NPMA to Host Zika Workshop

On May 4, NPMA will host a free virtual workshop titled "Zika: What You Need to Know."

 

Beginning at 1 p.m. (EST) on May 4, the 3.5-hour workshop is designed to deliver business, technical and messaging expertise to PMPs in preparation for the upcoming mosquito season.

 

CLICK HERE to register.

  

The workshop will be broken into four segments, as follows:

 

Part One:  Disease Considerations and Mosquito Biology

Presented by a representative of the Centers for Disease Control (invited)

 

Understanding the complex interactions between the disease cycle and the mosquito vector species is vital when communicating with clients concerned about Zika.  In this session, learn the most up-to-date information about Zika, its transmission, where it can be found and the mosquitoes that transmit the pathogen to people.  

    

Part Two: Business Models

Presented by Greg Sweat from Arrow Exterminators in Atlanta, Ga., Dave Billingsly from American Pest in Fulton, Md., and Dennis Jenkins from ABC Home and Commercial Services in Lewisville, Texas

 

PMPs across the country work hard to develop programs that effectively control mosquitoes in residential settings. This segment features three PMPs who will focus on successful business models and practices employed by companies that offer backyard mosquito control. If you are interested in adding mosquito control as part of service offerings, this is a great session to find out what works (and what doesn't). If you already offer mosquito control, here's your opportunity to learn about ways to improve your existing program.

 

Part Three: Talking with Your Customers about Mosquito Control

Presented by Cindy Mannes, Executive Director, Professional Pest Management Alliance

 

You have worked hard to train your team in residential mosquito control but now you need to talk with customers and potential customers about health threats related to mosquitoes and what is on everyone's mind now "Zika".  The session will focus on talking points you can use for mosquito control services in residential areas as well as a focus on Zika virus and what the consumer may or may not know.  We'll also cover mosquito marketing messages for digital and traditional media that you can incorporate into your program or use as a jumping off point to build a program.  Bonus: Find out what your association is doing to educate the consumer on mosquito control services and the unfolding Zika story.

 

Part Four: Treatment Methods

Presented by Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., National Pest Management Association

 

There are special concerns and considerations that you must address when approaching backyard mosquito treatments. This session will spell out the latest advancements and knowledge about this unique avenue of pest management and explore how the regulatory landscape is shaping up for these treatments. Mosquito season will be here before you know it and you can't afford to miss out on this great learning opportunity!