NPMA ePestWorld

PPMA Calls for Industry Participation During Inaugural Tick Awareness Week

Pest control companies urged to help spread consumer awareness of the dangers associated with ticks

The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), is excited to announce the launch of its newest project, TickTalk.org, and is calling on the industry to help educate consumers about the health threats posed by ticks during its inaugural Tick Awareness Week—recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events—May 10-16, 2021. According to research recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human cases of Lyme disease are more common in the U.S. than previously thought at an estimated 476,000 per year—a staggering 44% increase compared to the previous annual estimate of roughly 329,000. As such, PPMA felt it imperative to create a one-stop-shop for all things tick-related, and TickTalk.org will now serve as that crucial resource to educate and inform the public on the health risks associated with ticks and the steps they can take to protect against them. Learn more.

Check out the TickTalk.org press release.

PestWorld Magazine's July/August Issue is Out Now!

The July/August 2021 issue of PestWorld magazine is now out! The issue focuses on Promoting Smart Growth, with the following features:

Managing Rapid Growth
In periods of fast growth, business owners can become overwhelmed—in this article, three NPMA members share how they managed rapid expansion.

Diversification or Diversion?
For operators considering the diversification question, it is crucial to take the necessary time and care exploring their options before diversifying.

Calling All Job Candidates
NPMA’s Workforce Development Program provides a wealth of resources for job seekers and employers, including an informative website, www.PestControlJobs.com.

PestWorld 2021: A Look Ahead
This year’s PestWorld—in person—will be held in Las Vegas on November 2-5, and is sure to provide the same stellar education and networking opportunities as always.

Cyber Crime on the Rise: Beware of Scams & Social Engineering Fraud
With a more heavy reliance on digital platforms, exposure to cyber risks are also enhanced—this article will give tips to identify and avoid scams.

The issue also includes articles on: Marketing Tactics to Help Grow Your Business Post-COVID-19, Getting a Government Contract, a 2021 Asian Giant Hornet Update and more.

Also, check out our PestWorld magazine website, where you'll find current and archived articles, as well as exclusive online-only content!

News From National

You Say More Than You Think... Learn About Body Language at Academy 2021

Join us at Academy 2021 on July 13-15 at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona and hear from body language expert Janine Driver. During this session you will learn how to read emotions accurately to build rapport and trust; ask powerful questions to turn a situation around; use elite verbal and non-verbal success strategies; identify concealed emotions and decode micro-expressions & how to expose fibs in emails, Facebook, over the phone and in-person and always have the upper hand--professionally and personally!

View the program and register today!

NPMA BugBytes Special Release! Exploring Cutting Edge Rodenticide Research with Guest Dr. Niamh Quinn

Check out the latest BugBytes podcast about mapping out the rodenticide exposure pathway is a critical step in the prevention of non-target exposure. Hear what exciting research is taking us one step closer to solving this mystery with Dr. Niamh Quinn, Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor for the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center.

Women of Excellence Award Program – Now Accepting Nominations

All nominations must be received by August 31, 2021.

NPMA is now accepting nominations for the annual Women of Excellence Award, sponsored by Target Specialty Products. This award is open to women across the pest management industry - pest control companies, manufacturers, research organizations, etc. - who demonstrate outstanding leadership and have made notable contributions to the development and growth of the profession, their business, and other women in the industry. Click here for more information and to nominate a candidate.

Members Make Headlines

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Rollins, Inc.

Rollins, Inc. employees participated in a variety of community activities including a Frontline cookout, prepared hygiene kits, food bank donations, and more.

Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida Honors Massey Family With The Tess Wise White Rose Award For ‘Generations Of Generosity’

Massey Services is pleased to announce that The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida recently presented the Massey family with the Tess Wise White Rose Award. This award is in recognition of the family’s contributions and commitments within the community through the Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation and Massey Services.

Learn more.

Terminix Service, Inc. Donates $1 Million to Launch Urban Entomology Program at Clemson

Terminix Service, Inc., is pleased to announce a $1 million gift to launch the Urban Entomology Initiative at Clemson University. This lead gift will be used to support research, education and training in urban entomology—the study of non-agricultural pests, focusing on solutions to pest problems in and around structures used by people.

Learn more.

Massey Services’ CFO Jean Nowry Honored as One of Orlando Magazine’s Women Of The Year

Massey Services is pleased to announce that Jean Nowry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, was named one of Orlando Magazine’s 2021 Women of the Year.

Learn more.

Weekly Headlines

Meet the Cats Fighting Chicago’s Rat Problem

WGN9
For the sixth consecutive year, Chicago has been named the rattiest city in America according to Orkin. To combat this issue, the Tree House Humane Society has placed over 1,000 feral cats onto Chicago streets since 2012.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Have Come to the U.S. Will They Work?

Time
Oxitec’s Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved for use last year—are genetically modified to include a “self-limiting” gene that produces a fatal protein.

Track Ticks in Illinois Using Interactive Surveillance Map

NBC Chicago
With Illinois officials urging residents to check themselves and loved ones for tick bites while outside, there's a way to track the insects throughout the state.

'Murder Hornet' Relative Spotted in Ireland for the First Time

International Business Times
An invasive hornet species that is closely related to the so-called "murder hornet" has been spotted for the first time in Ireland. It has been found in a "private dwelling" in north Dublin.

Why You Might Spot a ‘Cicada Chimney’ Before the Bugs Come Out in a Swarm This Summer

Prevention
These mud structures can get taller in wet areas—but they’re usually just holes in the ground.

For your Business

Do This One Thing to Instantly Boost Your Confidence at Work

Fast Company
You can fix confidence drops by invoking the power of a single, very special technique.

Your Leadership Is Contagious—Whether You Know It or Not

Lolly Daskal
Leadership is contagious, whether leaders know it or not. If a leader’s standards slip, the standards of the organization follow.

Want to Improve Your Leadership Skills? Focus on Critical Thinking

Inc.
Highly successful leaders are exceptional critical thinkers. Here are five ways to improve your approach to strategic problem-solving and decision-making.

How to Maximize Your Company's Value Through Marketing

Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs can utilize marketing to influence their goals and optimize the value of their company.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Kindness at Work

Harvard Business Review
Practicing kindness by giving compliments and recognition has the power to transform our remote workplace.