Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

In this Keynote Address, the author challenges the public perception of the “balance of nature.” He discusses the trend toward increasing legislation to regulate pesticides and to protect our environment, including endangered species. He deems the most immediate challenges facing the pest control industry are in relation to the media, the public, and the various legislatures and regulatory entities. He notes that society’s perspective has become “almost entirely risk-oriented rather than benefit-oriented,” concerning such matters as pest control methods. He elaborates on this perspective, challenging those involved in pest control to be in communication with media representatives to convey factual information about the benefits of managing for the good of humans and the environment.