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Alabama Pest Control Association

Monday, October 5  ~  1 - 5pm Central

Cooks Museum; Monarch Hall
133 4th Ave. NE; Decatur, AL 35601

(Cooks Museum s a non-smoking facility, smoking outside and in the parking lot is prohibited)

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

12:45pm Attendee check-in
1 - 2pm 

Moisture Control

  • Brandon Sartain

This presentation provides a practical overview of moisture and humidity control across crawl spaces, basements, attics, and other structures, with an emphasis on how environmental conditions vary by region and property type. Attendees will explore common sources of moisture, the effects of excessive humidity, biological contaminants, structural damage, pest activity, and indoor air quality concerns. The presentation compares vented, closed, and encapsulated crawl spaces, along with ventilation, HVAC, sump pumps, and dehumidification options. Participants will learn how relative humidity, dew point, temperature, and moisture levels impact structures, how to identify moisture-related concerns during inspections, and how to evaluate appropriate solutions.

Outline

  1. Introduction to moisture and humidity dynamics across crawl spaces, basements, and attics, accounting for regional and property variances.
  2. Impacts of excess moisture on structures, indoor air quality, biological contaminants, and pest activity.
  3. Science of moisture measurement, focusing on relative humidity, dew point, temperature, and material moisture levels.
  4. Comparison of crawl space configurations, including vented, closed, and encapsulated systems.
  5. Remediation and control strategies, such as mechanical ventilation, HVAC integration, sump pumps, and dehumidification.

Brandon Sartain has been in the pest control industry as the Southeastern Senior Technical Sales Rep for 8 years with Bell Laboratories. He is passionate about making information on rodents and proper rodent control available to the pest control industry through teaching. Brandon is a graduate of Carson-Newman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication where he also played football as an offensive lineman. He is also a proud Eagle Scout, member of the Order of the Arrow, and member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. When he has spare time, he is an avid woodworker and chief tennis baller thrower for two dogs.

2 - 3pm

Animal Behavior Management

  • Patrick F. Callahan

This presentation provides pest management professionals with a biology-based approach to understanding wildlife and vertebrate pest habits. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience across the agrochemical and professional pest sectors, Callahan bridges scientific theory and practical field strategy. Attendees will explore fundamental behavior patterns, sensory drivers, and environmental factors influencing target pests. Participants will learn how to leverage these behavioral insights to refine inspection methods, improve product application, and implement highly effective, humane management programs. This dynamic session equips professionals with actionable techniques for reliable, long-term animal management.

Outline

  1. Introduction to a biology-based approach for understanding wildlife and vertebrate pest habits.
  2. Exploration of pest behavior patterns, sensory drivers, and environmental influences.
  3. Application of behavioral insights to enhance inspection accuracy and optimize product placement.
  4. Strategies for designing effective, humane, and long-term animal management programs.
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.
3 - 4pm

The ABC's of Mosquito Control

  • Eric Ham

This presentation provides an essential guide to mastering modern mosquito management. Drawing on 35 years of industry experience and his current technical role at FMC, Ham breaks down the fundamentals of mosquito biology, breeding habitats, and vector-borne disease risks. Attendees will explore core principles of integrated pest management, covering surveillance techniques, source reduction, and targeted chemical applications. This session bridges insect science with practical field protocols, helping pest professionals identify problem areas quickly and execute dependable reduction programs. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to improve service outcomes and client satisfaction.

Outline

  1. Introduction to core mosquito biology, breeding habitats, and associated vector-borne disease risks.
  2. Fundamentals of integrated pest management tailored specifically for mosquito reduction.
  3. Surveillance protocols and inspection methods to quickly identify localized breeding sites.
  4. Practical field strategies for source reduction and targeted chemical application.
  5. Best practices to enhance service outcomes, treatment dependability, and client satisfaction.
Eric Ham Eric is an Entomologist and has been working in the industry for approximately 35 years. He currently is a sales/technical rep for FMC.
4 - 5pm

Importance of Rodent inspections

  • Brandon Sartain

This presentation delivers a comprehensive guide to conducting thorough rodent inspections and building effective control strategies. Participants will first review common target species to understand key pest behaviors and identification markers. The session then examines typical structural, contamination, and property damage caused by rodent infestations. Attendees will learn essential inspection techniques, critical focus areas, and practical exclusion methods to prevent entry. Finally, the course explains how to translate gathered field data into an actionable, tailored rodent management plan. This session equips pest management professionals with the practical skills needed to assess properties accurately and deliver long-term results.

Outline

  1. Review of target rodent species, identification markers, and key pest behaviors.
  2. Assessment of structural damage, contamination risks, and property impacts caused by infestations.
  3. Critical inspection protocols and high-priority focus areas for accurate site evaluations.
  4. Practical exclusion techniques and physical barriers to prevent rodent entry.
  5. Methods for converting inspection findings into customized, actionable management plans.

Tuesday, October 6  ~  1 - 5pm Central

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

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

12:45pm Attendee check-in
1 - 2pm 

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.

