, holes, hoses and other hazards. It can also affect balance and leave no free hand for a railing. Make a second trip or use an appropriate cart when the load blocks the walking surface or cannot be carried comfortably.

Before moving equipment, plan the route and make sure doors, gates and stairs can be navigated safely. Avoid walking backward while pulling equipment whenever possible. If a large or awkward item requires two people, wait for assistance rather than improvising.

Use Ladders as Tools - Not Shortcuts

A ladder should be selected for the task, inspected before use and placed on a firm, level surface. Check the feet, rungs, rails, locks and labels, and remove the damaged ladder from service. Face the ladder while climbing, maintain three points of contact and avoid leaning beyond the side rails. Repositioning the ladder takes less time than recovering from a fall.

OSHA requires fall protection at different

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part PestSure series for Fall Prevention Month examining how pest management companies can reduce slips, trips and falls during service. Part One focuses on the risks technicians encounter as they arrive at and move through a worksite. Part Two, publishing later this month, will address equipment, ladders, housekeeping and near-miss reporting.

Pest control technicians do not work in a controlled environment.

Every service stop brings a new walking surface, access point and set of conditions. A wet loading dock, loose gravel, an uneven curb, a cluttered storage room or poor lighting can turn an ordinary service call into a serious injury.

As September begins and the industry recognizes Fall Prevention Month, pest management companies have an opportunity to reinforce a simple message: preventing slips, trips and falls starts before the work begins. Technicians need a consistent process for assessing each location rather than relying on familiarity or reacting after a hazard appears.

A Major Workplace Risk

The national numbers show how widespread the exposure is. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 479,480 private-industry cases involving days away from work due to falls, slips and trips in 2024. Across all sectors, these events also caused 844 fatal work injuries. A momentary loss of footing can have consequences far beyond a bruise or a sore ankle.

For pest management companies, an incident can mean medical costs, lost work time, schedule disruptions, overtime, a workers' compensation claim and an experienced employee temporarily removed from the field. Prevention protects the technician while helping the company maintain reliable service for customers.

Start the Safety Check Before Leaving the Vehicle

Arrival is the technician's first opportunity to slow down and assess the site. Before opening the door, look for moving traffic, curbs, potholes, slopes, ice, standing water,

Pest management companies face risks that are very different from those of most businesses. Technicians spend their days on the road and work at customer properties. Employees handle specialized products and equipment. Companies must manage vehicle fleets, hiring and training, regulatory requirements and customer expectations while protecting their employees and businesses from costly claims.

Those realities make insurance more than a line item on the budget. The right insurance program should be built around an understanding of how a pest management company actually operates.

For more than four decades, PestSure has provided that understanding as the only insurance program completely owned and operated by pest control operators.

An Insurance Program Built by the Industry

There is a significant difference between an insurance company that writes policies for pest management companies and an insurance program created specifically for the industry.

PestSure's owners and members understand the challenges pest control operators face because they experience those same challenges in their own businesses. From vehicle accidents and workers' compensation claims to employee hiring practices, technician safety and liability exposures, PestSure understands how risk connects to day-to-day pest management operations.

That industry knowledge allows PestSure to serve as a trusted risk advisor, claims advocate and loss-prevention specialist for its members.

Preventing Claims Before They Happen

Insurance is there when something goes wrong, but preventing a loss in the first place is better for everyone.

PestSure's full-time loss-prevention team works directly with pest control operators to identify risks and recommend practical ways to reduce them. That includes guidance on work procedures, driving practices and hiring systems designed to help prevent claims.

Because these recommendations are based on decades of experience within the pest control industry, they aren't generic safety suggestions. They address the real-world exposures PestSure members encounter every day.

The goal is straightforward: protecting

In the pest management industry, safety incidents don't always end with an injury, damaged vehicle, or workers' compensation claim. Sometimes a technician slips or trips on a chord but regains their footing. A ladder shifts but doesn't fall. A distracted driver catches themselves before a collision. These are often dismissed as "close calls."

They shouldn't be.

Near misses are among the most valuable safety tools available to pest management companies because they reveal weaknesses before someone gets hurt. Organizations that encourage employees to report and discuss these incidents can identify trends, strengthen procedures, and build a stronger safety culture without paying the high cost of a preventable accident.

What Is a Near Miss?

A near miss is an unplanned event that had the potential to cause injury, property damage, or equipment loss but didn't, often because of quick action or simple luck.

Examples in pest management include:

• A technician nearly falls while stepping off a ladder.
• A company vehicle narrowly avoids a rear-end collision after a moment of distraction.
• A pesticide container tips over but doesn't spill.
• A technician almost experiences a dog bite during a residential service call.
• A trip hazard is discovered before someone is injured.

While the outcome may have been harmless, the underlying hazard still exists. Treating these events as learning opportunities helps prevent the next incident from having a different ending.

Why Near Miss Reporting Matters

Many employees hesitate to report near misses because they don't think the incident was serious enough or they're concerned they'll be blamed.

That's why leadership plays such an important role.

When managers respond with curiosity instead of criticism, employees become more willing to share what happened. The goal isn't to assign fault. It's to understand what contributed to the event and identify practical ways to reduce future risk.

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PestSure, the leading member-owned insurance and risk management program serving the pest management industry, today announced the appointment of Justin McCauley of McCauley Services and Bob Dold, Jr of Rose Pest Solutions, to its Board of Directors, while recognizing the retirement of longtime board member Russ Ives after 23 years of service.

