PORTAGE, Mich. – Pest Pros of Michigan hosted a two-day advanced training session on July 9-10 at its headquarters and training facility, bringing together pest management professionals from across the region for hands-on instruction, collaborative learning and technical deep dives into the industry’s most pressing pest challenges.
The event was held in partnership with the Michigan Pest Management Association (MPMA) and featured participation from multiple companies representing Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and even Canada.
A highlight of the two-day training was the opportunity to learn directly from Paul J. Bello, ACE, BCE, MBA, an industry icon whose reputation as a technical expert, educator, and consultant is recognized across North America. With 50 years of hands-on experience addressing complex structural pest issues in both residential and commercial settings, Paul brought unmatched insight and real-world application to every topic discussed.
His sessions blended entomological knowledge with practical field strategies, giving attendees a clearer understanding of pest biology, behavior, treatment techniques, and the critical thinking required to solve
challenging infestations. His presence and instruction elevated the event and left a lasting impact
on every professional in attendance.
The training focused on multiple core topics that included small flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, subterranean termites, bed bugs, german cockroaches, and rodents. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and demonstrations designed to enhance service delivery, improve diagnostic skills, and refine treatment strategies in the field.
Another highlight of the session was technical presentations from Adrian Culpepper, Regional Representative with BASF. Culpepper provided a detailed breakdown of active ingredients (AI) modes of action (MOA), and the science behind the chemical formulations used in modern pest control products. Her presentation offered valuable insight into how these solutions work at the molecular level and reinforced the importance of product selection and application precision in delivering effective, responsible pest control.
“Our goal with this training was to elevate the level of service across the board, not just for our team, but for the broader pest management community,” said Maria Sorrentino, ACE, CEO at Pest Pros of Michigan. “When we invest in continuing education and deepen our understanding of how pests behave and how our tools work, we ultimately serve our clients better and raise the standard for the industry.”
