The definition according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture is as follows:
Green Pest Management can best be defined as a service that employs an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach while utilizing fewer of the earth’s resources as part of a larger effort to reduce human impacts on the environment.
We can try to break the definition down a little further. We like to think of Green Pest Management as a solution that leads to an environmentally responsible, least-toxic program to protect your property and family. The program should deliver the highest quality pest management service possible through inspection of the property, strategic monitoring, elimination of favorable conditions, and use of eco-friendly insecticides when other measures are not adequate or practical.
Green programs rely on a much closer relationship between the occupants/homeowners and their pest technician. Many times, the challenges are part of the exterior environment which may require mechanical or physical changes around a building/home in order to keep pests out or remove favorable conditions where pests thrive. This can include sanitation improvement, sealing access points, controlling water runoff and/or drainage, and a good, ongoing monitoring plan.
When pesticides need to be used in a Green Pest Management program, the use of all-natural and/or biopesticides might be the best choice. They include active ingredients derived from such natural resources as animals, plants and bacteria. There are many products that are listed as either “Exempt”, “Minimum-risk” or “Reduced-risk” by the U.S. EPA due to their low impact on human health, low toxicity to non-target organisms (birds, fish and plants), low potential for groundwater contamination, lower use rates, low pest resistance potential, and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM). For the most part, these compounds are essential oils or other plant extracts, food ingredients or other compounds that are known to have insecticidal or repellent properties.
At Think Green Pest Control, we listen to your needs and concerns to help put together the best pest control plan to protect your family, pets and property. More and more families want eco-friendly options as a choice for services and products in their life, and pest management professionals need to be able to meet those needs.
