Understand the Risk of Pests and Proper Prevention Measures this National Pest Management Month

The National Pest Management Association discusses the importance of proper pest control.

April is National Pest Management Month (NPMM), an annual observance recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events highlighting the vital role pest control plays in protecting public health, food and property from the threats posed by pests. This April, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is dedicated to educating consumers about the risks associated with pests and emphasizing the critical role of proper pest control.

“This month serves as a reminder of pest management professionals’ ongoing dedication to safeguard our living and working environments,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA. “By implementing proper pest control measures, you can protect yourself and your property from the risk of contamination, disease, and damage that pests can cause.”

As concluded through NPMA’s Spring and Summer Bug Barometer report results, and with the upcoming dual emergence of Broods XIII and XIX cicadas, this spring is projecting to be particularly buggy. NPMA is educating consumers on the pests to look out for this spring and how to prevent them:

• Ants can quickly infest an area if not properly controlled. Prevent them by sealing cracks and crevices around the home and storing sweets like honey and sugar in closed containers.
• Rodents will squeeze through any opening as small as a dime and can contaminate everything they touch. Prevent them by screening vents and openings outside of the home and keeping attics, basements, and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry.
• Ticks transmit the pathogen that cause Lyme disease. Prevent them by keeping grass cut in yards and well-trimmed around fence lines, sheds, trees, shrubs, and other locations throughout the property, and thoroughly inspecting clothing and skin after spending time in natural areas outdoors.
• Termites will chew through wood, flooring, and wallpaper 24/7 if left undetected. Prevent them by routinely inspecting the foundation of a home and any visible areas of wood for signs of termites and eliminate moisture in and around the home.

As the temperature rises, the risk of pest infestations also increases. “If you suspect a pest infestation, be proactive in your prevention and call a pest control professional,” says Fredericks. Pest control is not a do-it-yourself task, for more expert prevention tips and to find a licensed pest control professional, visit www.PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.

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