Have you recently encountered the smelly bugs with the five-sided shield shaped body in your home or office?  Then you probably have stink bugs.  This aptly named pest has pores on it sides that will emit a bad smelling and bad tasting fluid when handled or disturbed.  This odor is a self-defense mechanism that protects them from being eaten by hungry birds, lizards and spiders.

GOVERNOR MCDONNEL REMINDS VIRGINIANS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING PESTS

How will your company promote April as Pest Management Month?
Each year, Virginia's governor proclaims April as Pest Management month? Did you know that the United States' President has declared April as Pest Management month for the past 30 years? Having President Obama and Governor McDonnell recognize the importance of our work during April as Pest Management Month sends Virginians a strong message that we are committed to protecting their health and property.

No one likes to think about pests (except PMPs!), but if people took a minute to think about what our world would look like without pest management, it wouldn't take long for them to appreciate the role you play in keeping their schools, hospitals, food plants, and retail and commercial facilities - not to mention their homes - pest free. Without our industry, many in Virginia would suffer from pest born allergens, disease and expose their property to substantial structural damage.

To celebrate April as Pest Management Month, VPMA has mailed a "Proud VPMA Pest Pro" button to each member company. Wearing the button will let your customers know that your company is committed to managing pests in the Commonwealth, and that you are proud of the services you provide. Let your employees know that April is Pest Management Month and provide them with information about the importance of their work, so they can share the message with your customers. 

In addition to the button, take a moment to consider how your company will promote April as Pest Management month. Many PMPs volunteer to visit classrooms during April, post information about April as Pest Management Month on their social media forums, like Facebook, or include flyers in their April invoices that call attention to our industries contributions. Remember to visit npmapestworld.org for ideas on how to promote your company and send your customers to pestworld.org to learn about the importance of our industry and for steps to work with their PMP to keep their homes pest free.

VPMA is working hard to support your businesses by providing pertinent industry information, educational opportunities for both you and your employees and by generating positive public relations to media, consumers and professional industries. We are proud of our industry and the member companies that uphold the professional image VPMA seeks to promote.  The pest management industry truly performs a vital service to the Commonwealth.  April is your month! Wear your button with pride! 

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

To print this press release click here.