PPMA Calls for Industry Participation During Tick Awareness Week

FAIRFAX, Va. – The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), is calling on the industry to help educate consumers about the health threats posed by ticks during its inaugural Tick Awareness Week—recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events — May 10-16, 2021. According to research recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human cases of Lyme disease are more common in the U.S. than previously thought at an estimated 476,000 per year—a staggering 44% increase compared to the previous annual estimate of roughly 329,000.

“With Americans eager to finally get outdoors, it’s crucial for pest control companies to encourage public vigilance against ticks,” said Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA. “As we head into warmer months where tick populations are particularly prevalent, we encourage all pest control companies to join the cause to help educate consumers on the dangers associated with ticks and the steps they can take to ensure their property is properly protects to help safeguard themselves and their loved ones from tick-related health threats.”

PPMA will be dedicating all @PestWorld social media channels to sharing important tick information, facts, prevention tips and information about tickborne illnesses during Tick Awareness Week. Pest control companies can help further the cause by focusing their social media content on ticks throughout the week and using the hashtag #TickAwareness in all posts. 

In recognition of its inaugural Tick Awareness Week, PPMA will also be unveiling an exciting new consumer campaign: TickTalk. The campaign will kick off during Tick Awareness Week with a comprehensive digital and media relations plan as well as a new microsite complete with never-before-seen photos and videos! PPMA also created an exclusive toolkit available for Mainframe subscribers to download on PPMAMainframe.org. The toolkit includes a customizable press release, suggested social media content, “Tick Talk” logos to be used as website badges, high-resolution photography and video content, and more.