WSPMA Makes History at the Washington State Capitol

WSPMA members recently made history by participating in the association’s first-ever Legislative Day at the Washington State Capitol. With roughly 20 members in attendance, the day marked an important step forward in strengthening WSPMA’s voice in Olympia and ensuring the pest management industry is represented in policy discussions that directly affect our work.

Throughout the day, members met with more than 15 elected officials, including state senators, representatives, and legislative staff. These conversations highlighted the essential role licensed pest management professionals play in protecting public health, housing, agriculture, and the environment through science-based, regulated pest management practices.

A major focus of Legislative Day was testimony before the House Agriculture Committee opposing House Bill 2516, a proposed rodenticide bill. WSPMA members shared firsthand experience from the field, outlining concerns about potential unintended consequences such as increased rodent pressures and reduced ability to protect homes, businesses, and communities. Testimony emphasized the importance of maintaining access to effective rodent management tools within an integrated pest management (IPM) framework that prioritizes safety, training, and stewardship.

In addition to formal testimony, members continued discussions with lawmakers and staff during individual meetings throughout the Capitol. These conversations reinforced the message that pest management policy should be informed by real-world experience, sound science, and an understanding of how pests impact public health and infrastructure every day.

To help bring our work to life, members incorporated hands-on educational tools into meetings. Live hissing cockroaches sparked curiosity and opened discussions about insect biology and pest behavior, while edible, flavored crickets added a memorable and engaging element to conversations about entomology, ecosystems, and sustainability. These moments helped turn technical discussions into approachable and lasting connections.

While our retired WSPMA State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR) Larry Treleven was unable to attend in person, his presence and influence were felt throughout the day. We extend our sincere thanks to Larry for the legacy, leadership, and policy awareness he has built on behalf of WSPMA over many years. The foundation he helped establish made this Legislative Day possible.

Legislative Day was not about resolving every policy issue in a single visit—it was about showing up, being heard, and starting conversations that will continue throughout the legislative session and beyond. Engagement from legislators and staff was encouraging, with thoughtful questions and genuine interest in understanding our industry.

This inaugural Legislative Day demonstrated the power of member involvement and collective advocacy. WSPMA will continue building on this momentum, strengthening relationships with policymakers, and ensuring that the voice of professional pest management remains present and respected in Olympia.

As your State Policy Affairs Representative, I want to extend a sincere thank you to our event sponsors—Liphatech, Rockwell Labs, and American Pest Services—and to every member who participated and helped make this day a success. Your involvement matters, and it makes a difference.