Go Green With Natural Pest Control

We use many naturally derived products but our main focus is using products with low toxicity that offer a long lasting residual effect. Most pest control products have a signal word on the label to categorize the toxicity of the product (Caution, Warning and Danger). Caution means the product is slightly toxic if eaten, absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or it causes slight eye or skin irritation. Some of the products we use are exempt from displaying signal words because they are so low in toxicity, and none have a label stronger than Caution. We use diatomaceous earth (DE); boric acid powder; natural pyrethrum powder; and plant oil based dusts, granules and liquid sprays. DE and boric acid scratch the waxy outer coating of the insect which causes dehydration. Boric acid also 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. Pyrethrum attacks the nervous system of insects but not humans or animals.

We also use a variety of baits to control roaches, ants, earwigs, silverfish, millipedes, etc. Baiting is performed in areas where the pests live and forage, including the outside perimeter.

Our goal is to provide long lasting natural pest control. As natural pyrethrum breaks down fairly fast when exposed to sunlight we carefully selected a synthetic pyrethrin formula to replace it. It is a water based product and contains no aromatic solvents, which means there is no off-gassing and it has no odor.  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. These products do not last as long as synthetic pyrethrin, however they are very effective for a quick kill.  We also have a wettable powder and granules for the outside containing essential oils.

Fire ants are managed with granular bait which contains a fast-acting and safe insecticide. It is bio-activated by enzymes in the ants when they consume it, making it even safer to use and harmless to people, pets and non-target insects. 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 larval state of the flea. They are safe around children, pets, and plants. The treated area must be watered thoroughly prior to the service and kept wet for a couple of days afterward. 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. For indoor flea treatments, frequent floor vacuuming and pet bed laundering is essential, and often the primary method, for indoor flea eradication. You can read more about the flea life cycle and effective flea treatments here.