McCauley and Dold bring decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing the pest management industry. As board members, they will help guide PestSure's strategic direction while supporting its mission of delivering industry-focused insurance solutions, proactive risk management resources, and long-term value to its member companies.

At the same time, PestSure recognizes the retirement of Russ Ives of Rose Pest Solutions of Troy, Michigan, from the Board of Directors after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Ives served on the PestSure Board from 2003 through 2026, helping shape the organization's growth and strengthening its position as a trusted partner for pest management professionals across the country.

"Justin and Bob are highly respected leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing today's pest management companies," said Mike Rottler of Rottler Pest Solutions and Chairman of the PestSure Board of Directors. "Their operational expertise, strategic perspective, and commitment to our industry will be tremendous assets as PestSure continues to evolve and deliver innovative solutions that help our members protect their businesses and their employees."

Rottler also expressed appreciation for Ives' longstanding contributions to the organization.

"Russ has played an instrumental role in PestSure's success over the past 23 years," said Rottler. "His thoughtful leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment to serving our members have helped shape the organization we are today. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank Russ for his extraordinary service and the lasting impact he has made on PestSure and the pest

For many pest management professionals, summer is the busiest time of the year. This year, however, the season has started with an added challenge. An intense heat dome blanketed much of the United States as July began, pushing temperatures well into the 90s and even triple digits across large portions of the country.

For technicians working long days outdoors, in crawlspaces, attics, and other confined areas, extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable, it can quickly become a serious safety hazard.

While pest pressure may increase during the summer months, so does the importance of protecting employees from heat-related illnesses. Proper planning, training, and awareness can help reduce risk and keep technicians safe throughout the season.

Recognize the Warning Signs

The body's natural cooling system works hard during periods of extreme heat. High temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight, protective clothing, and physically demanding tasks all increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Every technician should recognize the warning signs before they become emergencies. Heat exhaustion often develops first and may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness or fatigue
• Cool, clammy skin

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. Warning signs include hot, dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness, or altered mental status. Immediate medical attention is critical.

Don't Ignore Overexertion

Heat places additional stress on the body, especially during physically demanding work such as lifting equipment, climbing ladders, treating attics, or working in crawlspaces.

Encourage technicians to listen to their bodies. If they begin experiencing dizziness, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, nausea, or unusual fatigue, they should stop working, move to a cooler location, hydrate, and notify a supervisor if symptoms persist.

Pushing through the discomfort can quickly turn a manageable situation into a medical emergency.

Practical Ways to Beat the Heat

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Safety in the pest management industry has always been about protecting people. From safe pesticide handling and ladder usage to vehicle operation and personal protective equipment, companies invest significant time and resources into reducing risk.

But in 2026, the strongest safety programs aren't built solely on policies, training manuals, or technology. They're built on communication.

As pest management companies navigate distracted driving risks, technician retention challenges, rising insurance costs, extreme weather conditions, and increasingly complex operations, one thing has become clear: your employees are often your best source of safety intelligence.

The technicians driving service routes, entering crawl spaces, climbing ladders, and interacting with customers every day see risks long before they appear on an incident report.

The question is: Are you listening?

Why Employee Feedback Matters More Than Ever

Today's pest control companies have access to more safety data than ever before. Vehicle telematics, AI-powered cameras, mobile safety apps, and training platforms provide valuable insight into employee behavior and operational risk.

Technology is an important part of any modern safety program, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Your employees often recognize emerging hazards, process breakdowns, and operational challenges before management does. They may identify recurring customer property risks, equipment issues, route pressures, near misses, or safety concerns that don't show up in reports.

When employees feel comfortable sharing those concerns, companies gain valuable information that can prevent accidents before they occur.

Unfortunately, many organizations unintentionally create barriers to communication. Employees may worry that reporting concerns will be viewed negatively or assume nothing will happen if they speak up.

That's where leadership makes the difference.

Creating a Culture Where People Speak Up

Building a strong safety culture starts with creating an environment where employees know their voices matter.

That means making it easy to report concerns and even easier

Each year, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is referred to as the "100 Deadliest Days of Driving."

Increased traffic volume, summer travel, road construction, vacations, and more drivers on the road create conditions that contribute to a rise in crashes across the country.

While much of the attention surrounding the 100 Deadliest Days focuses on teenage drivers, the reality is that every driver faces increased risk during the summer months. For pest management companies, where technicians spend much of their workday behind the wheel, this seasonal increase in roadway hazards presents an important opportunity to reinforce safe driving behaviors.

Driving is often the most dangerous task a pest control professional performs each day. The good news is that many of the factors contributing to summer crashes can be addressed through awareness, preparation, and consistent coaching.

Why Summer Driving Requires Extra Attention

Summer creates unique challenges for service professionals. Roads are busier with vacation travelers, families heading to recreational activities, and drivers who may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Road construction projects often peak during warmer months, leading to lane shifts, detours, and unexpected traffic congestion.

For pest management technicians, these conditions can increase pressure to stay on schedule while navigating unfamiliar routes, responding to customer requests, and managing a full day of appointments.

That combination of distractions, time pressure, and heavier traffic creates risk.

Focus on What You Can Control

While technicians cannot control traffic conditions, they can control their driving behaviors.

One of the most effective ways to reduce crash risk is to create more space between your vehicle and others on the road. Encourage technicians to maintain a safe following distance and increase that distance during heavy traffic, poor weather, or construction zones.

Speed management is equally important. Even small increases in speed reduce