National Pest Management Association Applauds Rep. Schmidt for Introduction of Ohio Bed Bug Management Measure

FAIRFAX, Va. (September 30, 2010) – The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) applauds Representative Jean Schmidt of Ohio for her introduction of the Bed Bug Prevention and Mitigation Pilot Program Act.

The legislation establishes a pilot program in Ohio, under which the state Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Health, would work collaboratively to distribute grant funds to political subdivisions and housing authorities with persistent bed bug infestations. These grants would provide the necessary funding to help these organizations to retain professional pest management companies to treat for bed bugs, conduct monitoring activities, purchase and distribute mattress covers and dispose of/replace bed bug infested materials.

"We commend Representative Schmidt for her leadership in driving action and increasing awareness of the plight Ohio residents face due to the resurgence of bed bugs," said Bob Rosenberg, vice president of government affairs for NPMA. "Her legislation provides key resources to combat these elusive pests - resources that many state and local officials have been pleading for in their efforts to fight bed bug infestations in their local communities."

Many of the bed bugs found in Ohio have become seemingly resistant to commonly used pest products, making many of the infestations within the state especially difficult and expensive to manage. These bed bug related challenges facing Ohio have been well documented as Time magazine named Ohio the "nation's bed bug capital," and Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Cleveland have all been rated as among the most bed bug infested cities on various lists published since July 2010.

"The Buckeye State- in its entirety- has been significantly affected by the resurgence of bed bugs. Congresswoman Schmidt's legislation provides not only hope to the many Ohioans suffering from bed bug infestations, but it also provides a specific action plan and resources that will ultimately help local governments to better serve their constituencies," said Rosenberg.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

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