PMPs Sometimes Maligned?

Nearly forty years in the pest control industry has shown me some interesting traits of our culture. Obviously, there can be an unpleasant association people make between what we deal with around pest management and ourselves. After all, we deal with creepy little bugs and filthy rats and mice. We crawl into dusty attics and grimy crawl spaces beneath homes. And, it is assumed, we "live around" and "spray" TOXIC chemicals. Who would willingly commit themselves to such work? Realistically, our work is no more or less dirty than the plumber who also has to crawl into those dark spaces. And the medical profession--doctors and nurses--have to change bed pans and deal with unpleasant aspects of the human anatomy...and sometimes even contagious diseases. But, having starting in this industry nearly four decades ago, I can testify that there have been characters who were sometimes slovenly dressed or sometimes morally compromised and did little to elevate our profession. Nevertheless, even when those of us determine to be professional in our practices--entomological knowledge, knowledge of IPM and least toxic pesticides, sincere in our care of our clients--we may still occasionally be maligned by a prejudice about "exterminators." Even if this happens only once in a while we know as PMPs that we're not automatically considered one of the traditional "professions." So it is important that we carry ourselves in the most professional manor and even go the extra mile to properly earn their trust and respect. One of the most powerful ways we can develop as Pest Management Professionals is to develop Least-Toxic/ Integrated Pest Management approaches. This is why we participate in PCOEAG, the Pest Control Operators Environmental Achievement Group. It is our goal to develop as a unique group of dedicated pest management professionals. And as we demonstrate our commitment to "green pest control," we can proudly show the PCOEAG badge on our websites, bringing attention to the fact that we are devoted to providing safer and more conscientious pest management.

Submitted by Kurt Treftz Cascade Pest Control, Redmond, WA

LEED Certified "Green" Buildings - Problematic for IPM Practices

PCT has a current article about LEED system designed to foster “green” buildings. Al Green, an entomologist and national IPM coordinator for the U.S. General Services Administration’s Public Building Service notes improvements in the system, however, he also cites some problems with the program as it stands. Some of the issues of the LEED guidelines actually foster pest problems and make solid IPM tougher, not easier. Al Greene says that some of the language has, thankfully, changed from earlier “chemophobic” position that end up hampering IPM practices when needed. However, still “none of the principle elements of sustainable construction have very much applicability to what is required for significant pest prevention.”

One of the situations the author demonstrates is that new buildings automatically have fewer pest issues on average anyhow, regardless of being in the LEED system, and won’t show many pests until the building starts to age. This creates a deceptive result when various aspects of waste handling and building practices are not addressed to truly help reduce pests. Al Green cites examples of plantings on roofs and even ponds that, while aesthetically attractive, are also attractive to pests. Also low-slopped roofs offer opportunity for standing water and inaccessible spaces beneath—not to mention how hard it is to repair a roof that has a layer of soil and plantings on top of it. Also, raised floors designed for computer cables and air conditioning systems readily harbor rodents—a step backward, not forward. Other issues cited within LEED certified buildings were huge millipede infestations, inadequate door sweeps to close out pests, raccoon infestations, house sparrows entering when doors were left propped open. More information can be found within the complete PCT article. For PCOEAG members: what have you encountered with LEED certified buildings? Do you advertise availability to assist with LEED buildings? Don Leland http://www.pctonline.com/Digital/201410/html5/index.html?page=84

New PCOEAG ....coming November 2014

PCOEAG - the Pest Control Operators Environmental Awareness Group is a collective of pest control companies that share a vision of providing safer, environmentally friendly pest management to the public. --- PCOEAG was first launched right on the heels of the "Great Recession" which was just so much bad timing. Everyone had to "duck and cover" until the worse was over economically. But now it is undergoing a major transformation. --- First of all the doors are open to all pest management professionals who agree to the PCOEAG principles of IPM and/or "green" pest management practices at no cost. BASIC PCOEAG MEMBERSHIP IS FREE. --- Cascade Pest Control, an early pioneer in green pest control, sponsors PCOEAG and it has been decided to insure that every reputable pest control company that truly wants to contribute to pest management with sound environmental practices can join without cost. And each member can proudly display the PCOEAG membership badge. https://www.pcoeag.org

PCOEAG is a wonderful idea who's time came long ago however no one bothered to encourage PCO's separate from other memberships, free of charge at least on some basic level. It's like Email--when it first came out (think AOL) it cost to have an Email account. Now it doesn't. Having said all that, we launched PCOEAG around 2010 when everyone was scrambling to stay afloat in the Real Estate Bubble BUST--the Great Recession. So it's time again to re-launch PCOEAG and make it even easier for PCOs (PMPs) to participate and feel rewarded for their "green"/IPM efforts.

We encourage Pest Management Professionals who genuinely care about their practices in relation to both the naturals environment and the health and safety of people where we provide pest management to join PCOEAG at your earliest convenience. We hope we've made is simple, straightforward and rewarding to participate in this manner. Don Leland