On May 17, 2010, Pediatrics, the official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, published a new study detailing a recent study of 1,139 American children, aged 8 - 15 years, examining the link between organophosphates and the incidence of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

While organophosphates are not a class of pesticides used by the pest management industry, we have prepared a talking point guide in case you receive questions from customers or members of your community.

Click here, enter your user name and password, and then click on "Response to Study on Organophosphates & ADHD in Pediatrics Overview and Speaking Points" to access a copy of NPMA's response and talking points. 

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS MAKE A DIAGNOSIS
In the April 1, 2009, issue of the Journal of American Medicine, an article authored by Jerome Goddard, Ph.D., of Mississippi State University, and Richard deShazo, M.D., of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, reviewed 53 previously published articles on the topic of bed bugs. In their analysis of the existing research, Drs. Goddard and deShazo conclude that bed bugs do not transmit communicable diseases, translating into little to no serious health risks to humans. Similar parasites, like ticks, carry pathogens that can be transferred to hosts. According to Goddard and deShazo, previous research strongly suggested that bed bugs do not exhibit the same characteristic.
Though they may not carry pathogens, bed bugs' bites can be a source of serious irritation for some. For those who experience a reaction, the researchers noted the lack of an effective treatment for the bites, which typically cause minor to complex skin reactions and, in rare cases, systemic reactions. Treatments ranging from antibiotics and topical corticosteroids and epinephrine have had varying degrees of impact on the reaction.
The authors also conclude that the management and treatment of bed bugs is extremely difficult. The paper cites a lack of evidenced-based interventions that prevented an infestation or eradicated a population. Drs. Goddard and deShazo essentially positioned bed bugs to be less of a concern to the medical field and squarely in the jurisdiction of pest management.

PCT announces the launch of its annual Technician of the Year Awards program, sponsored by BASF. The annual awards recognize a trio of standout service professionals in the residential, commercial and termite categories. Winners are profiled in PCT magazine and will be recognized at a special ceremony held during an industry event in 2011. Nominations are now being accepted at www.pctonline.com/tech10.aspx. Deadline is July 16. If you have any additional questions contact PCT's Brad Harbison at (800) 456-0707 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Office of Pesticide Services is in the process of filling key vacancies in the Certification, License, Registration and Training Unit.  Until those vacancies are filled, we will face longer than usual processing times for all applications, as well as delays in the issuance of letters of authorization to test.   Although we have hired temporary employees to help reduce the impact of these vacancies, the processing time for completed applications is currently 30 days.  We fully anticipate that processing times will return to previous levels once we are fully staffed.  Should you have questions or wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at https://webmail.east.cox.net/do/mail/message/mailto?to=Liza.Fleeson%40vdacs.virginia.gov or 804-371-6559.  We appreciate your understanding during this period of transition.  

No organization can survive and thrive without the efforts of its volunteers. Because NPMA committees, divisions, and affiliate organizations are so important to our operations, making sure they are populated each year with quality, dedicated volunteers is a critical job.

TPCA has been working dilegently to bring awareness to builders and building code officials about the challenges of inspecting for termites when a crawl space has been encapsulated to control moisture issues. Click here to read an article to read an article that outlines recommended strategies that builders can use to avoid problems and provide quality assurance in conditioned crawlspaces.

NPMA is pleased to share with you that Michael Steele, chair of the Republican National Committee, will address attendees at Legislative Day 2010, March 1-2 in Washington, D.C.  NPMA's Legislative Day 2010, sponsored by FMC Professional Solutions, will be held downtown at the historic Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.