NEPMA Raising Rodent Awareness by Offering Four-Hour Educational Programs

The New England Pest Management Association is marking PPMA's Rodent Awareness Week by making it Rodent Awareness Season.

In response to misinformation NEPMA members report hearing from local health inspectors dealing with rats, the association put together a four hour rat information program designed for community health inspectors. The initiative is the brainchild of Galvin Murphy (Yankee Pest Control) and Kevin Moran (Forshaw). Sessions are being held in four different regions of the state (Northeast, Southeast, Central and Western Massachusetts).

The first session was held in Malden, Mass. More than 30 health inspectors attended from 15 different health departments. Besides Murphy and Moran, Eric Richmond (Ransford Environmental Solutions), Kevin P Moran (Forshaw), Sheila Haddad (Bell Labs) and Richard Berman (RCBerman LLC) participated in the meeting.

The sessions do not promote any individual, company or business entity and are purely informational. The meeting covers basic behavior and biology, tools of the trade, industry best management practices, pesticide applicator rules and regulations, rodent myths and more. Rodent burrow treating equipment was demonstrated outside the Malden location, along with displays of other rodent devices and products. Feedback from the first session was positive. Attendees received a meeting binder and an NEPMA certificate of attendance.  - Report provided by Richard Berman