Latest news with #NPMA
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
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cicadas are coming, but those aren't the only pests emerging in MA in 2025
This spring, Massachusetts residents will see a surge of cicadas, but there will also be other insects of which people should be aware. Soon, the 17-year periodical cicadas, also known as Brood XIV, will be emerging in the Bay State, as well as in Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. While cicadas may look intimidating, they don't bother humans. But there are insects that cause havoc in the spring and summer. Here's what to know. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is closely tracking both the usual wave of seasonal pests and the rare emergence of the following: Lone Star Ticks: Massachusetts Department of Health stated that these exist in the Bay State, especially on Cape Cod. A release from the NPMA states, "They're the most aggressive tick species when it comes to biting humans, and they continue to expand their territory to even more of the U.S. Lone star tick bites can cause victims to develop a rare, but serious, meat allergy." They aren't the only tick to look out for either. Deer ticks, which can carry Lyme Disease, are also a danger. Termites: Termites cause more than $6.8 billion in property damage each year, according to the NPMA. The National Wildlife Federation said termite nests are found underground, in dead trees and stumps, in the tops of live trees, and in wooden structures such as houses. They cause significant structural damage to homes by feeding on wood, weakening foundations and walls. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so wet weather and flooding can increase their threat, according to the NPMA. Mosquitoes are known to carry diseases like West Nile Virus and EEE, which can be serious. "Cicadas emerge when the soil temperature reaches about 64°F at a depth of 12–18 inches," according to The Nature Conservancy. That means the cicadas arrive as early as May and stay until late June. Brood XIV probably will begin to emerge in the third week of April or when areas get a 'good rain,' Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, told USA Today in a recent report. Cicada Safari is a group that crowdsources and reviews data on cicadas, the report added. The last time this particular brood of cicadas was around was 2008. Historical dates for Brood XIV in Massachusetts include appearances over the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s in Barnstable, Dennis, Falmouth, Bourne, Plymouth and a handful of other nearby towns. There are more than 2,000 species of this insect worldwide, according to Mass Audubon, the most common in Massachusetts being the "Dog Day" cicada, which arise every two years or so. The Dog Day cicada is "approximately 2.25 inches long, medium brown, with a green venation, the vein structure in its wing." The "periodical" cicada comes out once every 17 years, and are a bit smaller than Dog Day cicadas, with black bodies, Mass Wildlife explained. The periodical creatures are the ones expected to be in the Bay State in a few short weeks. What they're most known for is their ability to make a racket, able to generate noise reaching 100 decibels. Cicadas can typically be heard "singing" during their stay, according to Mass Wildlife. The cicadas make such sounds with organs in their bodies called tympana. In 2024, two broods of "periodical" cicadas – 13-year brood Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII – emerged from the ground at the same time last summer. That's a rare occasion in itself - it's not often that two such broods arise at the same time. It hadn't happened in 200 years. However, the convergence of the two broods mostly occurred in the southern United States, so Massachusetts residents weren't able to see the full spectacle. According to Mass Audubon, "cicadas are among the most benign of insects" and do not typically carry any sorts of disease. The organization added that they do not hurt pets, either. This article originally appeared on Cicadas, spring pests on the way in MA. Here's what to know about them
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New report reveals which US cities are at highest risk for certain deadly diseases: 'Can have serious consequences on our health'
Recent extreme weather events — ranging from record snowfalls to warmer-than-average temperatures — across the United States will drive an increase in disease-carrying pests such as rodents and ticks, according to a new report. The National Pest Management Association named nearly a dozen cities that could experience a surge in disease-carrying pests such as rodents, ticks, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. The cities included Boston, which was likely to have rodents moving indoors because of what the organization called "brutal snowstorms and cold snaps" in mid-winter. The city also faces a potential surge in ticks due to an anticipated warm start to spring. The other cities on the list were Cleveland; Denver; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans; Salt