Latest news with #JimFredericks
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
NPMA Debuts "Bed Bugs Exposed": A Series Revealing How These Sneaky Pests Invade Your Home
Launching during Bed Bug Awareness Week and just in time for summer travel, learn how to spot and stop bed bugs before they take over FAIRFAX, Va., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 29% of Americans know how to identify bed bugs, a new survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports. That leaves most households vulnerable to one of the most elusive pests out there. To change that, NPMA launched an eye-opening video series, "Bed Bugs Exposed." Debuting during Bed Bug Awareness Week, June 1 – 7, this series offers a rare, up-close look at how bed bugs behave in real-world environments, helping consumers learn what they look like, where they hide and most importantly, how to stop them before they become a serious problem. The NPMA team built a mini furnished bedroom and living room set to demonstrate how bed bugs can infiltrate living spaces, burrowing into even the smallest crevices. Alongside an engaging video lineup, NPMA's new microsite serves as a one-stop shop for fast facts, prevention tips, and educational articles to help you stay one step ahead. "Until you've seen a bed bug infestation up close, it's hard to understand just how sneaky these pests really are," shared Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA. "'Bed Bugs Exposed' gives homeowners an unprecedented look at how these pests operate, coupled with the knowledge to spot the signs early and avoid bringing these hitchhikers home." Education is critical. According to a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), just 28% of Americans check their hotel rooms for bed bugs before staying overnight, and less than half of Americans (44%) would leave their accommodations if they found bed bugs. Those numbers are troublesome since bed bugs can latch onto luggage, clothing, or used furniture. Once inside, they're masters at hiding in tiny cracks and crevices, making them incredibly difficult for the untrained eye to detect. "Not only can these blood-feeding pests cause itchy, red welts on your skin, but they can multiply quickly and often go unnoticed, leading to costly treatments if not caught early," added Fredericks. Vigilance is key because bed bugs can hide practically anywhere. A recent survey of pest control professionals conducted by NPMA and the University of Florida found that over 82% of NPMA members have treated for bed bugs in the last year. 89% of respondents indicated that they treated single-family homes, followed by apartments and condos (88%), hotels and motels (70%), nursing homes and assisted care facilities (57%), and college dorms (36%). So, if you suspect bed bugs in your home or vacation rental, don't wait! Contact a pest control professional immediately. These trained experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly identify and eliminate bed bug infestations. For more information about bed bugs and to watch the series, visit About the National Pest Management Association The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube. Survey MethodologyThis survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between April 8 - 10, 2025 among 2,099 U.S. adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Pest Management Association Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Tick Trouble: Rising Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases Highlights Need for Prevention
FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With tick season in full swing, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sounding the alarm during Tick Awareness Week, May 4 – 10, 2025, reminding Americans to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. Far more than a nuisance, ticks can transmit dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy triggered by tick bites. It's tick season—time to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. This #TickAwarenessWeek, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages everyone to take simple steps to stay safe from tick bites and the diseases they can carry. Share Despite these risks, half of Americans (51%) aren't aware that ticks can spread diseases to humans through their bites, according to a recent NPMA survey conducted by The Harris Poll. Even more concerning, 77% don't know how to remove an attached tick—a critical step in reducing disease transmission. 'Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise, and a few smart precautions now can go a long way in protecting your health,' said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. 'May also marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a good reminder of tick threats and easy ways to stay safe.' Ticks thrive in tall grass and wooded areas. To avoid them, NPMA recommends: Using insect repellent with at least 20% DEET and wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors in areas where ticks are present. Clearing overgrown vegetation and keeping grass trimmed. Checking yourself, family, pets, and clothing for ticks before going indoors. Contacting a licensed pest control professional if you suspect a tick problem. For more information on ticks, visit and The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, X, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram. Survey Methodology This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between April 8 - 10, 2025, among 2,099 U.S adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Cicadas 2025: Billions of Brood XIV will soon emerge, is your state on the list?
