NPMA ePestWorld

Global Pest Management Coalition Announces 2021 Council Members

The Global Pest Management Coalition (GPMC) held its third annual council vote for the 2021 leadership. Each year, the Coalition selects a council of leaders from pest management associations worldwide. These leaders are chosen based on their service, passion and dedication for the industry.

View the appointed GPMC 2021 council members.

Communicate with Your Customers this Winter with Pest Gazette

Looking for an inexpensive marketing tool to reach your customers as winter approaches? The Winter issue of Pest Gazette will showcase how your company can help them control the various types of pests that may take over their home during the season.

Pest Gazette is available in a print and digital format that is perfect for online marketing!

Click here to start customizing your Pest Gazette today!

Heard From the Hill

COVID-19 Vaccine for Essential Pest Control Industry Workers

The COVID-19 vaccine is on the cusp of approval and distribution. While the CDC and states are planning on vaccinating health care workers and high-risk individuals first, the next group is supposed to be essential workers, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security CISA document where structural pest control falls under 1. Food and Agriculture, and 2. Public Works and Infrastructure Support Services.

The NPMA Public Policy Committee approved advocating for structural pest control workers to be vaccinated in the group immediately after health care workers, so our industry could continue to provide our essential services and minimize disruptions caused by COVID-19. The NPMA Public Policy Committee would also like to stress that they support voluntary vaccinations. This is not a mandate or an endorsement of requiring vaccines. NPMA sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on December 11, 2020, advocating for essential pest control workers to be prioritized to receive the vaccine.

To assist with this endeavor, we drafted a letter that state pest control associations may use if they choose to do so and send to their state's governor and other important officials that are making decisions on vaccination distribution. NPMA also has offered to launch grassroots campaigns for state pest control associations so they can advocate for a voluntary COVID-19 vaccine priority that way.

MDAR Online Exam is Live!

MDAR is pleased to announce the pesticide exam is now online and live! Their online exam announcement will provide some key details about the new system.

NEPMA Board members will test the process in the next month and will provide any updates/recommendations in upcoming newsletters.

Learn more.

News From National

Don't Miss Your Last Chance to Earn Credits in 2020!

Take advantage of this last opportunity to earn credits in 2020 and learn the latest on bed bug research. For only $150 you will have access to the Global Bed Bug Summit virtual platform through December 31!

Hear from 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 as they cover a wide variety of hot topics relating to bed bugs. Click here to view all the on-demand sessions available.

CEUs are approved in many states, click here to view detailed information for your location.

Click here to purchase and get access today!

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

Informational Leave-Behind Brochures for Your Customers

NPMA has designed informational leave-behind brochures that can effectively market the dangers of pests to your clients. These trifold brochures for ticks, termites and bed bugs detail what homeowners should look for regarding the dangers these pests pose and why every home should be protected by a pest control company. The brochures are fully customizable, allowing you to add your company logo and contact information on the back page. Click here to start your customized order.

NPMA Education and Events

NPMA’s Business Development 3-Part Webinar Series – FREE TO MEMBERS!

EPISODE 1: BUDGETING BASICS: HOW TO FAST TRACK A BUDGET
January 13, 2021 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST | REGISTER
Panelists: Tony DeSimone President, You’re the Expert Now; Caitlin Justice, Financial Analyst, Blades of Green
Moderator: Audrey Hall, President, EcoServe Pest Services

Free budgeting template included for all attendees!

In pest control, a flashlight is one of the most basic but essential tools for the job. Trying to service an account without a flashlight can leave you feeling completely lost! Much like a flashlight, a financial budget is one of the most critical financial tools for running any business that is often forgotten because, quite frankly, there are just too many hats to wear! In episode one, get your very own downloadable budget template learn how to set it up from small business expert Tony DeSimone of “You’re the Expert Now.” Then, learn what makes a pest control budget unique and what key numbers to watch for with Caitlin Justice, Financial Analyst from Blades of Green on! Prepare yourself to walk into 2021 with your brightest business flashlight!

Limited seats are available for each episode, so sign up 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

Weekly Headlines

Pennsylvania Turns to Man's Best Friend to Sniff Out Spotted Lanternfly Infestation

NPR
Lucky, a 19-month-old German shepherd, is the first dog trained to find the eggs of the colorful cousin of cicadas and aphids before the lanternflies hatch and spread their wings.

Experts Worry Christmas Trees Could Bring Murder Hornets, Other Pests to Hawaii

KHON
It’s the centerpiece of many homes on Christmas. But before the tree gets to your home, it has to go through inspections, shaking and sometimes pesticides to help keep invasive species from getting a free trip to Hawaii.

Remember to Check Packages for Pests as You Shop Online for the Holidays

Fox 13

As we shop online more this holiday season, pest control experts are also expecting more calls. That's because those cardboard packages left out in front of homes are basically an invitation for bugs and rats to come inside.

Mischievous Arkansas squirrel sabotages Christmas display

WIVB

Many people in one neighborhood in Arkansas were convinced the Grinch was trying to steal Christmas by cutting the cord on their decorations. Turns out the culprit has two more legs than everyone thought.

For your Business

From Restless to Rest: 3 Steps to Find Meaning in 2020

Lead Change Group
Don’t overlook the opportunity to discover meaning from a year that no one anticipated, and not many want to repeat. Here are three steps to find meaning as you approach the end of 2020.

What to Do When You’re Feeling Exhausted

The Eblin Group
This has been the mother of all exhausting years. Even for those of us who have been fortunate enough to stay healthy and employed during the pandemic, 2020 has taken a huge toll on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual reserves.

3 Ways Companies Can Boost Morale During the Pandemic

Entrepreneur
There are plenty of fun and creative ways to celebrate company milestones that won't break the bank.

How Smart Bosses Manage Workplace Conflict Without Hurting Company Culture

Inc.
Here is how team conflict can be managed to be an innovative and creative advantage.

How to Create a Better Marketing Plan

Built-In
For marketers, even if the pandemic recedes, the next year will still bring a slew of unknown after effects. Start by setting yourself up for maximum agility in 2021.