West Nile virus now a health concern nationwide

West Nile virus and other public health threats have become an issue in Virginia and across the United States in recent years.  Citizens are asking what they can do to protect themselves, even in their own backyards.

To help address these concerns, the Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA), along with it's national partner, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has developed a website at http://www.pestworld.com/ to provide consumers with information about management and control of mosquito populations.  In addition, http://www.vpmaonline.com/ has a referral service of VPMA member companies for consumers needing a professional pest management firm.

"West Nile virus poses a significant threat to human health," says Jerry McLawhorn, president of VPMA.  "We've decided to

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Pest Industry Survey Asks "What's Bugging America?"

Fredericksburg, VA. - Tolerance may be a virtue, but not one that's widely shared by Americans when it comes to dealing with pests.  That's the finding of a consumer survey released by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

            "People simply hate pests and with good reason.  Pests carry disease; they cause damage to homes and buildings, plus, they can be a real nuisance," says Jerry McLawhorn, president of the Virginia Pest Management Association. " This national consumer survey demonstrates just how strongly people react to pests and gives us a chance to remind consumers that the best place to turn for help is the pest management professional. PMPs are trained and certified to not only correctly identify pests but also use the most effective means to eliminate them." 

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Each year, VPMA gives the Virginia Pest Management Industry Stewardship Award to recognize an individual for their outstanding service and dedication to the Association and the pest management industry.  To nominate an individual you feel is deserving of this special recognition, please read the guidelines below.

Please click here to see a list of previous award recipients.

The resurgence of Cimex lectularius, the common Bed bug, is being reported across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our member pest control companies who received 1 or 2 bedbug calls a year are now reporting 1 to 2 each week. That's 50 times more calls!

Experts say the bed bug resurgence started with international travel with bugs probably hitching a ride in suitcases coming from Europe, Asia, the Middle East - places where they've been thriving all along. From their new American base, unwary travelers carried them on to other hotels, dormitories, and into their homes. 

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