The responsibilities for good practice in pest control is share among the general public, government agencies, and industry. The responsibilities appropriate to each of these groups is discussed in some detail, particularly in regard to the growing pest control industry in the U.S., and in particular, those within the industry who control wildlife damage. Among topics discussed are sanitation and other non-chemical means of pest management and control, guides to the safe use of pesticides, and the labeling of service containers (e.g., bait stations).

The status of the pest control industry is described, along with comments on those private pest control operators who conduct control of vertebrate pests. The economics of pest control businesses are considered. Results of a survey of rodenticides most often used by pest control operators are reported. The National Pest Control Association has become involved in conducting field trials toward obtaining data needed for pesticide registration. Good practice statements for some aspects of rodent control are in preparation. Good progress has been made in education PCOs to be more responsive to the requirement to carefully read and follow product labels. Among current challenges are the ability of PCOs to convince clients of the importance of sanitation, as part of a strategy to prevent and control pest problems. We are also working on better communication between the private sector and public agencies and organizations, whose efforts are sometimes mistakenly perceived as in competition.

Concluding remarks for the First Vertebrate Pest Control Conference are provided by the author as Technical Director of the sponsoring organization, the National Pest Control Association. Also discussed are the recent developments in the understanding of two fungal diseases of humans associated with birds and with bats, histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Case histories of these two public health risks are provided, as is discussion of how pest control operators can protect themselves against disease exposure.