1-19-10: State Pest Experts Gather and Discuss Common Pests That Can Be Dangerous And Deadly To Average Person
| January 19, 2010 | to | January 21, 2010 |
60th Annual Pest Control Technicians School is one of the largest meetings of pest professionals in the country
Raleigh, N.C. – Nearly 700 pest management experts and technicians from around the state gathered in Raleigh today to hear Dr. Philip Koehler, professor with the University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, give a keynote address about common household pests that are dangerous and can in some instances be deadly.
The speech was given at the North Carolina Pest Management Association’s (NCPMA) 60th Annual Pest Control Technicians (PCT) School at the North Raleigh Hilton. This gathering is one of the nation’s largest pest control technician schools.
The NCPMA used Dr. Koehler’s keynote speech to remind North Carolinians that insects such as cockroaches, fire ants, bed bugs, biting flies, ticks and stinging insects can be dangerous and it is important to take the proper steps to ensure homes are protected and serviced regularly.
“It was critical that the pest professionals from across North Carolina gather here today to not only celebrate the North Carolina Pest Management Association’s 60th year of hosting this important training and educational event, but to also enhance our knowledge of these dangerous pests our customers come into contact with daily,” said Burns Blackwell of Terminix Company in Greensboro and a board member of the NCPMA.
Noting that insects are among the most deadly and dangerous animals in the world, Koehler explained the dangers common pests present to the general public and examined how pest management professionals can work with their clients to eradicate the pests and successfully treat the problem.
“As a society, it is easy to dismiss common pests as gross nuisances,” said Koehler. “However, as we discussed during today’s event, it is crucial for the public to take these pests seriously and utilize the resources of organizations like the North Carolina Pest Management Association to locate a professional and remedy the problem.”
“For the last six decades, our association has worked diligently to provide quality training to our members about the most relevant and timely topics in pest management. Today’s discussion reminds us that properly treating common pests is important work and something our members remain committed to doing,” added Blackwell.
In addition to the keynote address, the PCT School will offer pest management classes on “Spiders and spider bites: fact, fiction, myth, hysteria and the psychological basis behind the lunacy;” “Identification and control of stinging insects;” and “Taking the Sting Out of the Spreading Fire Ant Problem.”
The PCT School began today and continues through Thursday, Jan. 21.
About the NCPMA
Founded in 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina. Formerly, the North Carolina Pest Control Association, NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals.
To learn more about NCPMA or to locate a pest professional, please visit its Web site at: www.ncpestmanagement.org.
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