Tuesday, October 6  ~  1 - 5pm Central

Bessemer Civic Center; 2nd Floor Meeting Room
1130 9th Ave SW, Bessemer, AL 35022

Event Sponsor

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

The Other Wood Destroyers - Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Wood Destroying Beetles

• Eric Ham

This presentation delivers a comprehensive guide to identifying and managing destructive structural pests beyond termites, focusing on carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles. Attendees will explore the unique biology, reproductive cycles, and behavioral habits of each species to pinpoint nesting sites and assess structural risk accurately. The session details core integrated pest management (IPM) protocols, from thorough inspections to targeted chemical treatments complying with FIFRA standards and endangered species guidelines. Participants will master safe handling, precise application techniques for indoor and outdoor environments, effective customer communication strategies, and systematic follow-up procedures to ensure long-term structural protection.

Outline

1. Identification, biology, and reproductive cycles of non-termite wood-destroying pests, including carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles.
2. Structural risk assessment techniques to locate nesting sites and evaluate damage severity.
3. Integrated pest management (IPM) inspection protocols and tailored management strategies.
4. Targeted indoor and outdoor chemical applications compliant with FIFRA regulations and endangered species guidelines.
5. Best practices for safe product handling and precise application execution.
6. Customer communication strategies, service follow-up procedures, and long-term protection protocols.

Eric Ham is an Entomologist and has been working in the industry for approximately 35 years. He currently is a sales/technical rep for FMC.

Integrated Rodent Management

• Patrick Callahan

Outline

1. Application of rodent biology and behavioral ecology to inspection, monitoring, and control decisions.
2. Systematic inspection procedures for detecting rodent evidence, harborages, runways, food and water sources, and entry points.
3. Environmental modification, sanitation, and structural exclusion methods that reduce conducive conditions and prevent access.
4. Selection and placement of monitoring devices, traps, bait stations, and other control tools based on species behavior and site conditions.
5. Targeted rodenticide application considerations, including product selection, label compliance, bait aversion, neophobia, and non-target risk reduction.
6. Development of sustainable, documented rodent IPM programs for difficult residential and commercial accounts, including corrective actions and follow-up evaluation.

Patrick Callahan has over 40 years of experience in the US Agrochemical Industry. He has worked for several manufacturers including, Roussel (Which has become Envu), Cheminova (now part of FMC), LG Chemical and Pelsis. Patrick was President of Speckoz, the most successful Distribution Cooperative in the United States Professional markets. He has consulted with many more manufacturers, distributors and PMPs while running his own businesses both C3 Group and most recently, Hugh Kendoit Emporium, LLC. With his current role as Chief Success Planner for Hugh Kendoit Emporium, Patrick is collaborating with Patrick Ryan at PDM and helping several clients, including Thermacell Pro, Birchmeier, Pro-Pell, Flock Free, Pelgar, Petslandia gain market acceptance. Insects Limited is one of the most recent among the manufacturers who seek Mr. Callahan’s expertise. Mr. Callahan earned his dual major degree—B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education from St. Peter’s University, Jersey City, NJ and his M.S. in Zoology from Rutgers University. He has taught at the Secondary School level and the University level and has provided hundreds of CEU classes across the country.

Integrated Mosquito Control

• Patrick Callahan

This session presents a field-ready blueprint for comprehensive mosquito management. Drawing on over 40 years of industry experience and advanced training in zoology and biology, Callahan connects pest behavior directly to practical treatment solutions. The presentation covers essential integrated pest management (IPM) protocols, focusing on breeding site identification, larval surveillance, targeted adulticiding, and environmental source reduction. Participants will gain valuable insights into product selection, modern application equipment, and proven resistance-management practices. This session provides pest professionals with actionable strategies to design sustainable, highly effective mosquito control programs for residential and commercial clients.

Outline

1. Application of zoological and biological principles to connect mosquito behavior directly to treatment solutions.
2. Identification of breeding sites, larval surveillance protocols, and environmental source reduction strategies.
3. Practical execution of targeted adulticiding programs for residential and commercial properties.
4. Criteria for product selection and deployment of modern application equipment.
5. Strategies for chemical rotation and proven resistance-management practices.

Roach & Fly Control

• Mike Purcell

This presentation delivers a practical, integrated approach to managing challenging indoor pest populations. Attendees will first explore the biology, life cycles, and behavior of German cockroaches and common fly species, including drain, fruit, phorid, house, and fungus gnat varieties. The course highlights thorough inspection strategies to pinpoint breeding sites, sanitation failures, and entry points. Participants will evaluate proven integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, ranging from sanitation and physical exclusion to mechanical tools and EPA-registered chemical treatments. Pest professionals will gain actionable skills to resolve persistent infestations efficiently and deliver reliable, long-term control.

