PPMA Offers Talking Points in Response to Smart Money Article

FAIRFAX, Va. — An August 2007 article published in Smart Money magazine titled 10 Things Your Exterminator Won't Tell You negatively portrays the positive impact the professional pest management industry has on the health and safety of American families and homes. Please use this question and answer guide to help prepare you and your employees for possible inquiries from customers and the media about this article. A complete copy of the article can be found in the “Hot Issues” section of PPMAtools.org.

Specific counterpoints to each of Ken Binsinger’s, the article’s author, points have been prepared for you below:

Article: “Bed bugs are back - and I have no idea how to treat them."
Bed bugs are VERY elusive, transient and nocturnal pests. They are often found in other areas besides the bed, and are known for being hardy pests.

Through vigilance, regular inspection and proper treatment, professional pest management companies CAN control bed bugs. (See Bed bug talking points also in ppmatools.org)

Article: "You can't sue me - my contract's ironclad."
When you are hiring a pest professional, there is no need to rush into a decision. Before signing a contract, the public should be sure to fully understand the nature of the pest to be controlled, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem.

As pest professionals, we suggest that you find out what type of guarantee is given, particularly as it relates to termite control. The two types of termite contracts are for damage only and damage and repair. We suggest that the public fully understand what they are signing.

Article: "Either I'm not using enough juice for the job..."
Article: "...or else I'm using waaay too much."
This industry has 19,000 companies and over 100,000 service personnel and the percentage of companies providing quality service is extremely high. Customers looking to hire a licensed, qualified pest professional should visit pestworld.org and check the National Pest Management Association’s tips for selecting a pest professional.

Article: "If your neighbors don't hire me too, this treatment is worthless."
The beauty of 21st century pest management services is every house and every pest infestation is treated on a case-by-case basis. Integrated pest management, the most cutting edge and holistic approach to pest control, teaches applicators to not only eradicate pests but to attack problems at the source – sealing cracks, removing food supplies, eliminating moisture. This type of approach can make every house an island from pests; however, it requires a regular and ongoing partnership between homeowners and pest professionals. Visit www.whatisipm.org for more information.

Article: "We'll spray even when you don't need it."
Many pest professionals are now using integrated pest management, the most cutting edge and holistic approach to pest control. IPM teaches pest professionals to not only eradicate pests but to attack problems at the source – sealing cracks, removing food supplies, eliminating moisture. It requires a regular and ongoing partnership between homeowner and pest professional. Visit www.whatisipm.org for more information.

Article: "I'll bungle your home inspection - but you'll pay for it."
Article: "I'm not above praying on your vulnerability."
This industry has 19,000 companies and over 100,000 service personnel and the percentage of companies providing quality service is extremely high. Customers looking to hire a licensed, qualified pest professional should visit pestworld.org and check the National Pest Management Association’s tips for selecting a pest professional.

Article: "You don't need to call me for every bug you see."
Some pests are best left to professionals such as termites, bed bugs and serious infestations of pests which may contribute to health issues like rodents, cockroaches and stinging insects. However, sometimes pest management comes down to a consumer’s tolerance issue. Some homeowners will be comfortable dealing with or living with a few nuisance ants in and around their homes. Others would prefer their pest professional handle any and all pest problems. We are happy working as partners with homeowners in any and all capacity they would like.