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Controlling pests inside the home requires more than simply spraying pesticides.  Property managers and residents need to address the problems that lead to the pest nesting inside the structure.  A pest management professional (PMP) can identify pests, address conditions that cause infestations, use the right approach to eliminate the infestation, and monitor success.  Some PMPs go a step farther and work with the homeowner or property manager to implement a systematic integrated pest management (IPM) program to control pests in a sustainable manner.

Getting a good PMP is not easy.  North Carolina State University recently compared its trained specialists against four randomly selected commercial firms.  And the firms were found lacking.  Click here for more information on the study including the researchers four basic expectations for effective cockroach control.  

Beyond these four factors, check references and review credentials.  When it comes to credentials, several program recognize leading PMPs that have demonstrated a commitment to going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensing as a pest control operator or exterminator.  Click here for NCHH's comparison of pest control contractor recognition programs described below.

Two programs are national.  They are complementary.   

•       QualityPro is managed by the National Pest Management Association.  NPMA is trade association that represents more than 5000 structural pest control operators.  It is focused on the overall professionalism of the PMP.  IPM is one element of QualityPro, but the program does not require detailed IPM practices or planning.  See www.npmaqualitypro.org for details.

•       GreenShield Certification is managed by the IPM Institute.  It is focused on ensuring that the PMP is an effective partner for you in implementing an IPM program tailored to your property.  GreenShield contains extensive IPM-based requirements.  See www.greenshieldcertified.org for details.

There are also three other recognition programs that warrant serious consideration:

•       EcoWise is based on California.  Only PMPs licensed to apply pesticides in California are eligible for recognition.  Like GreenShield, EcoWise is focused on ensuring the PMP is an effective partner in implementing an IPM program tailored to your property.  See www.ecowisecertified.org for details.

•       IPM Registry is managed by the New England Pest Management Association to educate consumers and to promote the use of IPM.   NEPMA is a trade association that represents structural pest control operators in New England.  Its focus is exclusively on IPM.  It is similar to GreenShield and EcoWise but is not as restrictive.  See www.nepma.org for details. 

•       Safety Source for Pest Management is managed by Beyond Pesticides.  Beyond Pesticides is an advocacy organization that identifies the risks of conventional pest management practices and promotes non-chemical and least-hazardous management alternatives.  Safety Source for Pest management is significantly different from the other programs since it does not verify the information or screen out applicants.  PMPs wishing to be listed submit a survey form to Beyond Pesticides.  Beyond Pesticides adds their survey information to an on-line database.  It does not screen out PMPs or assess their performance.  See www.beyondpesticides.org/safetysource/ for details.

As you contract for pest management services, NCHH encourages you to use these recognition programs in two ways:

1.         Screen out firms not recognized by the program; or

2.         Give extra credit in the evaluation process to those firms who are recognized by program described above.

Comparison of Recognition Programs for PMPs

NCHH compares the five leading programs recognizing pest management professionals for leadership on pest control.  NCHH encourages you to focus on four features:

• Focus:  Is the program focused on the problems you want to solve?   Are you comfortable with the organization managing the program and its priorities?

• Verification:  Does the program verify that the PMP lives up to its promises?  What documentation does the program have that the PMP understands IPM and effective pest control?  Does the program conduct an on-site investigation of the PMP’s performance?    

• Response to Problems:  Does the program have a formal system in place to response to complaints by PMP clients?  Does the program investigate complaints?  If problems are found, can it revoke the certification of the PMP? 

• Standards:  Do you want an PMP that has committed to specific standards for integrated pest management? 

Roles for a PMP in Helping Implement an Effective IPM Program

In its Guidance on Integrated Pest Management, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) identified ten elements of an effective IPM program. NCHH believes that a property manager implementing this voluntary guidance should have an excellent pest control program that protects the health of residents, keeps pests levels down, and is cost-effective.  You should seek out a PMP who understands the guidance and is committed to helping you implement it.  It helps you identify what you can expect from a PMP recognized by the different recognition programs.  Note that NCHH excluded Safety Source for Pest Management from the comparison because it does not have specific expectations for a PMP to participate in its program.  NCHH compares the recognition programs to HUD’s ten elements of an effective IPM program and provides recommendations on the role a PMP in helping implement the elements. 

NCHH developed this analysis pursuant to a contract with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs and Battelle.  NCHH seeks your feedback on this document and information on additional programs that recognize leading PMPs.  Please contact NCHH’s Tom Neltner at 443-539-4160 or tneltner@nchh.org.  

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