(Photo credit: Getty Images) Get ready for an insect phenomenon that has been 17 years in the making. Starting this spring, when temperatures are warm enough, parts of the eastern United States will witness the emergence of Brood XIV periodical cicadas. After spending nearly two decades underground, these cicadas are set to emerge in droves, creating a spectacle that will be both seen and heard. Brood XIV, the second-largest periodical cicada brood, last emerged in 2008. Since that time, the nymphs have been living underground, feeding on tree root sap and biding their time until their next emergence. When are they expected to arrive? Periodical cicada emergence hole. (Photo credit: University of Connecticut) Depending on the location, the emergence is expected to begin in mid-May and last through late June, according to the University of Connecticut. The trigger for their appearance is soil temperature reaching 64 degrees Fahrenheit, 8 inches beneath the ground. Cicada nymphs first create exit tunnels in the ground and then emerge, searching for something to climb like a tree or a fence. Then they molt, allowing the adult cicadas to emerge. The males then begin singing to attract the females. After being active for several weeks, the females lay their eggs, the adults die, and the nymphs return underground to wait until their next emergence, over a decade later. A pile of dead and dying periodical cicadas, a member of Brood X, and their cast off nymph shells collects at the base of a tree on June 03, 2021 in Columbia, Maryland. (Photo credit: Getty Images) As opposed to annual cicadas, periodical cicadas only emerge once every 13 or 17 years, making their appearance a rare event. Brood XIV cicadas are distinguished by their black and orange coloring, unlike the green annual cicadas that appear every summer. Brood XIV are expected to emerge this year in Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The last time this brood emerged was in 2008, making their cyclical return a highly anticipated event for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike. "That noise level can get up to a hundred decibels," Dr. Jim Fredericks with the National Pest Management Association told AccuWeather. "The sound of a passing jet plane, the sound of a lawnmower - this is really loud because it's literally hundreds of thousands or millions of individuals singing at the exact same time." Are cicadas dangerous? While the sheer number of cicadas and their loud mating calls might be a nuisance, experts assure that they pose no threat to humans or pets. "People tend to be terribly afraid of insects, and these guys are big, but they are harmless," Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, an entomologist and associate director at the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University told ABC News. "They don't bite, and if your pets ingest them, they will be fine." (Photo credit: Getty Images) Can cicadas damage trees, plants and grass? While cicadas can cause minor damage to young trees by breaking branches to lay their eggs, they generally benefit the ecosystem. "Cicadas are beneficial to tree health because the holes they create can lead to better moisture drainage into the soil and some natural pruning," said Tamra Reall, an entomologist at the University of Missouri. For those who are fascinated by this natural event, Cicada Safari, a citizen science program, allows people to upload their sightings and contribute to tracking these insects. As for the future, entomologists are already looking ahead to 2076, when Brood XIX and Brood XIV will have a joint emergence, creating an even more spectacular - and noisy - event. So, if you find yourself in the eastern U.S. this spring, take a moment to appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon. Just remember to cover your young trees with fine netting to protect them and maybe invest in some earplugs!
USA Today
28-02-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
As winter's end approaches, these US cities could see a surge in pests. What to know
As winter's end approaches, these US cities could see a surge in pests. What to know Show Caption Hide Caption Five ways to prevent mice from wintering in your home As temperatures drop, mice and rats will be looking for a warm place to stay. AccuWeather's Emmy Victor explains how you can keep rodents out. Cities in states like Massachusetts, Florida and Colorado are expected to see surges in pests like ticks, mosquitoes, and rodents as temperatures creep back up this spring, according to a report from the National Pest Management Association. The association's bi-annual forecast seeks to raise awareness about the 'health threats pests pose nationwide, and indicate the U.S. cities most at risk for seeing a surge in disease-spreading pests.' "While we can't control the weather's impact on pest activity, we can take proactive steps to prepare for what's to come," said Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for the association. The report did not just put cities on notice but it also issued a statewide warning for Florida, citing the state's warm, humid climate, which allows disease-carrying pests to thrive year-round. "Ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents pose serious health risks," said Jorge Parada, medical advisor for the association. "They can spread dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Salmonella, plague, and hantavirus, and even trigger asthma and allergies.' What cities are warned? According to the association's public health pest index, the top cities include: Boston, Massachusetts Cleveland, Ohio Denver, Colorado Florida Grand Rapids, Michigan Louisville, Kentucky New Orleans, Louisiana Salt Lake City, Utah San Antonio, Texas Seattle, Washington Washington, D.C. "This report is about protecting public health and equipping homeowners and businesses with the knowledge to stay one step ahead, and that starts with learning the risks and leaning on the expert professionals who can keep these pests at bay,' Fredericks said. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
As winter's end approaches, these US cities could see a surge in pests. What to know
Cities in states like Massachusetts, Florida and Colorado are expected to see surges in pests like ticks, mosquitoes, and rodents as temperatures creep back up this spring, according to a report from the National Pest Management Association. The association's bi-annual forecast seeks to raise awareness about the 'health threats pests pose nationwide, and indicate the U.S. cities most at risk for seeing a surge in disease-spreading pests.' "While we can't control the weather's impact on pest activity, we can take proactive steps to prepare for what's to come," said Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for the association. The report did not just put cities on notice but it also issued a statewide warning for Florida, citing the state's warm, humid climate, which allows disease-carrying pests to thrive year-round. "Ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents pose serious health risks," said Jorge Parada, medical advisor for the association. "They can spread dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Salmonella, plague, and hantavirus, and even trigger asthma and allergies.' According to the association's public health pest index, the top cities include: Boston, Massachusetts Cleveland, Ohio Denver, Colorado Florida Grand Rapids, Michigan Louisville, Kentucky New Orleans, Louisiana Salt Lake City, Utah San Antonio, Texas Seattle, Washington Washington, D.C. "This report is about protecting public health and equipping homeowners and businesses with the knowledge to stay one step ahead, and that starts with learning the risks and leaning on the expert professionals who can keep these pests at bay,' Fredericks said. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These US cities could see a surge in pests as winter's end approaches