Outline

1. Biological characteristics, life cycles, and behavioral habits of German cockroaches and prevalent fly species.
2. Inspection protocols to locate breeding sites, structural entryways, and sanitation vulnerabilities.
3. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies incorporating sanitation standards and physical exclusion methods.
4. Application of mechanical tools and EPA-registered chemical treatments for targeted control.
5. Actionable troubleshooting techniques to resolve persistent indoor infestations and achieve long-term suppression.

Mike Purcell is the Eastern National Sales Manager for Nisus Corporation, where he leads eastern sales initiatives and supports pest management professionals. Mike joined Nisus in 2019 as Southeast Territory Manager, successfully overseeing growth and customer support throughout Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas before advancing to his national leadership role. Mike brings deep practical knowledge of integrated pest management. He specializes in field application techniques, regulatory compliance, and sustainable chemical solutions for complex residential and commercial pest challenges.

Wednesday, October 7  ~  1 - 5pm Central

Bass Pro Shops 
2553 Rocky Mt Rd, Prattville, AL 36066

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

Wood Boring Beetle/Wood Decay Fungus - Environmental Factors

• Jack Brewer, BCE, Cook’s Pest Control

This presentation provides an essential guide to managing wood-boring beetles and wood decay fungi. Drawing on 34 years of industry experience at Cook’s Pest Control, Brewer examines how critical environmental drivers—including ambient temperature, moisture levels, and the nutritional quality of structural timber—directly fuel organism activity. Attendees will review species identification, preferred habitats, and targeted treatment strategies while learning how to diagnose common causes of treatment failure. Pest professionals will leave with practical, science-based insights to evaluate structural conditions accurately, optimize application protocols, and prevent costly, long-term wood damage.

Outline

1. Overview of wood-boring beetles and wood decay fungi biology, species identification, and preferred habitats.
2. Examination of environmental drivers fueling organism activity, including ambient temperature, moisture levels, and timber nutritional quality.
3. Protocols for assessing structural conditions and accurately diagnosing the severity of wood decay.
4. Targeted treatment strategies and chemical application protocols for long-term wood protection.
5. Root-cause analysis of common treatment failures and troubleshooting methods to ensure reliable control.

Jack Brewer serves as a Technical Manager with Cook’s Pest Control and is a Board-Certified Entomologist with certifications in Urban/Industrial and Medical/Veterinary. He is a graduate of Auburn University with 34 years of experience in pest, termite, ornamental and mosquito control. He is often involved in quality assurance inspections of commercial operations. Brewer enjoys assisting technicians addressing pest management concerns.

Flying Insect Technical Training

• Patrick Callahan

This presentation provides pest management professionals with a practical, science-based framework for managing complex flying insect infestations in commercial, residential, and food-handling environments; and connects insect physiology and sensory biology directly to successful field remediation. Attendees will examine the distinct life cycles, reproductive drivers, and flight behaviors of key structural and filth-breeding fly species, including house flies, drain flies, phorid flies, and fruit flies. The session outlines comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) protocols, focusing on breeding site detection, facility sanitation, exclusion barriers, and the strategic deployment of modern insect light traps (ILTs) and targeted chemical applications. Participants will leave equipped with actionable diagnostic strategies to troubleshoot recurring fly problems, satisfy rigorous audit standards, and achieve dependable, long-term control.

Outline

1. Overview of flying insect physiology, sensory biology, and behavioral attraction dynamics in sensitive environments.
2. Species-specific identification and reproductive drivers of key filth flies, including house, drain, fruit, and phorid varieties.
3. Advanced inspection workflows to locate hidden moisture sources, organic buildup, and structural entry points.
4. Integration of environmental modification, structural exclusion, and facility sanitation standards into IPM programs.
5. Criteria for strategic equipment deployment, focusing on insect light trap (ILT) placement, line-of-sight analysis, and chemical application protocols.

Patrick Callahan

IMM 101: Biology and Introduction to Integrated Mosquito Management

• Mike Purcell

This presentation delivers a comprehensive foundation for developing effective mosquito control services. Attendees will begin by exploring fundamental mosquito biology, reproductive cycles, and the distinct habits of key target species, including specific larval habitats and preferred adult resting zones. The course outlines core Integrated Mosquito Management principles, focusing on environmental source reduction alongside a practical comparison of synthetic and botanical treatment options. Emphasizing safety throughout, the session details proper product handling, application protocols, and risk reduction. Participants will leave equipped with actionable field strategies to implement responsible, highly effective mosquito management programs.

