SPRING NEWSLETTER, 2014

Spring is quickly approaching. We have seen more migratory birds—flocks of Robins, Red Wing Black Birds and large flocks (500-1,000 birds) of geese heading north. Spring flowers are popping up and some of the dormant insect eggs have begun to hatch. It is only a matter of time until we will be wishing for just one of these transitional days to return and spell us from scorching summer heat.

Many insects may be later to appear because of the length of winter. However, most native insects have very well-adapted survival skills. They live under the surfaces surrounding our homes. They live under wood and stone mulch, decaying cavities in trees, as well as the insulation layer of our sided houses.

One of the ‘catch phrases’ in the pest control industry is Integrated Pest Management. Simply stated, it is a process using the least chemical and invasive procedure to manage pests. This involves a partnership between the homeowner and the pest management professional. It also involves both a chemical approach, combined with a plan to eliminate or exclude pests from our homes.

Following is a list of the most common activities homeowners may perform to help control pest invasion.

• Caulk around doors and windows.
• Move firewood and lumber piles away from the house.
• Check utility pipe entrances to assure the siding is tight.
• Reduce (or don’t add) mulch to a thickness of 2 to 4 inches.
• Make sure mulch does not totally cover the foundation wall below the siding.
• Make sure gutters and drain pipes drain away from the house and do not pool next to the house.
• Trim bushes and trees so that they do not touch the structure.

There are some very ‘green’ chemical products available today. For example 3 products from DuPont are specie specific—Altriset for Termites, Advion for either Ants or Cockroaches, depending on the formulation. There are a number of non-pyrethroid products that are effective, but not so toxic to people and pets. One of these is a diatomecious earth derivative—ground volcanic ash. Boric Acid and other Borate derivatives have become more popular. Borax is a organic product, and very environmentally friendly.

We protect your property, our health and the environment.