10-14-10: State Association Panel Provides Insight Into Bed Bug Situation and Training for Technicians
Panel part of NCPMA Fall Meeting for Metro-Charlotte region
Raleigh, N.C. – As part of its ongoing training for pest management technicians, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) Thursday hosted a Bed Bugs panel of pest management experts. The panel, part of the NCPMA Fall meeting for the Metro-Charlotte region, was designed to provide training and insight into the growing problem of bed bug infestations statewide.
“As pest management professionals, our member companies continue to receive higher call volume for bed bug infestations than ever before,” said Fred Wingate, NCPMA Regional Director for the Metro-Charlotte Region and owner of Noosa Pest Management in Charlotte. “The North Carolina Pest Management Association is providing this panel as part of our ongoing effort to provide our technicians with the knowledge and understanding they need to better address their customer’s needs and to help them identify the best options for bed bug treatments.”
The panel featured Dr. Michael Waldvogel, Extension Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University; Brian Wardwell of Forshaw Distribution; Robert Brannon, Professional K-9 Handler; and Michael Littell of BASF.
“On this panel, we are providing our members with information from all types of bed bug experts ranging from entomologists to chemical manufacturing representatives and even bed-bug sniffing dog handlers,” Wingate said. “We are creating a dialogue that will allow our members to better serve their customers.”
Although the population was drastically reduced from the U.S. decades ago, bed bugs have reemerged in recent years due to changes in pesticide laws and treatments, ease of international travel and immigration.
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) bedbugs hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They are often found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery and in furniture crevices.
“To properly treat bed bug infestations, homeowners should hire a professional pest management company, and the North Carolina Pest Management Association is dedicated to insuring that our members receive the most up-to-date training and learn the latest treatment techniques,” said Kristin Dodd of Carolina Pest Management in Monroe and president of the NCPMA.
Although treating bed bugs requires a professional pest management company, there are several steps to help prevent bringing bedbugs into a home. These steps may include:
- Carry a small flashlight to assist you with visual inspections.
- Before sleeping in a hotel or rental property bed, check the mattress, bedsheets and cracks and crevices in the headboard and furniture for tell-tale signs of bed bugs such as blood stains or black spots.
- Consider bringing a large plastic trashbag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays.
- Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation.
- Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address a possible infestation.
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, please visit www.ncpestmanagement.org.
####
