• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Pest Control Industry Pitches In for Katrina Clean-Up

Posted on: Thursday, 22 September 2005, 18:00 CDT

Pest control has become a hot issue in the flooded areas of the Gulf Coast. Mosquitoes, in particular, have been the insect drawing the most attention due to the threat of West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, flies, cockroaches, rodents, and venomous spiders and snakes will most likely become real issues in the next few weeks.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization comprised of pest control companies, is volunteering the services of their members to combat infestations to control disease. Working with state and local authorities, association pest control operators will be sent into outlying areas not currently being treated by the U.S. military.

"Our hearts ache for all those who lost so much," said Rob Lederer, NPMA's Executive Vice President. "We decided that the best way to help is to put our skills to use by helping to control pest populations and protect public health."

Rodents can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, salmonellosis, and even the plague, which is normally extremely rare in the United States. Cockroaches can exacerbate asthma symptoms and flies can pass along a whole host of diseases, including typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

Additionally, the South is home to many venomous creatures. Snakes, including the copperhead, cottonmouth water moccasin, eastern coral snake, and several varieties of rattlesnakes all have potentially deadly bites. Spiders, such as the brown recluse and black widow, have a painful bite that can lead to severe reactions in some people.

NPMA urges those involved in the clean-up effort to be vigilant for pests hiding in piles of debris, dresser drawers, in cars, and inside furniture and personal belongings. Eliminate standing water whenever possible and use insect repellant - preferably one containing DEET. Large pest infestations should be reported to local authorities.

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, please visit pestworld.org.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category