PMPs Sometimes Maligned?

Nearly forty years in the pest control industry has shown me some interesting traits of our culture. Obviously, there can be an unpleasant association people make between what we deal with around pest management and ourselves. After all, we deal with creepy little bugs and filthy rats and mice. We crawl into dusty attics and grimy crawl spaces beneath homes. And, it is assumed, we "live around" and "spray" TOXIC chemicals. Who would willingly commit themselves to such work? Realistically, our work is no more or less dirty than the plumber who also has to crawl into those dark spaces. And the medical profession--doctors and nurses--have to change bed pans and deal with unpleasant aspects of the human anatomy...and sometimes even contagious diseases. But, having starting in this industry nearly four decades ago, I can testify that there have been characters who were sometimes slovenly dressed or sometimes morally compromised and did little to elevate our profession. Nevertheless, even when those of us determine to be professional in our practices--entomological knowledge, knowledge of IPM and least toxic pesticides, sincere in our care of our clients--we may still occasionally be maligned by a prejudice about "exterminators." Even if this happens only once in a while we know as PMPs that we're not automatically considered one of the traditional "professions." So it is important that we carry ourselves in the most professional manor and even go the extra mile to properly earn their trust and respect. One of the most powerful ways we can develop as Pest Management Professionals is to develop Least-Toxic/ Integrated Pest Management approaches. This is why we participate in PCOEAG, the Pest Control Operators Environmental Achievement Group. It is our goal to develop as a unique group of dedicated pest management professionals. And as we demonstrate our commitment to "green pest control," we can proudly show the PCOEAG badge on our websites, bringing attention to the fact that we are devoted to providing safer and more conscientious pest management.

Submitted by Kurt Treftz Cascade Pest Control, Redmond, WA