President's Message from Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE

Finishing the Season Strong

As summer winds down, Virginia’s pest management professionals are still hard at work while preparing for what comes next. VPMA President Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, encourages companies to reflect on the busy season, invest in their teams, strengthen industry relationships, and take advantage of VPMA opportunities that can help them finish 2026 strong.

A Quick Update from VDACS OPS:

2026 Virginia Pesticide Collection Program Offers Safe Disposal for Unwanted Pesticides

The 2026 Virginia Pesticide Collection Program provides pest management companies and other eligible participants with a safe, no-cost way to dispose of unwanted, outdated, or no-longer-needed pesticides. Three collection events remain in Northeast Virginia this September. Learn what materials are accepted, find a collection location near you, and get information on pre-registration.

Master Technician Series Comes to Northern Virginia

Take advantage of advanced training close to home! VPMA’s Master Technician Series comes to NPMA Headquarters in Fairfax September 22–23 with Blood-Feeding Arthropods and Bed Bugs. Earn recertification credits in Virginia Categories 7A, 8, 10 and 60, with corresponding categories in DC, MD, NC and WV, while building your technical expertise and working toward the VPMA Master Technician designation. Register for one workshop or attend both at a discounted rate!

Four Regions. Four Happy Hours. One VPMA.

VPMA’s 4x4 Happy Hours are rolling across Virginia! Join us in Roanoke, Norfolk, Richmond, or Fairfax for an informal evening of networking, appetizers, and a brew on VPMA. There’s no formal program and no registration fee, just a chance to relax, reconnect, and catch up with pest management colleagues close to home.

VPMA Scholarship Golf Tournament - Driving the Future of Pest Management

Golfers and non-golfers are invited to VPMA’s inaugural Scholarship Golf Tournament! Register as an individual or foursome, or join us for the 19th Hole Lunch & Awards Ceremony. Bring colleagues, employees, clients, or friends and enjoy a fun day supporting scholarships for Virginia students pursuing entomology and pest management careers.

VPMA Certified WDI Workshop in Richmond

Become a VPMA Certified WDI Inspector or renew your current certification at the Richmond WDI Workshop. Training covers WDI identification, inspection procedures, reporting standards, and industry best practices. Current inspectors can extend certification for two years, and the program also offers VDACS recertification credits in VA categories 7-B and 60.

VPMA Regional Spotlight

Why Tidewater is One of America’s Most Challenging Places for Mosquito Control

By Nathan Bullock, VPMA Regional Director for Tidewater

A dry spring should mean fewer mosquitoes, right? Not necessarily in coastal Virginia. Nathan Bullock, VPMA Regional Director for Tidewater, explains how salt marshes, tidal hatches, and different mosquito breeding behaviors make Tidewater especially challenging. Learn why effective control depends on customer education, source reduction, and an integrated approach.

Who Will Be VPMA’s Next Industry Stewardship Award Recipient?

Who has made a lasting impact on Virginia’s pest management industry? VPMA is seeking nominations for the 2026 Lifetime Industry Stewardship Award, recognizing an individual whose service, leadership, mentorship, and dedication have strengthened VPMA and the profession. Think about those who have influenced your career and helped move the industry forward. Nominations are due September 14.

Save the Date: The Virginia Pest Management Summit Returns November 10–12

The 2026 Virginia Pest Management Summit offers two and a half days of targeted learning and connection, beginning November 10 with Category 8 prep and testing, followed by Business Management Day on November 11 and Technical Day on November 12. A PWIPM Reception, Dine Around, PestFest, and Casino Night round out a packed Summit experience. Registration is coming soon.

Help Shape VPMA’s Future: 2026 Board Nominations Are Open

VPMA is looking for engaged members ready to bring their ideas, experience, and perspective to the Board. Opportunities are available to serve as a Director, Regional Director, or Officer, and self-nominations are encouraged. If you’ve thought about becoming more involved in VPMA, this may be your year. Nominations are open through October 9. If you’ve ever thought about becoming more involved in VPMA and helping guide the future of the Association, this may be your year. Nominations are open through October 9, 2026.

Spanish-Language Pesticide Training for Initial Registered Technician Certification and Recertification Credits

A pesticide certification and recertification training program presented entirely in Spanish will be held October 15 in Kearneysville, WV. The program is designed for Spanish-speaking technicians and applicators and includes opportunities for both initial Registered Technician training and recertification credits. Click below for course details, credits and registration.

Spotted Lanternfly: A Nuisance Pest with Few Easy Answers

By Richard Kramer, Ph.D., BCE, Kramer Consulting

Spotted lanternflies have quickly become both a plant pest and a frustrating nuisance for homeowners. Dr. Richard D. Kramer, BCE, shares key facts pest management professionals should know about their behavior, life cycle, and control limitations, along with practical guidance for managing customer expectations. With few effective options for controlling adult populations, education may be one of the most important tools PMPs can offer their customers.