[ViewPoint] Summertime Film Fun!

In most instances, the phrase "takes his work home with him" has a negative connotation. It conjures up images of a haggard-looking executive near the "end of his rope," reviewing spreadsheets (or on his Blackberry) at all hours of the night. Most people would agree this is not a healthy image. But I think that for the vast majority of those involved in the pest control industry "taking one’s work home" is done so in a constructive way. Let me explain. In my years covering the pest control industry I’ve interacted with many pest management professionals whose love for the profession extends beyond their on-the-job dedication. They’ve become engrossed in the pest control culture, whether it’s following fellow pest management professionals who have their own reality TV shows (e.g., "Verminators" and "Billy the Exterminator"); reading pest-related newspaper articles; watching movies or reading comic books about pests; or simply sharing "fun bug facts" or memorable pest encounters with others. I think these are good things as they demonstrate that for many PMPs, pest management is more than a job – it’s a passion.

It’s for this reason that PCT believes it’s important that we report on pests in popular culture. In fact, we devote one page in each issue (Rearview, page 108) for stories that may not be directly related to the technical side of the pest control industry, but are of interest to our readers. We’ll also periodically include full-length feature stories, such as this month’s cover story, "Bugshow: Red Carpet Roundup" (page 36). Author Anne Nagro interviewed several entomologists to get their opinions on "the good, the bad and the ugly" of "insect" movies. Nagro interviewed University of Illinois Entomology Professor Dr. May Berenbaum, organizer of the annual Insect Fear Film Festival, who noted that, despite some inaccuracies, films are a starting point for educating attendees about the "most misunderstood taxon on the planet."

It was interesting to hear our experts speak so passionately about the subject of insects in film. While several pointed out inaccuracies, and some were dismayed at how the industry’s image was portrayed in certain movies, for the most part our panel agreed these movies are a lot of fun.

And on the subject of fun, the PCT staff had a blast developing this month’s cover, which was inspired by the original "Creepshow" movie promotional poster that features a skeleton behind a movie ticket counter sliding tickets underneath an opening. PCT Associate Art Director Jim Blayney sent a "Creepshow" poster image to illustrator Sharon Tancredi to create an illustration that would pay homage to this classic poster. Tancredi took these instructions and "ran with them," creating an image that we think does a nice job illustrating the story and also is fun! We hope you enjoy this month’s cover image and story and we encourage you to share with PCT your favorite pest-related film.

Speaking of pest control in popular culture, one of the most polarizing figures in the pest management industry is Vexcon’s Billy Bretherton, the tattooed, outlaw-looking star of A&E’s "Billy the Exterminator." Not a week goes by when we don’t receive a "Letter to the Editor" or see a post on the PCTOnline Message Board about the colorful Bretherton. While some are upset that Bretherton portrays an image the industry is trying to distance itself from, others say "don’t judge a book by its cover," and respect Bretherton’s knowledge and willingness to handle pest control jobs that others turn away (e.g., snake and alligator removal). I encourage everyone to watch this show and judge for themselves.

The author is Internet editor and managing editor of PCT.