2 - 3pm

Rodent Biology, Behavior, & Treatment

  • Joey Hedgemon

This presentation provides pest management professionals with a practical, science-based approach to solving persistent rodent challenges. The session begins with an examination of common commensal rodents, detailing their distinct biological traits, reproductive cycles, and sensory adaptations. Attendees will explore key behavioral patterns—such as neophobia, feeding habits, and runway preferences—that directly impact control outcomes. Building on these fundamentals, the presentation outlines thorough inspection methodologies, strategic trap and bait placement, and durable structural exclusion techniques. Participants will gain actionable insights to troubleshoot difficult accounts, optimize integrated pest management (IPM) protocols, and deliver dependable, long-term rodent control.

Outline

  • Biological characteristics, reproductive cycles, and sensory adaptations of common commensal rodents.
  • Critical rodent behavioral patterns, including neophobia, feeding habits, and runway preferences.
  • Comprehensive site inspection methodologies to locate harborages and points of entry.
  • Strategic placement and optimization of traps and bait stations based on behavioral tendencies.
  • Durable structural exclusion techniques to establish long-term physical barriers.
  • Integrated pest management (IPM) protocols and troubleshooting strategies for difficult or persistent infestations.

Joey Hedgemon is an accomplished pest management sales leader with deep expertise in B2B strategy, territory growth, and key account management. During his tenure with Orkin Pest Control, Joey more than doubled account volume over four years while consistently surpassing revenue targets through targeted market research and client development. Currently completing an intensive 15-month program in preparation for managing commercial branch operations, he blends strong analytical acumen with hands-on field insights. Joey leverages practical pest control knowledge to help professionals optimize operational strategies, troubleshoot challenging accounts, and implement dependable, long-term management solutions.

3 - 4pm

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.
  1. Strategies for chemical rotation and proven resistance-management practices.

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.

4 - 5pm

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

12:45pm Attendee check-in
1 - 2pm 

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.

2 - 3pm TBD
3 - 4pm

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.

4 - 5pm

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

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.

Thursday, October 8  ~  1 - 5pm Central

Farmers Market
525 N Main St, Enterprise, Alabama 36330

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

12:45pm Attendee check-in
1 - 2pm  Termite / Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDO)
2 - 3pm Pest Management
3 - 4pm Public Health
4 - 5pm General Pest Control

Friday, October 9  ~  8am - 2noon

Extension Building
1070 Schillinger Rd N, Mobile, AL 36608

Time

Central

Daily Schedule

Presentation order and topics are subject to change

7:45am Attendee check-in
8 - 9am 

Moisture Control

  • Dennis Perry

This presentation explores the direct link between excess dampness and the proliferation of wood-destroying organisms across residential and commercial structures. Attendees will examine how elevated wood moisture levels and high humidity create optimal breeding environments for termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungal decay. The session highlights practical inspection workflows for identifying hidden water intrusion and vulnerable structural timbers. By integrating moisture management directly into routine pest inspections, professionals will learn to pinpoint conducive conditions early. Participants will leave equipped with actionable diagnostic strategies to recommend targeted remediation, protect structural integrity, and prevent costly, recurring wood-destroying organism infestations.

Outline

  1. Direct connection between excess moisture levels and the proliferation of wood-destroying organisms.
  2. Impact of high relative humidity and elevated timber moisture content on termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungal decay.
  3. Practical inspection workflows to detect concealed water intrusion and identify compromised structural wood.
  4. Integration of proactive moisture management into standard pest inspection protocols.
  5. Diagnostic methods to identify conducive structural conditions early and reduce infestation risk.
  6. Strategic guidance on recommending targeted remediation solutions to safeguard structural integrity and prevent recurring damage.

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.

9 - 10am

Rodent Control

  • Timmy Madere
10 - 11am

Public Health

  • Kristopher Hamby
11 - 12pm

Commercial Business Concerns

  • Jack Brewer, BCE, Cook’s Pest Control

This presentation addresses the operational and technical challenges of servicing commercial accounts. Drawing on 34 years of industry experience and deep expertise in commercial quality assurance, Brewer highlights the unique demands of sensitive facilities, including food processing plants, warehouses, and healthcare environments. Attendees will explore strategies for navigating strict regulatory standards, client audit requirements, and complex pest pressures. Participants will learn how to refine inspection protocols, manage documentation, and overcome facility-specific hurdles, equipping them to deliver high-standard integrated pest management programs that protect commercial clients' reputations and operations.

Outline

  1. Direct connection between excess moisture levels and the proliferation of wood-destroying organisms.
  2. Impact of high relative humidity and elevated timber moisture content on termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungal decay.
  3. Practical inspection workflows to detect concealed water intrusion and identify compromised structural wood.
  4. Integration of proactive moisture management into standard pest inspection protocols.
  5. Diagnostic methods to identify conducive structural conditions early and reduce infestation risk.
  6. Strategic guidance on recommending targeted remediation solutions to safeguard structural integrity and prevent recurring damage.

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.

Alabama Pest Control Association
Contact Us

APCA
205-823-6106
3416 Primm Lane
Birmingham, AL 35216


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