Nominate Your Tech for PCT Technician of the Year

PCT has launched its annual Technician of the Year awards program. The awards, sponsored by BASF Pest Control Solutions, recognize a trio of standout service professionals in the residential, commercial and termite categories. Be sure to nominate your company's standout service professionals. The nomination form can be downloaded at www.pctonline.com/techyear13.aspx. If you have any additional questions, please contact Brad Harbison at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (330) 523-5323. Deadline to submit nomination is July 19, 2013.

Bob Rosenberg Tapped to Lead National Pest Management Association

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) announces the appointment of Bob Rosenberg to the position of executive vice president, effective immediately. Rosenberg had been named as the organization's acting leader in October. The announcement comes following a unanimous vote of NPMA's Board of Directors earlier today.

NPMA President Laura Simpson, highlighting Rosenberg's impressive career and several decades of experience with the association, stated, "We are thrilled that Bob has agreed to serve as our executive vice president in the years ahead. His experience, knowledge, and leadership will ensure NPMA is best poised to meet the needs of the industry as the association begins its 80th year of service. We look forward to embarking on a new era of a transparent, member-focused organization that consistently responds to the needs of 21st century pest management professionals."

Rosenberg shared his enthusiasm for the new position. "I look forward to working with the board and the rest of the staff in renewed and expanded efforts to educate, protect, and grow the pest management industry." He thanked the board for offering him "the privilege of working with industry professionals in a more strategic and visionary capacity."

Rosenberg's career with the National Pest Management Association has focused on advocating for the professional pest management industry's interests with federal, state and local government. An oft-quoted expert on all pest management related issues, Rosenberg has served on numerous federal, state and industry boards and committees.

Bed Bug Training Offered Through NPMA’S Online Learning Center

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is pleased to offer Bed Bug Basics -- the first training from its new Online Learning Center offering extensive bed bug training for pest management professionals.

Bed Bug Insecticide Resistance Mechanisms Identified

Bed bugs, largely absent in the U.S. since the 1950s, have returned to all 5 0 states with a hungry vengeance in the last decade. 

These insects have developed resistance to pyrethroids, one of the very few classes of insecticide used for their control. A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered some of the genetic mechanisms for the bed bug's resistance to two of the most popular pyrethroids -- deltamethrin and beta-cyfluthrin.

Important Rodenticide Update

As NPMA has reported in a number of member communications, rodenticide products shipped by manufacturers after June 4 must be sold in certain container sizes and bear significant label changes, though distributors and PMPs may continue to sell and use existing product in accordance with the product's labeling until supplies are exhausted.  (NPMA staff urges PMPs to carefully read rodenticide product labels and to carefully manage the use of old labeled products.)  Two of the more significant label revisions prohibit the use of

Aegis®-RP Anchor from Liphatech® Provides Bait Station Security

Concrete block is integrated into Aegis-RP bait stations; offers excellent fit and finish

Milwaukee, WI (January 5, 2011) With the introduction of the Aegis®-RP Anchor, Liphatech® has raised the bar on securing rat bait stations in a variety of environments.  This new security offering also improves overall cleanliness and professionalism while eliminating the need for glue, drills, screws or paving stones.  The anchor reduces labor costs because it comes pre-assembled.

NPMA Welcomes Jim Fredericks, Stuart Mitchell to Its Technical Services Department

The National Pest Management Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Fredericks as Technical Services Director and Stuart Mitchell, Ph.D. as Technical Director. 

Fredericks brings over 11 years of experience as Technical Director for Home Paramount Pest Control, where he was responsible for product selection, treatment protocol development, and service quality assurance technical training. He is a Board Certified Entomologist and Registered Sanitarian/ Environmental Health Specialist. Currently a PhD Candidate, Fredericks expects to complete his degree in Entomology and Applied Ecology from University of Delaware in May 2011. 

With over thirty years in the pest management industry, "Doc" Mitchell is an observing physician and a certified medical investigator. In addition, he is an entomologist; Board Certified in Urban, Industrial, Medical, and Veterinary. During his career he has served as a technician, salesperson, technical specialist, technical director, consultant, expert-witness, author, lecturer, and speaker.                                 

"Jim and Stuart bring a wealth of technical expertise to NPMA's membership," said NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer. "Their combined skills, determination, and can-do attitude are exactly what our industry needs. NPMA is very fortunate to have these individuals, with their personal and professional qualities, on board."

EPA Pesticide Database to Aid Consumers in Controlling Bed Bugs

With cases of bed bug infestations increasing, many people are turning to pesticides as a means of ridding their homes of the pest. To help people find an appropriate pesticide for use on bed bugs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a new database listing all pesticides registered for this purpose. The new search tool will let consumers choose an EPA-registered bed bug product that meets their needs and is safe if properly used according to label instructions.

Safety Memo: Ladder Safety

Periodically, the VPMA Safety Committee will be producing memos that can be downloaded and personalized with your company logo and information, then distributed to your staff to keep safety at the forefront of their minds.

Click here for an article on Ladder Safety.

Bed Bug Forums

Bed Bug Education & Outreach Progam

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Office of Pesticide Services (OPS) will be hosting a series of Bed Bug Forums in July. The workshops are free, but there is a limited number of registrations available.
This series of educational workshops is designed to provide attendees with basic information regarding the biology of bed bugs, the health significance of the pest, inspection and current treatment methods, regulation of bed bug treatment, challenges of bed bug management and suggested best management practices. Dr. Dini Miller will be the lead trainer and OPS staff will discuss the regulatory perspective on registered products, label directions and certification/licensing requirements when treating for bed bugs.
Click here for additional information, or contact Jeff Rogers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   Workshop Dates and Loctaions: July 13, 2010 Roanoke, July 19, 2010 Chesapeake, July 20, 2010 Richmond, July 21, 2010 and July 22, 2010 Northern Virginia.

Click here to read "Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite..." as printed in the PMP Reporter, Spring 2010 issue.