5 Questions With Loretta Mayer

1. To get us started, Dr. Mayer, can you tell us why you launched ContraPest^®?

We recognize that there are a myriad of tools available to combat rat infestations, but we also know the battle to control rat infestations has continued for centuries. Not only do these infestations result in incredible infrastructure damage, but rats also pose additional risks to the health and food security of our communities. ContraPest^® was launched to provide a new Integrated Pest Management (IPM)tool that fills a need, never before available: fertility control.

2. How does ContraPest^® help control rat infestations?

Pest management professionals have an incredibly demanding task, as they are asked to solve some of the most complex infestations from rats, one of nature’s most adaptable species. Unfortunately, current tools are at a disadvantage: rats reproduce at an extremely rapid rate. ContraPest^® addresses this gap and targets reproduction, providing a proven solution to not only combat the most difficult infestations but also help keep populations down.

3. What do you see as the biggest trend in 2018?

Customers are becoming more aware of the products they use, and a growing trend seems to be the request for non-lethal pest management solutions. While ContraPest^® is a strong complement within an IPM protocol, it also offers a stand-alone, non-lethal solution to serve customers who are looking to decrease or avoid the use of poisons or other lethal methodologies.

4. What do you believe is the biggest challenge for pest management and QA professionals?

There is a dual pressure: time and efficacy. We are all extremely busy, and together are fighting an important challenge, so we need solutions that work! As part of an IPM program, ContraPest^® targets rat fertility to bring populations down and keep them down without the rebound effect. With a reduced population, efficiencies are gained, and protocols can shift from managing repeated population spikes to preventive IPM measures.

5. What do you see as the future for Senestech?

First, we are so excited about ContraPest^®, and with national distribution, we are thrilled to hear how it is working for customers. As a company, though, Senestech is focused on how we push harder to help solve one of the biggest challenges we perceive: global food security. As your readers know, rats can cause a significant amount of damage to stored food, and our goal is to collaborate with key players to help solve this challenge.

ContraPest^® is an innovative technology with an approach that targets the reproductive capabilities of Norway and roof rats. ContraPest^® is a versatile tool that can be used as a standalone non-lethal solution or within your Integrated Pest Management program to help reduce reproduction and magnify the success of your integrated infestation control methodologies.  ContraPest^® is a Restricted Use Pesticide, due to applicator expertise. Please read and comply with all label instructions.