The importance of the Handbook of Pest Control
The structural pest control industry is unique in that it relies on entrepreneurs who use knowledge generated by universities to control pests.
Though there are university departments worldwide that teach and study pests, there is no course that covers all the pests a Pest Management Professional encounters in their work.
As a result, any reference book that covers all pests is a very useful resource for PMPs and Pest Control Operators (PCOs), another name for pest control companies.
In today’s blog, we highlight the seminal contribution of the Handbook of Pest Control, written by Arnold Mallis in 1925.
We shall first learn about the book’s author, its impact on the pest control industry, and, finally, about the book’s eleventh edition, which its publishers, GIE Media, released in December 2025.
We shall end the blog with information about how Giridhar Pai Associates (GPA) is making the Handbook of Pest Control accessible to Asian PMPs.
Arnold Mallis, author of the Handbook of Pest Control
Arnold Mallis was a towering figure in the pest control industry, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the field.
He was born in New York City in 1910 and, as a teenager in California, was inspired by an art teacher who introduced him to cartooning.
Mallis’ artistic talent soon found a niche in pest control, where he contributed cartoons to industry trade magazines.
Mallis pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, getting a B.S. in Entomology in 1934.
With a strong foundation in the study of insects, he started his career with the U.S. Forest Service as a field assistant.
Continuing his education, Mallis earned an MS in entomology from the University of California in 1939 while simultaneously working as a service technician for several pest control companies.
A young Arnold Mallis – picture source: The Mallis Handbook of Pest Control by GIE Media
His professional path took a significant turn between 1939 and 1942, when he worked as an entomologist for the UCLA grounds department.
During that period, he authored the first edition of his seminal work, “Handbook of Pest Control”, first published in 1945. This comprehensive guide, a cornerstone of the pest management industry, was updated in 1954, 1960, 1964, 1969, 1982, 1990, 1997, 2011, and 2025.
In 1943, Mallis joined the U.S. Public Health Service to implement malaria control programs in Louisiana, further shaping his pest management expertise.
His next endeavour brought him to Gulf Oil Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent two decades developing insecticides against household and livestock pests.
In 1968, he transitioned to academia, becoming an associate professor of entomology at Pennsylvania State University, and remained there until his retirement in 1975.
Throughout his career, Mallis was known not only for his Handbook of Pest Control but also for his book American Entomologists and for over 20 technical articles in leading pest control industry journals.
His legacy is one of innovation and dedication, making him a true legend in the pest control industry.
Arnold Mallis passed away in 1984, but his profound impact on pest management continues to influence pest management professionals in the field today.
His groundbreaking work in pest control remains the standard reference for practitioners, ensuring that his contributions will not be forgotten.
Since its first edition in 1945, the Handbook of Pest Control has become an indispensable resource for pest control operators (PCOs) and pest management professionals (PMPs).
With the recent launch of its 11th edition, this comprehensive guide is celebrated for its scientific rigour and practical application, making it a cornerstone of the pest management industry.
Handbook of Pest Control’s Key Features and Lasting Legacy
In-Depth Content: It covers pest biology and life cycles, effective control strategies, and identification keys, and includes photographs and illustrations to equip PMPs with the knowledge needed to tackle the diverse pests they encounter in their work.
Impact on Education and Practice: It is a vital educational resource for PMPs, filling the gap in specialised training programs. It lays a robust foundation for practical application and further knowledge development, empowering PMPs to enhance their skills and business acumen.
User-Friendly Format: Despite its scientific depth, it remains accessible through easy-to-understand language. The 11th edition introduces colour-coded guides that enhance pest identification, including a dedicated 48-page section filled with 500 vibrant images to assist PMPs in their daily work.
A Collaborative Effort in Continuing Legacy: The book has evolved from Arnold Mallis’s original vision into a collaborative reference that reflects contributions from the pest management industry and academia. Following Mallis’s passing in 1984, industry experts such as Stoy A. Hedges took the reins in revising it, ensuring its ongoing relevance. Hedges served as the editor for the last four editions, including the eleventh, until his passing in 2023, after which Dan Moreland assumed editorial responsibility during the final publication stages.
Eleventh Edition of the GIE Media’s Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, edited by Stoy Hedges
Highlights of the 11th Edition: The latest edition exemplifies collaboration, featuring insights from 26 experts in pest management from both industry and academia. It’s 1352 pages, including 24 chapters, covering topics from common household pests to urban wildlife. Its notable features include:
Advanced Pest Treatment Methods: A Pesticide Reference Chart that aids users in understanding various pest control products and safety considerations.
Visual Guidance: “How-To” illustrations and detailed insect images for effective pest management practices.
Comprehensive Technical References: An extensive compendium of technical resources for PMPs to stay up to date on the latest pest management developments.
Large Format Design: The large text enhances readability, making it easier for professionals to locate vital information quickly.
The Handbook of Pest Control is a testament to the evolution of pest management practices, continually adapting to meet industry needs while remaining the go-to guide for global PMPs.
GPA launches the Handbook of Pest Control in Asia
As the leading Asian distributor of innovative pest management products, GPA has contributed to PMP education by offering GIE Media’s PCT Field Guides since October 2024.
In December 2025, GPA became the first and only Asian distributor of the 11th edition of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control. After GPA announced the book’s availability, numerous PMPs have ordered their copies in advance. GPA looks forward to supplying the latest edition of the Handbook of Pest Control to Asian PMPs.