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| | Wonder What VPMA Does for YOU? Shannon Highlights Just a FewIn this message, President Shannon Harlow-Ellis reminds members that the Virginia Pest Management Association stands ready to support pest management professionals across the Commonwealth through strong regulatory and legislative advocacy, industry-leading training opportunities, pesticide recertification credit programs, and meaningful networking connections that strengthen both individual businesses and the industry overall. |
| | Staff Changes & Certification RemindersVDACS Office of Pesticide Services is sharing important staff updates, including new leadership roles within Certification & Worker Protection and Compliance, while continuing to support applicators through the transition. Applicators are also reminded to review their certification status and complete required recertification training by June 30, 2026, to maintain compliance and avoid re-examination requirements. |
| | The June 10th VPMA WDI Webinar Accomplishes BOTH!Become a VPMA Certified WDI Inspector: This training provides in-depth instruction on WDI identification, inspection procedures, reporting standards, and industry best practices. Participants can earn the VPMA Certified WDI Inspector designation by completing the webinar and successfully passing the WDI Inspector exam.Maintain Your VPMA WDI Inspector Status: Current VPMA Certified WDI Inspectors can use this webinar to extend their certification for an additional two years. Inspectors whose certification has lapsed may reinstate their certification by attending the webinar and retaking and passing the exam. Unsure of your VPMA WDI Inspector certification status? Contact VPMA at office@vpmaonline.com. This training also qualifies for VDACS recertification credits in VA categories 7-B and 60, plus equivalent categories in DC, MD, NC, and WV. Additional VPMA Certified WDI Inspector Workshop scheduled in Richmond on October 6. |
| | If you need recertification credits before the June 30 renewal deadline, don’t miss VPMA’s final Spring Recertification Webinar on June 17 from 7:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Earn valuable credits in categories 7A, 7B, 7D, 8, and 60 in VA, plus corresponding categories in MD, NC, DC, and WV. Through five expert-led pest control sessions, more than 180 PMPs have already earned credits during this webinar series held in March and April - don't miss this final offering on June 17th! Cost is $82 for VPMA members and $120 for non-members. Smart training, zero travel. |
| | Everyone is welcome at this inaugural event — golfers and non-golfers alike! Invite your industry colleagues, employees, clients, or personal friends and join the Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) for a fun day on the green supporting the VPMA Scholarship Program, which helps Virginia students pursue careers in entomology and the pest management industry. Golfers can register as an individual player or as a foursome, and non-golfers are invited to join the fun at the 19th Hole Lunch & Awards Ceremony. Click below to learn more about this fun, new event and register today! |
| | The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) is seeking dynamic and knowledgeable speakers for the 2026 Virginia Pest Management Summit, taking place November 11–12, 2026, at the Omni Richmond Hotel. Industry professionals are invited to submit speaker and topic recommendations for both Management Day and Technical Day programming. VPMA is looking for engaging presentations focused on business management and all areas of structural pest control. Multiple submissions are encouraged, with a separate form required for each recommendation. All submissions must be received by June 30, 2026. |
| | In March, a dedicated group of Virginia Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in NPMA’s Legislative Day, advocating for one of the industry’s most pressing issues: state pesticide preemption. By sharing their experiences directly with lawmakers, Virginia’s delegation highlighted the need for consistent, science-based pesticide policies at the state and national levels. Alongside their advocacy efforts, attendees also strengthened industry connections and camaraderie, underscoring the value of participation in this impactful annual event. |
| | Defending Science-Based Pesticide Regulation in VirginiaHouse Bill 1375, which proposed banning the herbicide paraquat in Virginia, was continued during the 2026 General Assembly session following testimony and opposition from industry stakeholders, including the Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA). VPMA advocated for maintaining the Commonwealth’s science-based pesticide regulatory system, emphasizing that pesticide safety decisions should remain under the authority of the EPA and VDACS through established scientific review processes. |
| | By Richard Kramer, Ph.D., BCE, Kramer ConsultingAs tick populations and tick-borne diseases continue to rise across the DMV region, spring is the ideal time for homeowners and pest management professionals to implement effective prevention and control strategies. This article highlights the health risks associated with common tick species, explains their life cycles, and outlines practical inspection, sanitation, treatment, and personal protection methods to reduce exposure and disease transmission. |
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Upcoming Events
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June 10, 2026
8:30AM EST | Registration Fees: $125 for VPMA Members/ $175 for Non-Members.Zoom If you have earned the VPMA Certified WDI Inspector Certification, remember, to maintain your certification you need to complete a recertification course before June 30 of the year you expire. Take this course to recertify - you will only need to attend the sessions and should be dismissed by 2:30. If your WDI Certification has already expired, no problem! Attend this webinar and take and pass the exam to re-establish your WDI Certification. Bonus - this course will be approved for recertification credits in 7-B and 60 in Virginia, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Click "View Event Details" to learn more, or click REGISTER NOW to sign up today! REGISTER NOW FOR June 10th! |
| June 10, 2026
8:30AM - 5:00PM EST | Registration Fees: $230 for VPMA Members/ $357 for Non-Members.Virtual Zoom Meeting The VPMA WDI Program offers a voluntary credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and professionalism in wood-destroying insect inspections. In an unregulated area of the industry, earning this credential sets you apart by showcasing your commitment to accuracy, consistency, and industry best practices—giving customers, real estate professionals, and employers added confidence in your expertise. Click "View Event Details" to learn more, or click REGISTER NOW to sign up today! REGISTER NOW FOR JUNE 10th! |
| June 17, 2026
7:50AM - 1:00PM | Registration Fees: Member rate: $82 per person / Non-member rate: $120 per person.Online The VPMA Spring Recertification Webinars provide pest management professionals with a convenient, high-quality opportunity to earn required credits while staying current on industry best practices. This year, VPMA is offering the first of three spring webinars in early March, giving attendees the chance to complete recertification requirements before the busy season kicks into high gear. Pick a webinar convenient for you: March 4th, April 29th, or June 17th. Click "View Event Details" to learn more, or click REGISTER NOW to sign up today! REGISTER NOW FOR JUNE 17th! |
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