RISE sponsors National Inspect and Protect Week

WASHINGTON—Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) is helping new homeowners learn about the importance of protecting their homes—especially distressed, short-sale properties—from the harm and property value loss pests can cause by sponsoring the third annual National Inspect and Protect Week from Oct. 1-5.

National Inspect and Protect Week uses the easy-to-remember acronym INSPECT to help homeowners remember the steps for preventing and treating pests. Throughout the week, RISE will remind consumers to INspect, Study, Prepare, Eliminate, Clean and Treat through the Debug the Myths website, social and mainstream media coverage, blog posts and more.

“Fall is a time when protecting your home and family from rodents, insects and weeds is less top-of-mind; however, National Inspect and Protect Week reminds homeowners of how important it is to always be INSPECTing their surroundings,” says Aaron Hobbs, RISE president. “Our goal is to equip homeowners with the tools they need to identify and prevent pest problems and help them understand the value of having access to effective products to solve problems when they arise.”

The popularity of purchasing distressed properties makes the National Inspect and Protect Week message particularly relevant. A recent Realtor.com survey of real estate agents and brokers said that nine out of 10 new homeowners in 2012 have been interested in purchasing distressed properties. While they offer new homeowners a good price point, these properties may have hidden costs in the form of tall grass, overgrown shrubs and unmanaged pools, which can pose significant pest management problems.

Robin Tabuchi, entomologist for University of California-Berkeley, and Bobby Kossowicz, former member of the pest control industry and stay-at-home mom, will carry the National Inspect and Protect messages during the week. As moms, they provide an important perspective on the necessity for protecting your family from the health concerns pest problems create.

More information about National Inspect and Protect Week, including an inspection checklist for homeowners, is available at www.debugthemyths.com/inspectandprotect.