We use diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and natural pyrethrum powders in areas where the pests harbor and enter the structure. DE scratches the outer coating of the insect which causes dehydration. Boric acid acts as a stomach poison to the insect, but to humans and animals is less toxic than table salt. The pyrethrum powder is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Unlike humans, insects have insufficient nerve ganglia to handle pyrethrum.
We also use a variety of bait products to control roaches, ants, earwigs, silverfish, millipedes, etc. Baiting is performed in areas where the pests harbor and forage, including the outside perimeter.
We used to use a microencapsulated pyrethrin liquid spray, but there were problems with it’s availability and quality. A carefully selected synthetic pyrethrin formula was chosen to replace it. It is a water based product and contains no aromatic solvents. For those who want an all natural approach, we have a liquid spray formula of peppermint, rosemary, and wintergreen that is mostly used on the outside. Also for the outside is a wettable powder formulation that contains three botanical ingredients. Our clove, thyme, and wintergreen granules are an effective perimeter treatment as well.
Fire ants are managed with a granular bait which contains a growth regulator to inhibit the reproduction cycle. Fire ants can usually be managed with annual or bi-annual treatments.
For effective flea treatment we use beneficial nematodes in the yard. These microscopic worms feed on the egg, larval, and pupa stages of the flea. They are safe around children, pets, and plants. The treated area must be watered vigorously prior to the service. During the summer it must be kept damp for a couple of days afterwards. During water restriction times the service can be scheduled on your day for watering, then the yard can be kept damp by hand watering during the following few days. Frequent floor vacuuming and pet bed laundering is essential, and often the primary method, for indoor flea eradication.
Because no pure organic method is legally registered for professional termite control, we use the environmentally friendly product Altriset for termites. It’s the first and only termiticide in which the EPA waved the signal caution word requirement. It’s toxicity is so low that the technician is not even required to use protective clothing such as gloves and eyewear during the course of application. It’s targeted specifically for termites and has practically no impact on beneficial organisms such as earthworms and honey bees. It stops termite feeding within hours after treatment.
