NPMA ePestWorld

NPMA Hosts Successful Virtual Global Bed Bug Summit

Over 280 individuals participated in our first-ever virtual Global Bed Bug Summit last week! Industry experts including Dr. Chow-Yang Lee of the University of California, Dr. Karen Vail of the University of Tennessee, Dr. Dini Miller of the Virginia Polytechnic and State University, and many others, covered a wide variety of hot topics relating to bed bugs. Although we were not able to come together in person as we had hoped, the virtual format holds the unique benefit of extended access to the platform where attendees can continue to watch sessions, earn CEUs, and visit exhibitors through the end of this month.

We thank all who made the commitment to join us last week, and give thanks to the NPMA Strategic Partners (BASF, Bayer, Corteva, FMC and Syngenta) as well as Bed Bug Central, Aprehend, Allergy Technologies, and MGK for their continued support of this event.

Last Chance to Register for the Digital Misinformation: How to Sort Through All of the Bug Fake News Webinar

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | REGISTER
Nancy Troyano, Ph.D., BCE, Rentokil North America, Reading, PA
Digital misinformation is becoming more prevalent with the widespread use of social media. At any given time, you may log onto Facebook or Twitter and see "the invasive kissing bug", "miracle ant cures", or “homemade insect repellent”. There is a lot of information to sort through and it’s tough to figure out what is accurate or misleading. In this day and age especially, we need to remain vigilant and educated on how to use social media responsibly for science and science communication. Learn how to determine what’s a tall tale and find reliable sources so that you can have accurate information to tell your customers the next time they come across an alarming, not-true story.

Heard From the Hill

NPMA Submits Comments to EPA on Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments DDVP

Last week, NPMA submitted official comments to the Federal Docket in response to EPA’s Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for DDVP (dichlorvos). NPMA’s comments focused on the benefits of DDVP, especially with regard to cockroach and bed bug control as well as resistance management. DDVP is one of the last remaining organophosphate insecticides available for structural pest management uses and can be an important part of insecticide resistance management efforts. NPMA also addressed important overestimates of daily use assumptions made by EPA regarding aerosol formulations. To read a copy of the comments submitted to EPA, click here. To review the DDVP Docket follow this link.

News From National

COVID: What 2021 Might Hold

Our industry has had an eventful year; we have risen to the challenges posed by COVID and shown that we are essential. As 2020 ends, our industry has optimism for 2021 but also uncertainty about what the next 12 months could bring. With travel, school, sports and so many other activities disrupted, NPMA wanted to share a draft timeline from Politico.com of what 2021 could bring month by month.

Of course, much could change and in the absence of a federal vaccine distribution plan, some states may move faster than others or prioritize different groups for inoculation. We also will likely continue to see a patchwork of social distancing measures well into 2021 as caseloads fluctuate.

NPMA continues to advocate for COVID relief measures with policymakers but looks forward to seeing everyone in person next year. While NPMA did not create this timeline, we think it is an interesting look at what could happen in 2021.

View the Politico.com timeline.

Do You Want to Get More Involved in NPMA? Submit a Nomination to Serve on a Committee or Interest Group

Nominee submission deadline: March 15

Each year, NPMA works diligently to identify and recruit members to serve on our association’s standing committees and interest groups. In an effort to foster fresh ideas and allow all NPMA members to share their expertise, we are calling on you to nominate yourself or pass this survey along to an industry colleague to serve on an NPMA committee or interest group. Your involvement and leadership will help us chart a successful future for the association and the industry. Final decisions will be made by the end of May and communicated at the beginning of June in time for the committee cycle which begins July 1st.

Member Benefit Highlight

Download the New NPMA Mobile App!

Download the new NPMA app to access all of your membership benefits right through your phone! Stay up-to-date with NPMA news, collaborate easier in MyNPMA, register for and navigate events, and message with other members all in one place! Ready to get started? Search “NPMA” in the App Store or Google Play Store to download, then log in using your NPMA member credentials.

NPMA Education and Events

Make plans to join the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and get ready to reconnect in-person with your peers at the 2021 Wildlife Expo on February 1-3 in Orlando, Florida.

The Wildlife Expo educational program will provide both technical and business-related information to professionals who are involved in wildlife management or are considering offering this valuable add-on service. The program also features networking opportunities and the chance to check out the newest technology and services in the Exhibit Hall. Whether you are a large company or a one-man shop, use this opportunity to grow this segment of your business by attending this unique meeting.

View the full program and register today!

Attend Your Local Pest Management Association Events!

WVPMA 2021 Winter Blitz	January 12-13, 2021	Virtual Event
NCPMA PCT School	January 25-28, 2021	Virtual Event
NSPCA Urban Pest Management Conference	February 18-19, 2021	Virtual Event
UPMA 2021 Spring Conference	February 25-26, 2021	Virtual Event

Members Make Headlines

Tick IPM Special Session

The IPM Institute of North America’s Tick IPM Working Group, in collaboration with the TickEncounter Resource Center and One Health Lessons, will be hosting a virtual Tick IPM Special Session on Thursday, December 10 from 1:00-2:30pm CT. Dr. Thomas Mather and Megan Dyer will be presenting about natural products for blacklegged tick control and will share how effective they are. Next, Dr. Deborah Thomson will be sharing how the pandemic has led to wide-spread health education for children and the public.

Click here to download the registration form.

Weekly Headlines

How to Avoid Shipping Pests Directly to Your Home

BusinessWire

The National Pest Management Association warns that those special deliveries could be bringing more than just gifts.

Beware of Pests in that Fresh Christmas Tree

The Salt Lake Tribune

Considering a fresh Christmas tree for the holidays? Watch out for gypsy moths, pine shoot beetles and other invasive species, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) warns.

Be Vigilant for Ticks That Remain Active Year Round

WTNH

There might be a misconception about ticks becoming less active in colder months. However, Dr. Molaei of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) said they have received about 600 ticks in November alone.

'Huge' Deadly Snake Filmed Swimming by Beach as Kids Play Nearby

Newsweek

One of the world's deadliest snakes was seen swimming at a popular beach in Australia on Sunday, as families with children played nearby.

Red Squirrels Going Nuts for Ottawa Couple's Christmas Lights, But Reason Remains A Mystery

CBC

'We're trying to figure out what they're doing with the bulbs': frustrated homeowner.

For your Business

On the Safe Side

PestWorld Magazine

Amidst a pandemic, communicating safety procedures to both employees and clients is increasingly important.

10 Leadership Strategies for Thriving in 2021

Leading in Context

Here are ten leadership strategies that span many different leadership roles – implementing all of them well can propel us forward in the current high-visibility, high-stakes environment.

The 3 Steps to Making Tough Decisions—Bold Advice from an Ex-Marine Officer

Fast Company

A leadership consultant brings his military experience to the boardroom to guide C-suite execs on how to work through perilous challenges—and when to act.

3 Reasons to Prioritize PR Over the Holiday Season

Entrepreneur

Think that the festive season is a time to slow down your publicity? Think again.

Compassionate Leadership Is Necessary — but Not Sufficient

Harvard Business Review

For effective leadership, compassion must be combined with wisdom, i.e. leadership competence and effectiveness.