State associations step up during pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic grips the country, state pest control associations play a major role in helping pest management professionals (PMPs) continue to do business.

COVID-19 has reached every state in the country. PHOTO: STARALDO/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

During these unprecedented times, PMPs seeking information about licensing, sanitizing and disinfecting services, working during shelter-in-place and stay-at-home mandates, and government assistance to keep their businesses running are finding it on their state association webpages. They don’t even have to be a member because most associations are providing this information to non-members as well as members, as a service to the pest control industry.

Here’s a look at how several state pest control associations are helping PMPs during the coronavirus pandemic:

CALIFORNIA

For the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC), serving the business and educational needs of its more than 1,000 members has been no different during the coronavirus pandemic. The organization has served the pest management industry for more than 60 years, keeping PMPs up to date on regulatory and safety issues that frequently change.

The PCOC homepage features a button that takes members and non-members to a comprehensive collection of information about COVID-19. It also highlights weekly updates for members and a PCOC Weekly Advisory post to highlight ongoing issues and concerns.

Topics range from government aid for small businesses, to why it’s important to lock up PPE, licensing renewals and continuing education at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way PMPs do business. PCOC’s Executive Vice President Chris Reardon encourages PMPs in California to reach out to experts when they have questions, or contact him if they need help. California-based PMPs can join here.

Many state association websites include a letter that authorizes travel during a state’s shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders PMPs can download and keep in their vehicles.

OHIO

The Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA) also took a proactive approach when the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States.

Lonnie Alonso, chair of the OPMA’s Governmental Affairs Committee, reports they reached out to the Ohio Department of Agriculture about the impact of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s stay-at-home mandate on PMPs in the state and spoke with leaders at the Ohio Professional Applicators for Responsible Regulation. The homepage includes a link to the stay at home order. Members of the association were informed state licensing recertification is not possible at this time and advised of licensing requirements for sanitizing and disinfecting products. To join the OPMA, click here.

KANSAS

The Kansas Pest Control Association (KPCA) homepage includes information about the state’s stay-at-home order implemented by Kansas Governor Laura Kelley. It also includes a downloadable letter for PMPs to carry with them as they work.

The KPCA also explains the essential services designation and what it means for PMPs, along with a link to a more detailed explanation. Other links take PMPs to the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) website and its COVID-19-related information.

Spencer Duncan is the KPCA’s executive director; benefits to being a member can be found here.

NEW ENGLAND

The New England Pest Control Association (NEPCA) includes PMPs in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. A button at the top of the homepage takes PMPs to COVID-19-related resources from the NPMA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and shelter-in-place mandates for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

A membership benefits page offers extensive reasons for PMPs to join the NEPCA.

What is your local association doing? Let us know below in the comments or email pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net. Read more COVID-19 coverage here: MyPMP.net/COVID-19