At Pest World 2013 in Phoenix Dr. Frishman and I had the opportunity to meet and sign copies for readers of the CCM II. While this was an enjoyable and rewarding experience, what was interesting were the questions, comments and discussion that ensued during our Frishman-Bello book signing tour. In this issue and months ahead CCM Excerpts are presented in PMP based upon current cockroach topicality.

“Is vacuuming in there? I think our guys should be vacuuming”, one reader commented to which Dr. Frishman responded “It’s in there and you’re right !” Over the years we have both been professionally associated with vacuum manufacturer industry suppliers that each offer professional duty vacuums to the pest management industry.

While there are various models to choose, from there is more than meets the eye when considering a vacuum for pest management use. “I could use a shop vac, it’s cheaper” is a comment often heard from some and while this may be true to a degree, there are certain significant factors to consider.

Professional model manufacturers are quick to point out that not all HEPA vacuums are created equal.  And, while a retail type shop vac may be fitted with a HEPA type filter, it does not necessarily make this type of vacuum an adequate substitute for a professional HEPA system vacuum such as those manufactured for professional use. This is a concern because allergen triggering particles may leak or escape from vacuums that are not designed, engineered and built to be full HEPA systems during use.

“We need to be very careful when vacuuming roaches due to asthma and allergies” warns Frishman.  CCM readers know that Frishman worked with public health professionals concerning childhood asthma and allergies triggered by cockroaches in urban environs. The purpose in using vacuums for cockroach control work includes the immediate removal and elimination of roaches from the infested account. In doing so, we need to avoid the inadvertent causation of roach particles which may serve as triggers.

While the price point of retail models may seem attractive, it may be somewhat shorted sighted to use them. The professional vacuums are capable of removing large quantities of live cockroaches, shed skins/exoskeletons, egg capsules and carcasses without the risk of causing airborne particles due to their filtration, exhaust and housing designs which are far superior for such purposes than retail type models.

“As an industry we want to maintain and improve our professional image. Using a vacuum that anyone can buy retail for $39.95 doesn’t send the correct visual message” says Frishman. Professionals are well served to consider the perspective of the consumer. Imagine what the customer might think during a side by side comparison of PMPs where the one on the right is using professional equipment while the one on the left is using the same item seen in Wal-Mart.

While we agree that the industry should be vacuuming, we recommend the use of professional vacuums over retail models for many reasons. Today’s PMP should discuss the available vacuum options with his distributor sales representative prior to better learn the advantages of the various models. A well informed purchase decision is a superior decision.