April is designated the National Pest Management Month. Did you know that National Pest Management Month recognizes the professional pest control industry’s work to protect against the diseases and dangers of pests?
National Pest Management Month
The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), NPMA’s consumer and media outreach arm, created National Pest Management Month (April), Termite Awareness Week (March 13-19), Bed Bug Awareness Week (June 5-11), and Rodent Awareness Week (October 23-29) to enable the public to learn more about the work industry professionals do to protect health, food, and property from the dangers and diseases of pests – and learn more about the insects and rodents themselves. This year these occasions will once again be recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events, the world’s foremost authority on observances and celebrations.
Pest control Professionals
“Pest control professionals play a key role in today’s society, working year-round to protect our homes, families, and businesses from the many threats associated with pests,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs at NPMA. “While the tireless work these men and women perform should be recognized every day, National Pest Management Month is the perfect time of year to remind homeowners and business owners to be vigilant in pest-proofing their properties at the start of spring, and of the importance of working with a licensed pest control professional before an infestation gets out of hand.”
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
Pest activity
According to AP News, “the onset of spring brings warmer weather and increased pest activity, and many of these pests can move indoors without leaving visible warning signs of an infestation until it’s too late. From termites that cause $5 billion in property damage a year in the U.S., to the diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and rodents, pest-proofing should be a top priority this April to stave off a whole host of critters that can wreak havoc on both property and human health.
Top springtime pests
The top springtime pests according to the National Pest Management Association are:
Termites
These voracious pests are known as “silent destroyers” for their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected, and are particularly drawn to moist, secluded areas within a structure.
Pro tip: Install downspouts, gutters and splash blocks to divert water away from the foundation, and be sure to eliminate mulch or wood contact with the exterior of the structure.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases, including malaria, West Nile virus, Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis and chikungunya virus.
Pro tip: Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so be sure to remove sources of moisture around the property, as they only need half an inch to breed – that’s roughly the size of a bottle cap.
Ticks
Ticks are also vectors of numerous diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, human babesiosis, and Powassan encephalitis. Due to the rapid rise in Lyme disease cases across the country in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just announced it will be monitoring the nation’s tick population moving forward.
Pro tip: Check both persons and pets before heading inside after spending time outdoors, and seek immediate medical attention if a bite is suspected.
Flies
In addition to being a nuisance, flies can contaminate food and are also responsible for transmitting diseases, such as malaria, Salmonella, and tuberculosis.
Pro tip: Regularly remove garbage and use well-sealed receptacles to help deter flies from entering the premises.
Rodents
The house mouse and deer mice are vectors of Salmonella and hantavirus, respectively, while Norway rats and roof rats are also vectors of Salmonella, as well as plague, typhus, jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, and trichinosis.
Pro tip: Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime, and rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter, so be sure to seal any cracks with an appropriate sealant.
Contact a local experienced pest control company at the first signs of an infestation.
Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors, and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant, and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
