In 2023, there seems to have only been one acronym on everyone’s lips – AI. Otherwise known as Artificial Intelligence, Britannica defines AI as ‘the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings’, and this technology’s growth has been making news across the globe. In fact, Statista forecasts that the AI’s global market size will reach a staggering US$ 1,847,495.6 by 2030.  

It’s difficult to comprehend the impact this new technology might have on our lives, but can it also revolutionise pest control? Here at Rentokil, we think it already is.

In this blog, you’ll meet Cassie Krejci, Science and Innovations Director (Rentokil Initial) and Paul Donegan, Digital Innovation Director (Rentokil Initial). Cassie leads our team of specialised scientists within the North American organisation, helping drive new technologies to our teams. Paul runs a team whose focus on connected technology via cameras and IoT (Internet of Things) is bringing the next generation of pest control devices to our customers. In the videos below, they use their invaluable insights to discuss the exciting opportunities AI and digital pest technology can bring to your business’ pest management.

How have digital technologies changed the pest control landscape in recent years?

From 24/7 remote monitoring via connected traps that transmit data on pest activity to drones applying targeted insecticides in hard-to-reach areas, the last decade has seen significant advancements as the pest control industry embraces the digital world. Let's hear from Cassie and Paul as they discuss the impact of these technologies.

Is the future of pest control already here?

With advanced and intelligent object detection, camera technology, AI and machine learning are providing an invaluable tool to help us identify pest activity when there are few other
signs. This technology works as follows:

1.      Cameras are placed in hard-to-reach areas. When movement occurs, the camera is triggered to photograph any potential pest activity.

2.      Captured images are run through a privacy engine to blur private information (such as human faces or company logos).

3.      Images are sent to an advanced object-detection model where machine learning technology identifies pests.

4.      After identification, our front-line technicians can view images via our app and take action accordingly.

Why should Rentokil's customers be excited about this technology?

Of course, it’s not just the technology that’s evolving. Our customers and their needs also continue to change, and this can create challenges in managing pests. According to Paul, “buildings are changing, and the type of activities in those buildings are also changing as automation becomes more common... when there are fewer people in a building, we get fewer eyes and ears on the ground, and pests can find new routes of access.”

However, when pests adapt, so do we. Listen in as Cassie and Paul discuss why camera technology can help us respond to changing business needs and provide such an exciting opportunity for our customers.

A better, more sustainable tomorrow: is the sky the limit for this technology?

By helping identify pest issues faster, camera technology is also helping us provide more sustainable pest control. Our front-line colleagues can place bait more strategically, pinpointing exactly where action is needed via the images collected. As Cassie puts it, “it’s being able to place less chemicals, less rodenticides into the environment to keep our public health safer, keep our environment safer and that’s really the biggest advantage of this technology.”

What’s more, sustainability is not the only benefit of this innovation. In the video below, Paul and Cassie discuss where this technology could go next.

Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of pest control

At Rentokil, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Enhancing remote monitoring with camera technology is just one way we’re innovating to offer even more support to our customers. To discover how we’re going further to protect what matters most, such as protecting public health by identifying disease-carrying mosquitoes or preserving our planet by developing more sustainable solutions, click here.

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