The definition of “green” means something different to almost everyone. Some may refer to “green” as a color, living a healthier lifestyle, protecting the environment among a host of other definitions.

When referring to “green” in pest management, again, there are many answers.  Thomas Pest Services is “green” is practicing Integrated Pest Management, offering green pest control services, utilizing organic products, practicing environmental stewardship along with many other activities.

PCT Maganzie and Dr. Stuart Mitchell discuss the ABC’s of Green Techniques. Below are some of the ABC’s.

A's

• A cotton swab dipped in alcohol can be used to kill mealybugs. Alcohol dissolves the wax around the insects and egg masses, killing them.
• Almond oil containing benzaldehyde has been shown to have carpenter bee repellent qualities. -Orlove, M.J. Undated

B's

• Bacillus thuringiensis and subspecies produce a spore and protein called endotoxin (ingested stomach poison) for control of mosquitoes and other insect pests.

C's

• Camphor for use against clothes moths can be broken into small pieces about 1/2 inch-square and scattered throughout a garment, tapestry container, or display.
• Cockroach infested items can be sealed in 6 mil plastic bags and the air sucked out of each bag by a vacuum then CO2 is released to fill the bag and taped.
• Citrus peel extracts are d-limonene (a citrus oil) and linalool (an alcohol), which are either terpenes or hydrocarbons with insecticidal and repellent properties.

F's

• Flexinet electric fencing gets respect from all animals and even from the predators. This visible fence comes in 165-foot lengths with all the posts built within. Customized fence is available for horses, goats, sheep, hogs, and poultry. The 20-inch Flexinet keeps rabbits and rodents out.

G's

• Garbage or waste should be handled correctly along sanitation lines. Containers need to have tight-fitting lids, routinely cleaned, and emptied on a schedule.
• Garlic oil, Allium sativum a member of the Lily family, has been used for aliments from toothache to HBP. Modern studies confirm antibacterial, antifungal, amebicidal, and insecticidal properties. Contains allylcysteinesulfate as di and trisulfides as actives.

H's

• Heating a structure's interior between 135º and 150º degrees exterminates insects, including those in tiny crevices and heat sinks.
• Dehumidifiers remove moisture from warm, humid air, working like an air conditioner, moving warm air past two coils. This reduces many pests including spiders, millipedes and centipedes.

M's

• Mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis, are used for mosquito control in man-made bodies of water. A 1-foot piece of clay pipe can be used to protect them.

N's

• A natural enemy to regulate pest populations is accomplished through discovery and introduction of new natural enemies, by conservation of existing natural enemy populations, and by periodic large population releases of mass-reared natural enemies. These three activities are basic tenets of successful applied biological control.
• Bird netting is a very effective and econo mical way to keep birds out of key areas in and around structures. Whole sections of a building can be "walled-off" or architectural features protected.

P's

• Pheromones are substances produced by an organism that elicit a response in another of the same species.

 S's

• Storage containers of various designs that exclude pests.

U's

• Ultraviolet light traps are effective sub-controls and environmental monitoring devices. The size or wattage (w/m2) and phosphor emission of the trap must slightly exceed the line-of-site space provided.

V's

• Vitamin B1 or thiamine taken orally has been used as a flea repellent. Be sure to consult your physician or veterinarian.

W's

• Aphids can be washed off plants and some will be killed and others end up food for other predators. Repeat every 3 to 4 days.

At Thomas Pest Services, we are striving to become more efficient in every way. While eliminating pests is our main concern like it is yours, we also care about protecting the environment and with our practices are have the ability to do both.