Backgrounder

Our History

Since 1933, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has represented specialists in the pest management industry. A non-profit trade association, NPMA's mission is to support the pest management industry as protectors of food, health, property and the environment. NPMA membership includes more than 7,000 national and international pest management companies commonly known as pest management professionals (PMPs). The association conducts public education and awareness activities, represents its members in legislative and regulatory initiatives, and provides technological training and reference tools to members on advances within the pest management industry.

What NPMA Offers

Public Education and Awareness
NPMA engages in awareness campaigns designed to increase understanding of the threats pests pose and of the structural pest management industry and the products and services provided by qualified and licensed PMPs. The NPMA website, www.pestworld.org, is designed to provide members, consumers and the media with up-to-date information on pest management industry practices. It also includes a pest control professional locator to help consumers identify qualified, licensed and reputable PMPs in their community, a big step up from choosing an "exterminator" out of the yellow pages.

Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
NPMA regularly meets with national and state legislators and regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate a greater understanding of pest control and the pest management industry issues. For example, NPMA was instrumental in working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Veterans Administration to create the "NPCA-1" form to report wood-destroying insects.

Additionally, NPMA advocates legislation and regulation to increase certification and training requirements for pest control operators and pesticide applicators. It also promotes the use of low-impact Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a process that goes beyond traditional pest management techniques, in schools and other structures. NPMA seeks research funds to develop innovative, safe and effective pest management technologies.

Technology Training and Reference Tools
NPMA offers its membership of pest management professionals the opportunity to network and share ideas at national meetings, workshops, trade shows and regional conferences. These venues allow PMPs to expand their knowledge of pest control industry regulations and protocols, new and innovative application techniques, and advanced pest management technologies.

In addition to regular meetings, NPMA offers its members numerous resources, including a monthly Member's Only newsletter, frequent updates on regulatory issues, sample forms and contracts, and regular technical and management bulletins. The association also provides a resource center that sells materials such as NPMA's Basic Training Handbook, Service Technician's Manual and Field Guide to Structural Pests. The center offers videos, books, computer programs and slides. More than 100 titles are available on subjects ranging from insect identification, rodent control and fumigation techniques, to sales and marketing practices.