Q&A on ERM with Dr. Bobby Corrigan

Editor’s note: March PCT included “The Evolving World of Electronic Rodent Monitoring, Part 2,” an update on how this technology is reshaping rodent control. In that feature, noted rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan shared his observations about ERM. In the following Q&A Corrigan provides additional thoughts on ERM.

PCT: Why do you think pest control operators (PCOs) have been slow to adopt ERM technology, and what needs to happen to change that?
Bobby Corrigan: IMO, the slow uptake of electronic rodent management technology in pest control is largely due to how disruptive it is to the industry's established practices.

Traditional methods, like placing rodent boxes around building perimeters, have been the norm for a long time. This model, despite being less effective than newer strategies, is familiar and comfortable. There's also a significant competitive pressure in the market, where sales staff might lower prices to the point of compromising quality.

Introducing ERM to customers who aren't familiar with it — or who might be skeptical—can derail a sales bid. In such a competitive market, this often leads to the industry sticking with old methods. Plus, ERM require adjustments to service routines, and if these aren't communicated clearly, it can lead to misunderstandings with clients. For example, after a rodent issue is "resolved," a customer might call again if they find another rodent. In some cases, the professional may be unsure whether it's a new issue or a rodent that was already there but hidden.

However, when used wisely, ERM technology offers major benefits that outweigh these challenges. It provides continuous monitoring, which, compared to traditional methods, gives much more comprehensive coverage. In fact, with human-only service, pest professionals might only be on-site for a small fraction of the time, leaving a lot of opportunity for rodents to be active when no one is around. ERM, on the other hand, work 24/7, providing a more consistent solution.

For clients, whether commercial or residential, who value protection for their health, brand, and peace of mind, ERM technology is an excellent addition. It’s a smart, reliable supplement to human-based services, offering much more comprehensive protection.

PCT: What accounts are best for ERM, residential or commercial?
BC: It depends. ERM can offer significant benefits to both types of accounts, but they tend to be especially advantageous in commercial settings. For businesses that rely heavily on equipment or have a lot of high-traffic areas, ERM help by providing continuous pest monitoring and profiling, which saves time and reduces the physical effort of constant inspections. They can also act as an early warning system, preventing future infestations and costly callbacks that can eat into profits.

For residential accounts, ERM are helpful when dealing with occasional rodent or wildlife visitors, especially in places like attics or crawl spaces. They can also be beneficial if a live animal has been trapped and needs to be dealt with quickly. However, residential clients may not always need the constant, high-level monitoring that ERM provide, unless the pest issue is persistent or particularly challenging.

So, while both residential and commercial accounts can benefit from ERM, they shine brightest in commercial environments where constant monitoring and proactive prevention are crucial.

PCT: What’s your ideal commercial account for using ERM technology?
BC: Large, complex sites with ongoing rodent issues and high traffic or high-risk areas. For example, a large shopping mall with a mix of tenants, including food outlets, movie theaters, and major anchor stores like Macy's or Target, would benefit greatly from ERM. Similarly, a large city office building with hundreds of employees across multiple floors, or a major airport with terminals and exposed airplane gates operating 24/7/365, would also be prime candidates.

In these environments, rodents can be a constant challenge, and ERM technology helps by offering continuous monitoring and proactive management. You definitely don’t want rodents sneaking into tight spaces and chewing on wires at a busy airport or on an airplane!
Other great examples include large tourist attractions like zoological parks or big grocery stores with multiple layers and food service areas. These types of accounts have complex needs and would benefit from ERM's ability to monitor, track, and prevent rodent issues across expansive, high-risk areas.

On the other hand, smaller accounts, like a deli or residential homes that don’t face frequent rodent problems, might not justify the cost and utility of ERM technology. For these smaller spaces, the occasional labor-intensive inspections are often enough to manage the situation.

PCT: Imagine rodent control 10 years from now. What does it look like?
BC: In the next decade, rodent control is going to look incredibly different, with technology driving major advancements. Here's how I see it:
• ERM as standard operating equipment: ERM will become standard equipment for all pest professionals who are committed to providing quality service. It’ll be expected, not just a luxury, to have the latest rodent management technology as part of every pest control toolkit.
• More skilled technicians: Technicians will be better trained and much more integrated into the digital side of pest control. They'll be using ERM technology to its fullest, understanding data dashboards, and making smarter, tech-driven decisions.
• Higher salaries and lower turnover: As a result of these advancements, we should see an increase in technician salaries. With the higher skill requirements, the industry will have fewer turnover issues—if not, the industry is really missing the mark. People will want to stay in this high-tech, rewarding field.
• Data dashboards and analytics: Data dashboards and advanced analytics will be a standard expectation, especially for complex commercial accounts. Pest companies servicing large, intricate spaces will need to be proficient in interpreting data to identify trends and make proactive decisions.
• More sophisticated ERM: ERM systems themselves will become far more sophisticated. Think mini-cams paired with AI that can identify and categorize pests, even differentiating between male and female rodents or determining their age class.
• AI for reporting and assessment: AI will play a massive role in reporting, routing, and assessments, with tools tied to GPS technology. Pest pressure will be tracked on a building-by-building basis, and pest patterns will be linked to building design, city layouts, and even neighborhoods, giving pest professionals a comprehensive view of the bigger picture.
• Drones for mega inspections: Drones will be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas in huge distribution centers. They'll be able to spot rats and mice scurrying on pallets, scanning hard-to-see spaces on roofs and perimeters, and generally making inspections more thorough and efficient.
• Pest-proofing technology: Pest-proofing will get its own technological upgrades. New tools, better know-how, and more efficient techniques will allow pest control professionals to close gaps and seal off entry points like never before.

I think rodent control in 10 years will be tech-heavy, data-driven, and highly efficient, allowing pest professionals to stay ahead of the curve and deliver much more effective, proactive services.