Whether they are animals, plants or insects, pests can and do have a harmful impact on humans and the environment. Even if a wide variety of pests have always co-existed with mankind, sound evidence today suggests that urban areas are increasingly exposed to them and to pest-related d iseases.
The ongoing evolution of climate change and unplanned urbanisation both contribute to the proliferation of pests and exacerbate the severity of their impact on public health, biodiversity, food and feed supply and even the citizen’s perceptions of hygiene and security. On the other hand, we cannot wait for climate action measures to have their effect, for example, before addressing the unacceptable threat from pests and pest-borne diseases.
All signatories to this Memorandum of Understanding support and endorse the commitments and minimum requirements that are the key characteristics of professional pest management, as a way to curb the harmful activities of unqualified service providers or improvised pest management programmes.
Pest management should be performed by trained technicians in accordance with the principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management. An approach based on the principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management and full respect of all applicable regulation is the best guarantee of an effective and professional outcome.
The signatories call for official recognition by the EU institutions and the EU Member States of the key role of professional pest management in:
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Protecting the health and safety of citizens
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Promoting a safe and healthy environment for all
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Helping businesses and public facilities ensure high standards of hygiene
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Helping ensure the protection of biodiversity and endangered species
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Preserving the credibility of the overall pest management sector as an enabler of safe and sustainable living