OPINION | PPC112 September 2023
Pest control is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing demand for sustainability and digitalisation. While there are concerns about the potential ban on poison, these fears are largely unfounded.
In fact, the outlook for the industry is very promising, as companies like ours look to offer innovative solutions that align with evolving regulations and market demands.
This opinion piece from Daniel Schroeer, Futura Germany, provides a bird’s eye perspective on the industry, highlighting the shift towards sustainable practices, the advantages of digitalisation, and the positive future for pest control.
Embracing sustainability: moving away from poison
There is a growing global movement towards sustainability, and pest control is no exception. Regulations, such as the EU Green Deal, are driving the reduction of toxic chemicals, including rodenticides, in pest control practices.
While some fear that this will lead to a complete ban on poison, the reality is that the industry is transitioning towards integrated pest management (IPM). IPM emphasises prevention, monitoring and physical control measures, with toxic control as a last resort.
This approach not only protects the environment and non-target species but also improves the effectiveness of pest management strategies.
The role of digitisalisation: enhancing efficiency and control
Digitisalisation and the internet of things (IoT) are revolutionising pest control and innovative companies are at the forefront of this transformation. IoT-enabled devices and digital pest control solutions, such as Tubetrap, SMART, Digital Pest Management and ultra-low power cameras, offer real-time monitoring, data analysis, and rapid response capabilities.
These technologies provide 24/7 surveillance, allowing for early pest detection and timely intervention. By leveraging the power of digitalisation, pest control companies can optimise their operations, reduce costs and provide more efficient services to their clients.
Dispelling the fear of poison bans: adapting and thriving
While there are concerns within the industry regarding the potential ban on poison, it is important to note that the aim is not to completely eliminate toxic control measures. Instead, the focus is on reducing reliance on poison as the primary method of pest control.
This shift presents an opportunity for companies to develop and promote alternative solutions that are safer, more sustainable, and equally effective. By embracing IPM practices and adopting IoT technologies, pest control companies can adapt to evolving regulations and customer demands, ultimately thriving in this changing landscape.
The positive outlook for the industry: meeting future challenges
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the pest control industry has a positive outlook. The increasing demand for sustainable practices and the adoption of digitalisation present new opportunities for growth and innovation. Companies like ours are keen to offer IoT-enabled solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve pest management outcomes.
By leveraging technology and embracing sustainable approaches, the industry can meet future challenges, like changing legislation around rodenticide use, and continue to provide essential services to a wide range of sectors, including food companies, retail, and logistics.
“There is a growing global movement towards sustainability, and pest control is no exception.”
A commitment to innovation
While this article focuses on the broader industry perspective, it is worth noting that we do have some skin in the game at Futura. But that’s what gives this opinion piece merit – we really do believe in having a commitment to sustainability and innovation, and that’s reflected in the products we create and why we’re so proud of them.
They exemplify the benefits of IoT technology in pest control and we think we’re part of helping drive the industry’s transformation. We create products that offer independent and scalable trapping and monitoring capabilities, cost reductions, real-time insights, comprehensive surveillance and analysis, and enhanced pest control efficiency.
Any company with a similar commitment to providing digital solutions will position themselves as a leader in the evolving pest control landscape.
Conclusion
The pest control industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for sustainability and digitalisation. While concerns regarding the potential ban on poison exist, the industry is shifting towards IPM practices that prioritise prevention, monitoring, and physical control measures.
Digitalisation and IoT technologies enhance efficiency, control, and sustainability. This brilliant industry’s positive outlook lies in its ability to adapt to evolving regulations, embrace innovation, and provide essential services to a variety of sectors. By embracing these changes, the pest control industry can thrive and continue to meet the challenges of the future.