By Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., National Pest Management Association 

Since 1900, the life expectancy in North America has increased dramatically from an average of 48 years to almost 80 years. Many public health professionals attribute this increase to three things: improved sanitation practices, better medical care and the development of modern pest management practices. The pest management professional's role as a protector of public health is often understated, but it's important to understand the significant role that our industry plays in helping people live healthy lives.

Protecting the public from pathogens and allergens are important parts of what modern pest professionals do. Cockroach suppression and eradication is vital to health care facilities, homes, and sites where food is prepared or served. Cockroaches contaminate food and spread filth by walking through contaminated areas. They commonly carry pathogens like staphylococci, streptococcus, molds, salmonella, yeasts, and clostridia. Additionally, seven to eight percent of the general population is allergic to cockroaches. Studies of inner city children with chronic wheezing and runny noses revealed that more than 40 percent of them were allergic to cockroaches. Recent surveys have determined that cockroach allergens are the number three contributor to children's asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, more than two million people in North America are allergic to stinging insects, more than 500,000 enter hospital emergency rooms every year suffering from insect stings, and between 40-150 people a year die as a result of these stings.

Peace of mind is another benefit that pest management professionals provide. In a recent consumer survey, 93 percent of people expressed concern over finding insects within their home. According to another survey, insects and bugs rank as the public's third most common fear, behind public speaking and heights. Arachnophobia, the unreasonable fear of spiders, is one of the most commonly reported phobias related to animals. It is not clear why spiders are the most commonly feared animal, especially when other animals are more dangerous.

Pest management professionals play an important role in protecting the health and well-being of the public. So the next time someone asks what you do for a living, say with pride: "I'm a protector of public health!"

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