Joe Daugherty, a pest control veteran since 2003, began his journey in Florida, specializing in termite pretreatment. Adapting to industry shifts during the housing crisis, he transitioned to residential pest control, demonstrating versatility and resilience.
Recognized for his expertise, Joe took leadership roles, eventually becoming Training Manager at Apex. There, he shaped company-wide training initiatives and promoted eco-friendly pest control methods. Now, as a Pest Control Manager at Westgate, Joe oversees pest control operations across Florida and other states, ensuring homes and communities remain pest-free while minimizing environmental impact.
Through this article, Daugherty shares his insights on how the changing climate and evolving conditions demand modern and tailored pest control solutions.
What are the significant changes, challenges or trends you have noticed over the years in the field of pest control?
Florida’s tropical climate brings constant new insect threats, demanding adaptability. We regularly see unfamiliar ant and termite species, necessitating vigilance about optimal treatment methods to safeguard buildings and people. The dynamic pest control industry phases out old products and introduces new ones, compelling continuous re-evaluation of item efficacy and suitability.
This field requires relentless agility and learning. Conventional approaches quickly become outdated as each day presents distinct conditions needing customized responses. There is no reliance on yesterday’s methods—only open and nimble minds ready to assess and address ever-shifting insect challenges can enable long-term resilience. Staying strategically informed, flexible and proactive is the only way to withstand Florida’s relentless ecological fluctuations.
In the context of emerging new species, particularly concerning potential risks to human safety, could you provide insights into the specific role of technology or safe processes in mitigating these risks?
The future of pest control is bright because, while challenges arise, our collective knowledge also grows, better equipping us to control pests without harming the environment
At its core, our business demands continuous education. I stay informed by following the renowned entomology program at the University of Florida, constantly reading works from their expert professors. Expanding my knowledge, I also explore research from leading institutions like the Universities of Texas and Illinois.
This helps to keep up with the latest expert insights and best practices. However, practical application is equally vital—I continuously experiment with varied techniques, adapting them to specific circumstances in Florida. This involves exploring integrated pest management methods like environmental modification alongside judicious pesticide usage to find the optimal balance between efficacy and safety through ongoing trial and error.
Thriving here necessitates an endless journey of learning, hands-on testing and refining approaches to tackle the region’s distinct and ever-changing reality. Remaining strategically immersed in both academic knowledge and practical experimentation enables the vigilance and adaptability this fluctuating climate demands.
As someone well-versed in the latest research, what core advice would you offer colleagues regarding the pest control space?
Old methods become outdated and potentially problematic today. Our changing climate and evolving conditions demand modern, tailored solutions. Succeeding now requires staying actively informed, trained and networked, rather than relying on past experiences. Adaptation is essential.
My core advice to newcomers is to prioritize continuous, multifaceted education–read voraciously, attend training and connect with fellow specialists to share insights. In this field, change is the sole constant. Networking, reading and lifelong learning enable recognizing and addressing distinct, modern challenges.
Agile, contemporary knowledge drives effective pest management as traditional approaches miss the mark. By immersing oneself in cutting-edge research, best practices and peer perspectives, specialists can understand and tackle new insects and altered environments. Complacency and outdated methods have no place amidst relentless shifts—only focused education and evolution allow one to thrive.
What emerging innovations or approaches over the next years could shape the future of pest control amidst continuous new species threats?
I recently read about the global bedbug epidemic and was struck by the shift toward biological solutions underway. Rather than blanket pesticide approaches of the past, researchers now develop targeted treatments that precisely strike bedbug physiology without harming other species. This wave of innovation gives a great faith that, with enough care and study, we can curb these pests humanely.
We must stay vigilant as products and best practices continuously evolve. But the brightest scientific minds are digging into the bedbug crisis, replacing flawed old chemicals with new, effective and more thoughtful alternatives. I believe if we adopt these emerging methods when ready, adapt our tactics to target narrow insect vulnerabilities and help experts by reporting field observations, continued progress is certain.
The future of pest control is bright because, while challenges arise, our collective knowledge also grows, better equipping us to control pests without harming the environment. Together, through vigilance and openness to change rather than reliance on outdated tools, we can combat invasive insects effectively and responsibly long into the future.
The key is maintaining realistic optimism – knowing science, when guided ethically, can systematically unravel threats while advancing our safety and ecological insight in parallel. Our greatest achievements begin with mere promise.
