FPMA Launches P.E.S.T. Relief Responders Program in Florida

P.E.S.T. Relief International (Professionals, Empowering, Sustaining, and Transforming) and FPMA are launching a pilot program in the state of Florida to provide pest control services and clean bedding for individuals requiring financial assistance. P.E.S.T. Relief established its presence in Florida last Spring through the REST Initiative ~ Making Orphanages and Shelters a Safe Place to Sleep. 

 

Initiated by FPMA Past President Steve Lum and Allied Representative John Riley, the pest control industry united their efforts to serve the Brevard Rescue Mission. Here they furnished an apartment and beautified the grounds for residents to rest and recover. 

 

The success of this collaboration was the beginning of a new program administrated by Leslie Herren, FPMA Executive Vice President, to recruit P.E.S.T. Relief Responders who could serve individual families and expand the REST Initiative into the residential community.  

 

Stepping up to the plate were first P.E.S.T. Relief Responders Eric Hoffer of Hoffer Pest Solutions and Todd Barber of Barber’s Best Termite and Pest. Both men extended their services for bed bug remediation while Mattress Safe donated mattress and box spring encasements. 

 

Here are the success stories:

Eric Hoffer, current president of FPMA, came to the aid of a single mom and her daughter in South Florida whose school was forced to consider suspending the girl for fear of spreading bed bugs to other students. With the services that Eric provided, the daughter was able to stay in school and continue her education. Hoffer said, "We feel very fortunate to have the ability to help those who need our services but may not be able to afford them. We are glad to be of service to the great community that allows us to prosper in business."

 

Along the Panhandle, Todd Barber treated a severely infested residence occupied by a family of six with one of the children living with level 5 cerebral palsy and a tracheotomy. Barber was contacted by the Florida Department of Children and Families because the infestation was so severe there was concern that bed bugs would crawl into the tracheal tube causing lethal repercussions. Todd replied, “This was a severe infestation and will require three  treatments. The family was very appreciative and worked hard to have the proper preparation completed before I arrived.  It was very validating to volunteer and make an impact.”

 

These successful trials resulted in more responders joining the frontline in January at the FMPA Business & Operations Expo with the goal of every FPMA Region having at least one P.E.S.T. Relief Responder.

 

Crissy Crenshaw and Michelle Crenshaw Beane- Crenshaw Termite and Pest Control, Inc.

David Cooksey - McCall Service

Dereck Pumphrey -Brock Lawn and Pest Control

Hunter Grimes – Bryan Pest Control

Michael Tulp - Adam’s Pest Control

Denise Warton – Trad’s Pest Control

Jacqueline Valencia – Fumeout

Kyle Varona, Fahey Pest & Lawn Solutions

Angel Rivera, Florida Bedbug Experts

 

“We are grateful for those who have given of their time to rescue the destitute and defenseless,” said Andrea Hancock. “Together we are bringing hope, restoring dignity, and enabling life transformation.”