Integrated Pest Management Program Key in Schools
10/16/2005 A recent news segment on Good Morning America pointed out the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) programs in schools, a position wholeheartedly supported by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
IPM is an environmentally responsible system that is embraced by most pest professionals. It involves managing pests by eliminating their sources of food, water and shelter. Effective IPM requires a thorough understanding of pest biology and habits, and incorporates three steps: inspection, identification and treatment. When conducted by a trained and licensed pest professional, an IPM program can significantly reduce pest populations in and around schools.
“The quality of air in schools is an important issue,” commented Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “A recent study from the National Institutes of Health found that one of the highest reported allergens were cockroaches, with sensitivity occurring in more than 25% of the study population. An IPM program can help to reduce the dangerously high levels of the irritants from the air our children are breathing in schools.”
To find a pest professional that practices IPM in your area, visit www.pestworld.org and use the zip code locator. Other tips for finding a qualified pest professional include:
* Always deal with a qualified and licensed pest management company that is a member of national, state or local pest management association.
* Ask friends and neighbors to recommend companies they have used successfully and how satisfied they were with the service.
* Before signing a contract, be sure to fully understand the nature of the pest to be exterminated, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem.
* Buy value, not price.
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the continuing education of the pest control professional and the dissemination of timely information to homeowners and businesses.
For further information, visit pestworld.org.
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