Lake City; San Antonio; Seattle; and Washington, D.C. "Ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents pose serious health risks," Dr. Jorge Parada, medical adviser for NPMA, said in a statement. "They can spread dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, salmonella, plague, and hantavirus, and even trigger asthma and allergies. Educating the public on these threats is critical, because without proper prevention, these pests can have serious consequences on our health." The threat of vector-borne diseases is only expected to increase as our planet continues to overheat, driving more extreme weather patterns. For instance, wetter conditions after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in fall led to over 50 confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue — a mosquito-borne illness — in Florida. And a 2023 report revealed that Lyme disease-carrying ticks are moving northward in Canada because of rising temperatures. NPMA suggests taking actions such as eliminating standing water, sealing openings on the outside of homes, keeping food in airtight containers, and disposing of garbage regularly to help deter pests. A number of cities are also taking action to try to eliminate disease-carrying animals such as mosquitoes. For instance, one Southwest Florida county is using X-rays to kill off invasive mosquitoes that spread diseases including dengue fever, Zika virus, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
These cities are most likely to see an explosion in disease-spreading pests: study
The Brief Ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches and rodents pose serious health risks, experts say. Here's where you're most likely to see pest problems in coming months. A rollercoaster of record-breaking cold, warmth, snow and rain has public health and pest control experts looking at health threats from pests nationwide. According to the bi-annual Public Health Pest Index from the National Pest Management Association, 11 cities are at a high risk for upticks in disease-spreading pests. These pests include ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches and rodents like rat and mice. "Ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents pose serious health risks," said Dr. Jorge Parada, Medical Advisor for NPMA with a focus on infectious disease. "They can spread dangerous diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Salmonella, plague, and hantavirus, and even trigger asthma and allergies. Educating the public on these threats is critical, because without proper prevention, these pests can have serious consequences on our health." RELATED: Ultra-rare, giant rat that cracks coconuts with its teeth caught on camera for first time Boston: The NPMA says brutal snowstorms and mid-winter cold snaps push rodents indoors in search of warmth and food sources. With spring expected to be warmer this year, ticks may get a jumpstart to the season, "putting outdoor enthusiasts at risk sooner than expected." Cleveland: According to the NPMA, the mild, soggy conditions are ideal for a rise in cockroaches and ticks. Denver: The snow-packed Denver winter will have mice scurrying into homes to find warm shelter. RELATED: Ticks use static electricity to latch on to you from afar, researchers find Florida: Florida's dry winter has sent cockroaches indoors in search of food and moisture, while the historic cold snaps in the northern part of the state have driven rodents inside for shelter. Mosquito activity was lowered by the winter weather, but they'll be back soon, the NPMA says. Grand Rapids: Rats and mice will rush indoors in search of warmth thanks to record-breaking snowfall. Tick populations are also expected to rise to dangerous levels with a rainy spring. Louisville: Louisville saw extreme cold and historic snowfall, too, bringing rats and mice indoors for food and warmth. A predicted warm spring also doesn't bode well for tick season. New Orleans: Like much of the South, the New Orleans area's historic snowfall has rats and cockroaches searching for shelter in homes. Mosquitoes are also expected to make a "fierce comeback" soon. Salt Lake City: House mice and white-footed mice are searching nearby homes and businesses, looking for warmth and water sources. San Antonio: It's been a record-breaking warm winter in San Antonio, allowing mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ticks to stay active, raising the risk of a pest boom come spring. "Expect an early surge in bites, infestations, and pest-related health concerns," the NPMA says. Seattle: Seattle's warmer and drier winter could increase rodent and cockroach activity indoors as they search for water sources. Once spring rain kicks in, tick populations could rise. Washington, DC: The nation's capital has seen a rollercoaster of a winter – from unusually warm to heavy snowfall – and that's made rodent pressure skyrocket. "If spring arrives early, tick activity will surge, posing an increased health risk for the region," the NPMA says. The Source This report includes information from the National Pest Management Association's Public Health Pest Index.
