The National Pest Management Association Responds to Ongoing Crisis in Haiti

FAIRFAX, Va. (May 5, 2010) – The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) responds to a nation in need by answering a request from the Haitian Minister of Environment to provide professional pest management services to Haiti. As the island nation continues to recover from the January earthquake, its government has asked for help as Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas are overrun with pests. NPMA delegates will travel to Haiti on May 5, 2010, for a two-day mission to assess current pest issues and potential infestation risk factors.

"Members of the National Pest Management Association stand ready to provide what are much-needed pest control services to the people of Haiti. As soon as we determine the best course of action after our visit to the country, we plan to move ahead with a swift execution, utilizing our volunteers, services and resources," said Rob Lederer, executive vice president for NPMA.

Haiti has requested that NPMA treat severe infestations of flies, rodents and cockroaches in the camps and medical facilities.

"The current living conditions that many Haitians find themselves in are a haven for pests, most of which pose considerable health risks to people," added Lederer.

Cockroaches reportedly spread at least 33 different types of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Cockroach allergens are also known to trigger asthma attacks, with an increased incidence in small children. Mice can carry fleas, mites, ticks and lice on their bodies, while rats urinate on food and support many external parasites. Rodents spread filth, contaminate food and transmit disease. Lastly, flies are vectors of more than 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs.

Upon its return from Haiti, NPMA's team of industry delegates will review their findings and create an action plan that will be executed over the coming months.

NPMA and its members also provided services to Gulf Coast states in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

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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