NPMA is committed to the protection of public health, food, and property. Every day our industry works to ensure Americans are safer and healthier from pests and the diseases they carry.
Stops the Spread of Disease: Pests can spread diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, malaria, plague, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, hantavirus, and encephalitis.
Keeps the Food Supply Chain Safe: It would be difficult to find any segment of the food industry that could comply with federal sanitation and health regulations without an adequate pest management program. Pests contaminate food, as well as kitchen equipment and other surfaces. Pests also infest food items and stored products including grains and dry goods.
Keeps American Families Safe and Healthy: Innovations in pest management parallel an increase in life expectancy. In 1900, life expectancy was just 49 years and in 2012 life expectancy rose to 78.8 years. Ninety-seven percent of allergists believe a pest-free home is an important step in preventing asthma and allergy symptoms.
Public health officials attribute the quality of life we have today to three things: better pharmaceuticals and vaccines, better sanitation, and better pest control.
For more information on specific public health threats, click the photos below.
