NPMA Blue Ribbon Panel and convention attendees listen to the discussions.

NPMA is Working Hard to Create Industry Standards and Treatment Guidelines for Bed Bug Services
Just this last month in Hawaii at the National Pest Management Association convention a special Blue Ribbon panel gathered to start discussion on the creation of industry standards or best practice guidelines for bed bug pest control professionals. Topics that were discussed included:

• The need for company and technician training programs and certifications for bed bug treatment.

• Identification of the types of standards or best practices needed for bed bug inspections, treatment, and monitoring.

• Policy initiatives for bed bug extermination and consumer education that should be pursued at the national and legislative level.

• Discussion of the type, amount and funding of bed bug research still to be done.

• Efficacy of products and services (what works and what doesn’t)

With many NPMA convention attendees sitting in on this special Blue Ribbon panel session, the gathering became a rapid fire yet thought provoking conversation. Many pest control professionals expressed their desire to have the NPMA create bed bug certification programs, technician training modules, and fund or identify additional research on bed bug extermination protocols.

Of interest was the discussion on of the creation of industry standards on bed bug extermination or the creation of industry best practices. Several convention attendees expressed to the panel that consumers are the ones who would really benefit from industry certifications and that these programs including best practices/guidelines should be fast tracked.

Numerous pest control firm owners called for the creation of a certification standards for bed bug dogs; allowing for industry standardization in regards to dog training and the measuring of the success rate of bed bug identification.
With bed bugs becoming a national epidemic, the National Pest Management Association is leading the way in creating and shaping the message that will help consumers and pest professionals alike identify solutions and protocols for the effective and efficient treatment of bed bugs. The task seems huge but is necessary.

It is time for pest professionals to take action on this important issue. We commend the National Pest Management Association for spearheading this important initiative that is sure to benefit all impacted by bed bugs.
The next Blue Ribbon panel will be meeting on January 5th 2011 in Denver, Colorado at the National Bed Bug Forum. All convention attendees are invited to sit in on the panel’s second meeting.