Outline

1. Exploration of core mosquito biology, reproductive cycles, and species-specific behavioral patterns.
2. Identification of high-risk larval habitats and preferred adult resting zones across target environments.
3. Practical application of Integrated Mosquito Management principles, emphasizing environmental source reduction.
4. Comparative evaluation of synthetic and botanical treatment chemistries for mosquito suppression.
5. Safety protocols, proper product handling guidelines, and environmental risk-reduction practices.
6. Actionable field strategies to build compliant, sustainable, and effective mosquito control programs.

Mike Purcell is the Eastern National Sales Manager for Nisus Corporation, where he leads eastern sales initiatives and supports pest management professionals. Mike joined Nisus in 2019 as Southeast Territory Manager, successfully overseeing growth and customer support throughout Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas before advancing to his national leadership role. Mike brings deep practical knowledge of integrated pest management. He specializes in field application techniques, regulatory compliance, and sustainable chemical solutions for complex residential and commercial pest challenges.

Integrated Rodent Management

• Patrick Callahan

This presentation offers a science-driven, practical framework for resolving complex rodent pressures. Leveraging over 40 years of agrochemical and pest management experience alongside his background in zoology, Callahan connects rodent biology and behavioral ecology directly to successful field remediation. Attendees will examine modern integrated pest management strategies, focusing on meticulous inspection protocols, environmental modification, structural exclusion, and targeted control applications. The presentation highlights advanced product selection, baiting techniques, and trap placement to overcome bait aversion and neophobia. Participants will gain actionable strategies to design sustainable, highly effective rodent programs for challenging residential and commercial accounts.

Outline

1. Application of zoology and behavioral ecology principles to understand and resolve complex rodent pressures.
2. Comprehensive inspection protocols to detect early infestation markers, runways, and entry points.
3. Environmental modification and structural exclusion methods to eliminate harborages and prevent access.
4. Advanced baiting strategies and trap placement tactics designed to overcome neophobia and bait aversion.
5. Criteria for strategic product selection and targeted control applications across diverse settings.
6. Actionable blueprints for building sustainable, long-term rodent management programs.

Thursday, October 8  ~  1 - 5pm Central

Farmers Market
525 N Main St, Enterprise, Alabama 36330

Event Sponsor

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

Moisture Control, Part 1: Understanding Moisture and Diagnosing Conducive Conditions

• Dennis Perry

This session introduces the building-science fundamentals behind moisture conditions that contribute to wood-destroying organism activity in residential and commercial structures. Attendees will examine how relative humidity, temperature, dew point, condensation, and wood-moisture content interact in crawl spaces, basements, attics, and other structural areas. The presentation explores how persistent dampness contributes to termite activity, wood-boring beetles, and wood-decaying fungi, as well as structural wood deterioration. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of excess moisture, identify conducive conditions during inspections, and recommend practical corrective measures that support long-term WDO prevention.

Outline

1. Explain the fundamentals of relative humidity, temperature, dew point, condensation, and wood-moisture content as they relate to structural pest conditions.
2. Examine how moisture behaves in crawl spaces, basements, attics, wall voids, and other structural environments, including the effect of regional and property-specific conditions.
3. Identify common moisture sources, including ground moisture, inadequate drainage, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, HVAC condensate, irrigation overspray, and inadequate ventilation.
4. Evaluate how persistent moisture contributes to termite activity, wood-boring beetle infestations, wood-decaying fungi, and deterioration of structural wood.
5. Recognize inspection indicators of moisture-related conducive conditions, including damp or decayed wood, water staining, visible fungal growth on wood, wet insulation, damaged vapor barriers, condensation, and soil-to-wood contact.
6. Apply moisture-related inspection findings to document conducive conditions and recommend appropriate corrective measures, including drainage improvements, moisture barriers, ventilation, dehumidification, HVAC adjustments, or crawl-space sealing and encapsulation.

Dennis Perry is an Operations Manager with WP Supply, specializing in crawl space and basement moisture control. Throughout his 20-year career in the pest and moisture control industries, Dennis has followed evolving advancements in moisture control and witnessed its growing role as a vital component of IPM and GREEN Pest Control programs. Dennis offers practical insights that help companies protect their customer base, safeguard structural integrity, and improve indoor air quality for homeowners. When he isn't helping audiences solve moisture challenges, Dennis enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending quality time with his family.

Moisture Control, Part 2: Inspection, Remediation, and Client Recommendations

• Justin Williams

This advanced field-application session helps pest management professionals convert moisture-related observations into effective wood-destroying organism management decisions. Building on an understanding of moisture as a conducive condition, attendees will use structured field-assessment methods to evaluate structural wood, determine the scope of WDO risk, and prioritize corrective actions. The session focuses on connecting inspection findings to pesticide-treatment decisions, moisture-control recommendations, documentation, client communication, and follow-up. Participants will learn how to develop practical, site-specific action plans that address current WDO concerns and reduce the likelihood of recurring termite, wood-boring beetle, and wood-decaying fungus problems.

