Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

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.