I recently helped a client close on a property right near the beach. Everything was going smooth until it came down to the termite work. The seller, who leased the property to a couple with a young child, was posed with a delimma. The couple was really concerned about toxic chemicals being used for the work. They refused access to the property for quite some time.
This was new to me. I had never had a problem having termite work done before. It certainly peaked my interest and set me on a path to have alternatives ready for future
I did a little digging and came across some information and insight that definitely makes it easier to understand.
There is a buzzword being used these days to address those pesky pests —
Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It is a uniquely powerful combination of prevention, conventional pesticides, and green alternatives.
For years (decades maybe) the traditional path spray using approved poisons. This could be done as a spot treatment or in the case of termite infestation, the home could be "tented" or enclosed. Today however, due to a growing concerns about the dangers of toxins buyers and sellers are looking for alternatives. The industry is also looking for ways to reduce the amount of pesticides used by incorporating solutions that are proven to be less toxic but still effective. The result —
IPM.
Although a work in progress, this approach is quickly catching the eye of sellers and buyers alike. I think
IPM will grow in popularity and move termite and bug protection to another level.
The Difference Between Conventional treatment and IPM
The convential approach is extermination (shoot-to-kill) with chemicals. This process often starts by toxic pesticides, then reapplying them on a regular schedule to prevent future infestations. In truth, the homeowner is paying for treatment whether insects are there or not.
The biggest challenge with the conventional approach is the risk of unnecessary exposure to toxic pesticides. Although proven to be effective in the short-term, pesticides can be linked to long-term adverse effects on the endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems of people and animals. Smaller children can be more sensitive to the toxins found in many pesticides because their immune systems, organs, brains, and nervous systems are still developing.
Even with Environmental Protection regulating all pesticides, they remain potentially deadly to humans and harmful to the environment - especially if misapplied.
An alternative is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM uses a combination of strategies to control pests and includes homeowners as partners in the process. IPM consists of three basic steps:
- Identifying Pests
Knowledge of the termites/pests is key to drawing up a plan to combat them. Any termite/pest control rep should be able to tell different insects/termites apart and understand everything -- their habits and habitats and how to best neutralize them
- Preventing Pests from gestation and spreading
This strategy stresses prevention by denying food, water and access to livable habitats. However, immediate action to treat an existing infestation may include call for low toxic or natural (but effective) alternatives to neutralize the bugs/termite
- Continual Treatment
No matter what the circumstances, active continual treatment is almost always recommended. The exterminator should consider using low toxic products - applying as little as possible and treat the smallest area possible (i.e. cracks and crevices)
If you are not comfortable with even low toxic sprays, gels or grandule pesticides, there are several natural substances (i.e. boric acid) that have active ingredients to stop infestation. Although slower than chemical pesticides, there are products made from natural substances can be very effective.
Keep in mind, that even natural solutions have the capacity to kill living organisms. Therefore, these solutions may be harmful to you and those around you. The best advice I can give is to have a full understanding of the products being used regardless of their toxicity.
Lastly, make sure the company you align with is licensed and a member of the local, state, and/or national pest management association. The association participation provides you the peace-of-mind that they are held accountable to the highest professional standards and ethics.
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
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www.espn.comLabels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, bugs, extermination, insects, Long Beach, Park Estates, pesticides, tenting, Termite, toxic, wood destroying
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 1:29 PM
