Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Can Pest Management be “Green”?

Believe it or not, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, and one valley pest management company was one of the very first to become a member of the Program. Invader Pest Management has submitted their five-year goals to the program, and is also in the process of becoming Green PRO certified through the National Pest Management Association. Green Pro certification requires strict compliance with comprehensive standards for safety and reliability.

Many homeowners do not want potentially harmful chemicals used on their property if it is not absolutely necessary. Invader uses a strategy called Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses a variety of methods to control pests while reducing reliance on pesticides. IPM begins with knowing pests! A thorough inspection of the home and property by an Invader professional can identify sanitary and other conditions that attract or enable pests to enter your home. By addressing these issues first, pests can be stopped before they become a problem. Non-chemical controls such as glue boards can be used if necessary, and certain biological controls such as aphids and pheromones are often effective against pests. Use of low-impact materials is discussed with the homeowner, and the Invader professionals keep up continued monitoring and communication with the homeowner.

The company has a variety of programs available to homeowners, including the All Green Program, which is 100% organic, using only natural plant oils and extracts recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The professionals at Invader can work with homeowners to discuss the best options for whatever pest issues they may have at any given time.

Taking care of the environment and maintaining a healthy home environment has become increasingly more important to homeowners, and companies like Invader provide a great option for going green.