By Matthew Johnson

Pest Management Professionals in Lagos have intensified efforts to curb the rising cases of termite and bedbug infestations with the launch of a free advanced training programme aimed at boosting professionalism in the industry.

The initiative, introduced by the Managing Director of Rotimax Pest Control Training Academy, Dr. Tolu Caleb, focuses on equipping technicians, homeowners, and industry stakeholders with updated knowledge on detection, treatment, and long-term control of termites and bedbugs, two of the most prevalent pest challenges in Nigerian homes.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Caleb said the training was designed to close critical knowledge gaps in pest management, noting that poor handling of infestations continues to undermine public health and environmental safety nationwide.

He said: “Professionalism in pest control is very important to every society. Bedbugs and termites remain some of the most predominant pest infestations we have in Nigeria. In the last few years, Lassa fever has killed countless people due to lack of professionalism and environmental negligence. The health value of pest management is to bridge these knowledge gaps.”

Dr. Caleb also raised concern over the misuse of pesticides in agriculture, especially the excessive application of aluminium phosphide on beans and other grains, which has led to repeated rejection of Nigerian produce by international buyers. He stressed that lack of proper pest control training contributes to such economic losses.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Zenith Pest Control Services Ltd., Mr. Adebayo Soneye, highlighted the structural dangers associated with termite infestation, describing it as one of the leading causes of silent building failures in the country.

According to him: “Many houses are collapsing not because of fire but because of termites. When termites invade a property, all the wooden parts are consumed, turning the building into a carcass. You see wood debris in the kitchen, damaged door frames, and particles falling from the roof—even the POP. A home infested with termites cannot be healthy for humans to live in.”

Soneye advised homeowners against delaying treatment, warning that negligence often leads to more expensive damage. “Anyone who has termites in his home and leaves it uncared for is being penny wise and pound foolish,” he said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Pest Master International, Mr. Abbey Dollar, said the free training was aimed at raising the standard of practice in the industry while educating the public on pest biology and safe control methods.

He emphasised the need for greater access to growth insect regulators, noting that such products are “essential because they stop the reproductive system of bedbugs, termites, and other pests.”

Participants at the programme described the training as timely and impactful.

A representative of Device Global Limited from Ibadan, Mr. Kayode Ogunwusi, said the programme provided a structured and continuous learning experience on pest prevention.

Another trainee, Mr. Tosin Oyedepo of Neat and Nice Services, said the session was an eye opener and urged the organisers to hold the training quarterly. “Even if it comes with a cost, professionals and schools need this kind of programme regularly,” he said.

The organisers said the training will continue as part of broader efforts to improve environmental safety and strengthen professional standards in Nigeria’s pest control sector.