Finding Pest-Fighting Tips On The Web (NAPSA)—Homeowners who want te rid their homes of pests may feel right at home visiting one new Website. The site was launched by National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a trade association representing professional pest management companies in the U.S. and around the world, to answer questions about pest contral issues. Pests are a serious economic problem. It’s estimated that termites cause more than $2.5 billion annually in structural damage to more than 606,060 structures in the U.S. alone. As many as 25 percent ofall house fires may be caused by rodents gnawing on electrical wiring. Pests such as cockroaches, rodents, and termites can alse transmit a host of diseases to humans and animals with effects ranging frorn mimor discomfort to death. Recent studies by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute have shown that eockroaches and mice allergens are also a significant contributing factor in the childhood asthma epidemic. Since ridding your home of these pests is so important, the site offers answers to some commonly asked questions about pests and pest management. Questions can also be posted on the NPMA Message Board and site visitors will receive a reply from Getting rid of pests may be easier with a heipful new Web site. NPMAstaff members or a pest management professional. Home- owners can request inforraation on local pest management companies, which are equipped to handle their specific needs as outlined in the detailed profile they submit. Fillmg out a profde makes the selection process very convenient for homeowners. Once they fill in the information, companies contact them through the NPMA Web site. Then, selecting which companies to use can be done at the homeowner’s discretion. The site alse offers tips on howto select a qualified pest management professional. “The Web site allows people to ask questions in relative anonymity before they make the decision to call their local pest management professional,” said Rob Lederer, NPMAsexecutive vice-president. For more information, visit www.pestworldorg. Editor's note: June is National Pest Management Monih, howeverthis article can be run throughout the year.
