NPMA Annouces National Bed Bug Symposium

FAIRFAX, Va. (July 13, 2009) – The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), in cooperation with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials and the National Apartment Association, will host a National Bed Bug Symposium, first in Newark, NJ on Aug. 25 followed by Seattle, WA on Aug. 27. With the ongoing national conversation about the resurgence of bed bugs - and with Representative G.K. Butterfield's (D-NC) proposed federal legislation to help state and local officials combat these pests - this upcoming symposium will help attendees to better understand these pests as well as address the public and legal issues related to bed bugs.

Bed bug infestations are on the rise in all 50 states. According to industry research, pest management companies have reported a 71% increase in bed bug calls since 2001 and annual sales from this pest have increased by more than 30% in 2008 over the year prior. Further, the United States' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently held a National Bed Bug Summit in Washington, D.C. to discuss the burgeoning issues associated with bed bug infestations for homeowners as well as for hotels, college dormitories, multifamily housing and more.

This Symposium is a proactive next step in helping to address the intense concerns that hoteliers, property/maintenance managers and multifamily housing complex owners have expressed over the resurgence of bed bugs. It will serve to provide necessary education regarding these elusive pests and offer critical advice and resources on how to properly eradicate bed bug infestations. From identifying bed bugs and inspection techniques to public affairs and legal ramifications, the Symposium will provide tips- both preventative and corrective- to help attendees make informed decisions while protecting their customers and establishments.

Hoteliers, public health and public housing employees, property managers and owners, college dormitory supervisors, cruise ship administrators, furniture rental facilities, hospital administrators and anyone working with housing the general public are urged to attend. Beyond the educational component of the Symposium, this event will also feature a Marketplace, which will offer attendees the opportunity to learn more about the products and services available to prevent and eradicate infestations.

Due of the sensitivity of this issue, attendees will also be provided opportunities to ask questions of the expert instructors anonymously and meet with trained professionals to address site-specific questions in a confidential fashion.

For more information about the Bed Bug Symposium, notably the educational program and online registration, please visit www.npmapestworld.org/events, or call NPMA at (800) 678-6722. For more information on bed bugs or to find a local pest professional, please visit www.Pestworld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 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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