When forecasting ahead, pest control operators take a variety of factors into consideration. What market opportunities might arise? How is the economy performing in the markets I serve? Do I have the right team in place?
In 2025, PCOs have something else to ponder: How might the results of the 2024 Presidential election impact business? The election of Donald Trump as president means that the GOP now controls The White House, the House of Representatives (with a 220 majority) and the U.S. Senate (holding a 53 to 47 edge).
Historically, Republican presidents have emphasized reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, which often translates into fewer restrictions and more flexibility for pest control companies. J.D. Darr, senior director of public policy, National Pest Management Association (NPMA), said a central aim of the Republican agenda is “to reduce unnecessary burdens on the business community,” with a focus on minimizing excessive regulations that could hinder operations.
One misperception about the pest control industry, Darr said, is that the industry opposes regulations. “We actually support a lot of regulations. We just want them to be rooted in sound science and for them to be enforceable,” said Darr, pointing to the pest control industry’s ongoing efforts to get preemption federalized. “A big goal of NPMA the next four years is to ensure that regulation occurs in a sensible way that doesn’t interfere with our members ability to provide quality services to their customers.”
A significant concern for the pest control industry is the ongoing registration review of rodenticides. Darr said members of the pest control industry he’s spoken with are generally relieved that the remainder of the rodenticide registration review will occur under Trump’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While there still is uncertainty about what actions the new EPA will take regarding rodenticides, “we do feel confident knowing that typically in Republican administrations NPMA does have more opportunities to engage, so our hope is that once everything’s settled and President Trump has Lee Zeldin [his nominee to head EPA] confirmed and installed, we'll be positioned to continue our work with the new administration and demonstrate to EPA how rodenticides are used safely and effectively currently,” Darr said.
While EPA often is the focal point for the pest control industry, he highlighted other important government appointments that will shape the industry’s future. A key figure is Brooke Rollins, who has been appointed to head the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This department, particularly its Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP), plays an important role in supporting pest control operations, and Darr believes that Rollins’ appointment is promising for the industry. Also, within USDA-APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) is Wildlife Services, whose programs and research aim to find solutions that protect people, agriculture and wildlife. USDA’s role is important, especially as wildlife services continue to grow in popularity among PCOs.
Darr reminded there is a great need for bipartisan cooperation. Although both the House and Senate are controlled by Republicans, margins are narrow and it’s anticipated that many legislative initiatives and regulatory decisions will require support from both sides of the aisle. The pest control industry, like many others, will need to navigate this dynamic in order to push forward policies that benefit business operations and environmental management.
One of the most important aspects of the political process is engaging with lawmakers. NPMA Legislative Day provides pest management professionals with important opportunities to connect with their elected officials directly. “It’s important for elected officials to hear from people who are on the ground, not just lobbyists,” Darr said. “By engaging with members of Congress, industry leaders can help shape laws and regulations in a way that better reflects the realities of pest control work.”
The author is senior news editor of PCT.
In 2025, PCOs have something else to ponder: How might the results of the 2024 Presidential election impact business? The election of Donald Trump as president means that the GOP now controls The White House, the House of Representatives (with a 220 majority) and the U.S. Senate (holding a 53 to 47 edge).
Historically, Republican presidents have emphasized reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, which often translates into fewer restrictions and more flexibility for pest control companies. J.D. Darr, senior director of public policy, National Pest Management Association (NPMA), said a central aim of the Republican agenda is “to reduce unnecessary burdens on the business community,” with a focus on minimizing excessive regulations that could hinder operations.
One misperception about the pest control industry, Darr said, is that the industry opposes regulations. “We actually support a lot of regulations. We just want them to be rooted in sound science and for them to be enforceable,” said Darr, pointing to the pest control industry’s ongoing efforts to get preemption federalized. “A big goal of NPMA the next four years is to ensure that regulation occurs in a sensible way that doesn’t interfere with our members ability to provide quality services to their customers.”
A significant concern for the pest control industry is the ongoing registration review of rodenticides. Darr said members of the pest control industry he’s spoken with are generally relieved that the remainder of the rodenticide registration review will occur under Trump’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While there still is uncertainty about what actions the new EPA will take regarding rodenticides, “we do feel confident knowing that typically in Republican administrations NPMA does have more opportunities to engage, so our hope is that once everything’s settled and President Trump has Lee Zeldin [his nominee to head EPA] confirmed and installed, we'll be positioned to continue our work with the new administration and demonstrate to EPA how rodenticides are used safely and effectively currently,” Darr said.
While EPA often is the focal point for the pest control industry, he highlighted other important government appointments that will shape the industry’s future. A key figure is Brooke Rollins, who has been appointed to head the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This department, particularly its Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP), plays an important role in supporting pest control operations, and Darr believes that Rollins’ appointment is promising for the industry. Also, within USDA-APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) is Wildlife Services, whose programs and research aim to find solutions that protect people, agriculture and wildlife. USDA’s role is important, especially as wildlife services continue to grow in popularity among PCOs.
Darr reminded there is a great need for bipartisan cooperation. Although both the House and Senate are controlled by Republicans, margins are narrow and it’s anticipated that many legislative initiatives and regulatory decisions will require support from both sides of the aisle. The pest control industry, like many others, will need to navigate this dynamic in order to push forward policies that benefit business operations and environmental management.
One of the most important aspects of the political process is engaging with lawmakers. NPMA Legislative Day provides pest management professionals with important opportunities to connect with their elected officials directly. “It’s important for elected officials to hear from people who are on the ground, not just lobbyists,” Darr said. “By engaging with members of Congress, industry leaders can help shape laws and regulations in a way that better reflects the realities of pest control work.”
The author is senior news editor of PCT.
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