Organic Pest Control and Lawn Care

For the last decade or so, research in pest control products and technology have increasingly focused on less-toxic, more environmentally friendly methods of managing pest populations. As a result, the entire pest control industry is moving toward a greener philosophy.

There are some customers, whoever, who would prefer that their pest control be performed using only naturally derived materials. These customers also understand that such an approach will entail greater effort on their part in applying non-chemical methods to correct conditions conducive to infestation. They also understand that such a program aims to manage pest populations to acceptable levels, rather than necessarily eliminating them.

For customers willing to make this commitment to the environment, we are happy to offer our Alternative Pest Control Program. Here's how it works.

1. Inspection

We begin with a thorough inspection of your home and property, looking for existing pest problems as well as conditions conducive to pest infestation. These conditions may include problems such as:

• Moisture problems (broken downspouts, poor grading, etc.)
• Structural gaps and cracks that provide access for pests to enter your home
• Tree limbs that touch or overhang the roof line
• Broken windows screens and door sweeps
• Wood in contact with the soil
• Deficiencies in landscaping or lawn care

2. Consultation

Once we complete our inspection, we will provide the homeowner with a list of problems that need to be corrected, along with our recommendations for the best ways of doing so.

3. Non-Chemical Control Methods

To control existing pest problems, we can use any of several completely non-chemical methods, as appropriate to the individual situation. these may include:

• Trapping
• Insect electrocutors (in outdoor areas only)
• Exclusion
• Habitat modification
• Fertilization or aeration of lawns

The cost for these services varies widely depending upon the equipment and labor required.

4. Use of Naturally-Derived, Least-Toxic Pest Control Products

Only when needed (and after consultation with the customer), we will apply naturally-derived products for the control of existing pest populations. These fail into three broad categories:

• Botanicals are materials derived from plants, such as pyrethrum and d-limomene.
• Borates are insecticides containing some form of boric acid, a materially also used in many eye wash preparations and topical skin medications. Borate insecticides usually are formulated as baits or dusts.
• Desiccants are dusts or powders that have the physical effect of causing an insect to dehydrate by scratching the waxy coverings of their bodies. The two most commonly used desiccants are diatomaceous earth and silica gel.

Some of these products are considered to pose such minimal risk to the environment that they aren't even legally considered "pesticides" and aren't required to be registered as such with the EPA.

To learn more about Alternative Pest Control or any of our services, please contact us.