My name is Ben Carter with PermaTreat Pest Control.  I have been in the industry for over 19 years now.  We employ over 75 employees that are licensed in the state.  

We fully support the VPMA petition for rulemaking to create a new certification that separates area-wide public health pest control from non-area-wide (backyard/ residential) mosquito control.  I know personally, it took me a few attempts to pass the exam, because if the broad questioning in areas we do not service.  

This type of change is good across the board for the industry in Virginia, allowing companies to focus training and education to what matters for their business.  

And hopefully this will allow more to become licensed and knowledge in the proper categories for the applications.  

Thank you for your consideration to this matter and look forward to your approval.