Outline

1. Use a structured field-assessment sequence to evaluate accessible structural areas after moisture concerns or WDO-conducive conditions have been identified.
2. Distinguish among active WDO evidence, previous damage, moisture-related deterioration, and conducive conditions when assessing structural wood and preparing service recommendations.
3. Prioritize corrective actions according to severity, accessibility, source control, likelihood of continued moisture exposure, and potential for termite, wood-boring beetle, or wood-decaying fungus activity.
4. Connect moisture and WDO inspection findings to pesticide-treatment decisions, including when treatment, monitoring, corrective action, or further evaluation is appropriate.
5. Prepare practical, site-specific client recommendations that explain corrective priorities without diagnosing indoor-air-quality, mold-health, building-code, plumbing, or engineering issues.
6. Document inspection observations, recommendations, treatments, and follow-up plans to support WDO service quality, customer understanding, and long-term structural protection.

Think Local: Mosquitoes Are Close

• Jack Brewer

This presentation provides pest management professionals with a practical foundation for effective residential mosquito control. Attendees will explore common mosquito species, life cycles, flight range, larval breeding sites, and adult resting habitats. The session examines how weather, moisture, vegetation, and other environmental conditions influence mosquito populations and treatment outcomes. Through a hands-on treatment-area exercise, participants will learn to identify high-priority service locations, recognize conducive conditions, and diagnose common causes of treatment failure. Participants will leave with field-ready strategies to improve mosquito inspections, target applications, and deliver more dependable control.

Outline

1. Identification of common mosquito species affecting residential properties, including life-cycle characteristics and typical flight ranges from breeding sites.
2. Recognition of key larval development sites and adult resting habitats during property inspections.
3. Evaluation of environmental conditions—including standing water, rainfall, moisture, vegetation, shade, and property conditions—that contribute to mosquito population growth.
4. Practical exercise for identifying treatment areas near mosquito breeding sites and prioritizing service recommendations.
5. Review of common factors that contribute to mosquito treatment failures, including missed breeding sources, inadequate habitat management, and improperly targeted applications.
6. Summary of inspection, source-reduction, and treatment-selection practices that support more reliable residential mosquito management.

Jack Brewer serves as a Technical Manager with Cook’s Pest Control and is a Board-Certified Entomologist with certifications in Urban/Industrial and Medical/Veterinary. He is a graduate of Auburn University with 34 years of experience in pest, termite, ornamental and mosquito control. He is often involved in quality assurance inspections of commercial operations. Brewer enjoys assisting technicians addressing pest management concerns.

Pest Inspections and Control: Identifying Activity and Building Effective Solutions

• Robert Weist

This presentation provides pest management professionals with a practical, field-based approach to inspecting for and managing common structural pests. Through classroom instruction, videos, and field observations, attendees will examine evidence of rodent, mosquito, ant, and cockroach activity in residential and commercial environments. The session focuses on recognizing infestation indicators, identifying conducive conditions and potential entry points, assessing the impact of pest activity, and developing appropriate integrated pest management solutions. Participants will leave with actionable inspection methods, monitoring and control strategies, and practical recommendations for resolving pest concerns and preventing recurring activity.

Outline

1. Apply systematic visual-inspection methods to identify pest activity, conducive conditions, harborage areas, breeding locations, and potential entry points.
2. Recognize common signs of rodent, mosquito, ant, and cockroach infestations, including droppings, rub marks, feeding evidence, nesting materials, moisture issues, and insect activity.
3. Evaluate property conditions that contribute to pest pressure, including food, water, shelter, sanitation deficiencies, clutter, vegetation, standing water, and structural gaps.
4. Use classroom images, videos, and field-based examples to interpret inspection findings and distinguish active infestations from old evidence or potential-risk conditions.
5. Select appropriate integrated pest management responses, including sanitation, exclusion, habitat modification, monitoring devices, trapping, and targeted pesticide applications when warranted.
6. Develop clear service recommendations and follow-up plans that address immediate activity, correct conducive conditions, and support reliable long-term pest control.

Robert Weist is Southeastern Sales Director for Catchmaster Professional Products, serving pest management professionals throughout the Southeast. He has worked as a manufacturers’ representative for more than 20 years, specializing in sales management, marketing, technical support, and professional training. Robert has been active in the pest-control industry and continuing-education instruction since 2010, with a focus on practical inspection, monitoring, and integrated pest management strategies. A Cleveland native and college graduate, he now resides in Tampa, Florida. Catchmaster lists Robert as a regional contact serving Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.