October 2026 Newsletter

October is here, which means the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference is NEXT MONTH!

We're officially in the home stretch, and this month's newsletter is packed with conference reminders, sponsor and vendor recognition, an important IPMA leadership update, Rodent Awareness Month, fall pest reminders, and a little appreciation for everyone who has managed to keep working through what feels like two straight weeks of Iowa rain.

The 2026 IPMA Annual Conference Is NEXT MONTH!

If you haven't registered yet, now is the time!

We've put together two days of education, industry updates, networking, vendor displays, continuing education opportunities, and time to reconnect with pest management professionals from across Iowa.

Thursday, November 12

Thursday's program is geared toward owners, managers, and industry leaders and will feature sessions focused on marketing, artificial intelligence, and the changing business landscape.

After the educational sessions, stick around for vendor displays and join us for the Conference Reception at Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery. It's a great opportunity to relax, network, and spend time with fellow IPMA members and industry partners.

Friday, November 13

Friday brings a full day of technical education for pest management professionals, including topics covering rodents, mosquitoes, ticks, pesticide safety, termites, bed bugs, professionalism, communication, and an NPMA industry update.

You'll also have opportunities throughout the day to visit our vendors, participate in the Silent Auction, attend the IPMA Annual Membership Meeting, and connect with other professionals from across the industry.

Don't wait until the last minute to register!

REGISTER FOR THE 2026 IPMA CONFERENCE

Thank You to Our 2026 Conference Sponsors!

Before we recognize the many vendors joining us in November, we want to give special recognition to the companies that have stepped up as 2026 IPMA Annual Conference Sponsors.

Their support helps IPMA provide quality education, professional development, networking opportunities, and resources for Iowa's pest management community.

We sincerely appreciate these companies for investing in IPMA and supporting Iowa's pest management professionals.

When you see our sponsors at the conference, please take a moment to thank them for helping make this event possible!

Visit Our Vendors at the Conference

One of the best parts of the IPMA Annual Conference is the opportunity to connect directly with the manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and other industry partners who support pest management professionals every day.

Be sure to make time to visit the vendor display area, ask questions, learn about new products and services, and thank these companies for supporting IPMA.

We're looking forward to seeing these industry partners in Ankeny this November!

Andy Smith Takes on a New Industry Leadership Role

Last month, we shared some exciting news about IPMA Board member Andy Smith, and we want to recognize him again as he begins an important new role representing Iowa's pest management industry.

Andy, co-owner of Preferred Pest Control in Urbandale and an IPMA Board member for the past three years, is serving as Iowa's State Policy & Regulatory Representative, or SPAR, with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

In this position, Andy will help connect Iowa's pest management industry with policymakers and regulators while staying informed about legislative and regulatory issues that could affect pest management professionals.

Pest management is a highly regulated industry, and decisions involving products, training, licensing, business operations, and other requirements can have a direct effect on the companies and technicians working throughout our state.

Having an Iowa representative involved in those conversations helps ensure our industry stays informed and has a voice.

Andy will also have opportunities to participate in national advocacy efforts, including Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., where pest management professionals can meet with lawmakers and discuss issues affecting our industry.

October Is Rodent Awareness Month

The timing couldn't be better. As temperatures begin to drop, mice and rats start looking for warm, protected places to spend the colder months.

October is recognized as Rodent Awareness Month, with Rodent Awareness Week taking place October 18-24, 2026.

For pest management professionals, this is a great opportunity to educate customers about the importance of rodent prevention and exclusion before activity moves indoors.

Remind customers to pay attention to potential entry points around foundations, doors, utility penetrations, garages, siding, and other vulnerable areas of the structure.

Rodent management isn't just about responding once mice are already inside. Inspection, sanitation, exclusion, monitoring, and an ongoing management plan can all play an important role in keeping structures protected.

Have Your Fall Pest Plan Ready

Rodents aren't the only pests trying to move indoors this time of year.

As Iowa temperatures cool, now is the time to have a treatment and prevention plan in place for the pests preparing to overwinter in and around structures.

Keep an eye out for:

• Spiders
• Brown marmorated stink bugs
• Boxelder bugs
• Asian lady beetles

Exterior treatments, inspections, exclusion recommendations, and customer education can all help address fall pest pressure before these unwanted guests settle in for the winter.

This is also a great time to remind customers that once overwintering pests make their way into wall voids and other protected areas, control options can become more limited. Prevention before they move inside is key.

Is It Ever Going to Stop Raining?

If you've worked outside anywhere in Iowa lately, you've probably asked yourself the same question.

After what feels like two straight weeks of rain, muddy yards, wet equipment, rescheduled exterior services, and forecasts that refuse to cooperate have become part of the daily routine.

If you've managed to remember what sunshine looks like, congratulations!

All jokes aside, we know weather can create real challenges for pest management companies trying to keep routes moving and customers taken care of. We hope everyone is staying safe, staying busy, and finding ways to work around Mother Nature.

Here's hoping October brings us some sunshine, crisp fall weather, and plenty of business!

Happy Halloween from IPMA!

October wouldn't be complete without a little Halloween fun.

Spiders, bats, rats, and creepy crawlers might make great Halloween decorations, but pest management professionals know they're a little less fun when they're actually inside someone's home!

We hope all of our IPMA members, their employees, and their families have a safe and Happy Halloween on October 31!

One Month to Go!

The next time you hear from us, we'll be getting ready to welcome everyone to Ankeny!

If you've been putting off registering for the 2026 IPMA Annual Conference, don't wait any longer. Come spend two days learning, networking, meeting with industry suppliers, and connecting with Iowa's pest management community.

REGISTER TODAY

We'll see you in November!