State pest association examines the benefits that come from otherwise pesky insects

Raleigh, N.C. – It’s a time of year for giving thanks…even for the pests in our lives.

As Thanksgiving nears, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) is educating North Carolinians about the benefits that five of the most common pests canbring to our state.

“People often think of insects as just pests, but they also do good things for our environment. This Thanksgiving season, we want people to know that what they consider a nuisance can actually be beneficial too,” said Lee Smith, entomologist and board member of NCPMA.

The Top 5 Pests to Be Thankful For:

· Ladybugs

Ladybugs may seem like a nuisance this time of year but they also provide great benefits as they eat other plant-eating insects such as aphids.

· Spiders

While some species of spiders can pose health hazards, some species of spiders can eat insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

· Yellow Jackets

While often feared for its powerful sting, the yellow jacket can also help keep other insect populations at bay. Yellow jackets consume insects that can damage plants and crops and also eat house fly larva.

· Bees

Bees are well known for the benefits that they bring to the environment such as making honey and pollinating plants.

· Termites

Most people think of termites as insects that merely destroy building structures, but termites do provide many benefits in nature. Termites aid in the decomposition of wood debris in forests and landfills, which is especially helpful following a strong hurricane or tornado season.

About the NCPMA
Founded in 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in NorthCarolina. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina. Formerly, the North CarolinaPest Control Association, NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals.

To learn more about NCPMA, please visit its Web site at www.ncpestmanagement.org