How AI and cameras are changing the pest control industry

How is AI and camera technology changing pest control?

In 2024, there seems to be one acronym on everyone’s lips – AI. Also 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. 

It’s challenging to comprehend this new technology's impact on our lives, but can it also revolutionize pest control? Here at Rentokil, we think it already is. 

In this blog, you’ll meet Science and Innovations Director Cassie Krejci and Digital Innovation Director Paul Donegan from our parent company, Rentokil Initial. Cassie leads our team of specialized scientists within the North American organization, helping drive new technologies to our teams. Paul runs a team focusing on connected technology via cameras and IoT (Internet of Things), bringing the next generation of pest control devices to over a million customers. The videos below 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?

Advanced and intelligent object detection, camera technology, AI, and machine learning are invaluable tools to help us identify pest activity when there are few other signs. This is how it works:

1. Cameras are placed in hard-to-reach areas. When movement occurs, the camera photographs 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.

But enhanced monitoring is not the only benefit of this technology – how else can it benefit our customers? Watch the video below to hear how Paul and Cassie think AI and camera technologies are improving our service.

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 continue to change, creating 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 an exciting opportunity for our customers.

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

Camera technology helps us identify pest issues faster and provide more sustainable pest control. Our front-line colleagues can place bait more strategically, pinpointing exactly where action is needed via the images collected. Cassie says, “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 the biggest advantage of this technology.” 

This innovation provides benefits that go beyond just sustainability. In the video below, Paul and Cassie discuss where this technology could go.

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.

Need pest control for your business? Contact us today.