VPMA Designates Master Technicians

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Virginia Pest Management Association announces the addition of five new Master Technicians to a growing group of pest management professionals that carry this exclusive designation in Virginia. This brings the total number of professionals in this elite group to 68. These Master Technicians have successfully completed at least 4 individual workshops focusing on different pest groups to qualify for this prestigious designation.  Technicians from the following three Virginia companies joined the elite group of VPMA Master Technicians: Bug-Masters, in Virginia Beach; Lone Pine Exterminating Co. in Coeburn; and Superior Exterminating Co., Inc. in Roanoke.

Realizing that consumers have many choices when selecting a professional pest management company, the Virginia Pest Management Association (a statewide trade association) created this hands-on training program as a way for pest management companies to educate their technicians in a way that sets them apart as experts. Called the Master Technician Program, it prepares pest management professionals to be the “problem solver” for their customers in all pest matters.

The Master Technician Program provides technicians with in-depth, hands-on training in pest identification; biology and behavior; and inspection and treatment methods.  Workshops are currently available for Pest Ants, Termites, Occasional Invaders (including Stink Bugs), Bed Bugs, Cockroaches, Rodents and Pest Flies.  Once an individual has successfully completed all aspects of at least 4 pest group workshops, they receive the designation of Master Technician. 

The Master Technician Program’s curriculum coordinator and lead trainer, Dr. Dini Miller from Virginia Tech, says, “Technicians rise to the challenge when given the opportunity to expertly identify and study insects that they commonly, or not so commonly, encounter in the field.  The scientific laboratory setting of the Master Technician Program encourages them to explore the intricate facets of each insect group.”

To learn more about VPMA Master Technicians visit www.VPMAonline.com.