September 23, 2008

Green pest control

I’ve been a pest control operator for almost thirty years. I entered the industry on the cusp of great change. The term integrated pest management was, I think, fairly new back then, but it’s the only pest control I’ve ever practiced. IPM involves coordinated use of many means of eliminating problems, with reliance on toxic controls minimized in favor of such things as mechanical barriers and sanitation programs. My very first mentor was fond of saying “Never turn to the traditional pesticide solution first. Look at all of the ways a pest can be controlled and try the least toxic solution first.” I was never indoctrinated into the “old school” way of doing pest control, the one that historically identified our industry as providers of poisonous chemical applications. I learned, instead, to practice “green” pest control, long before “green” came to be the identifying word for minimizing our impact on the environment. I’m glad it worked out that way. I didn’t have bad habits to unlearn like some of the older guys (they were almost all men back then.) I’ve applied pesticides, but only as a part of an overall program designed to solve pest problems in ways that have the softest possible impact on health, safety and the environment. Educating the public is a huge part of IPM. Pest control is no longer something we do for you, it’s something we do with you.

The bookmarks I lost when my computer bit the dust included dozens of links that have helped me educate friends, family and readers on responsible, participatory pest control methods. I’m slowly rebuilding the list and today I bookmarked a great resource for all of you. The Havahart Critter Library contains a wealth of information, is easily navigable and will teach you everything you need to know in order to deal with furry critters invading your domain. I was using Havahart® live animal traps to capture and release squirrels and raccoons back in the eighties, so I know the company well. Today their website is as much about educating the public as it is about selling products, so it’s a great go-to for anyone who has chosen to live in an enivronment that first belonged to creatures with more than two legs (that would be all of us, in case you’ve never thought about it that way.) The library will guide you through identifying the pest and then point you towards solutions. As an example, many of you are growing at least some of your own food these days. You’re doing it organically, which means you’re not interested in spreading around poisons to keep rabbits from decimating your lettuce crop before it’s mature enough to bring to the table. The Havahart Critter Library will help you confirm which pest you’re dealing with (moles and squirrels and rabbits behave differently and require different controls) and will then provide you with some good choices for control methods you can live with. To save your vegetable garden from bunny invasion they suggest trapping or rabbit repellent as practical and green solutions. Organic gardening can be a little more labor-intensive than reaching for toxic chemicals to control pests, but it’s the responsible thing to do and what you want for your family. Bookmark the Havahart Critter Library. They’ll help you keep your garden green.

Necessary disclaimer, lest you think I’m steering you away from turning to an expert for your pest problems: The Havahart folks are professionals - genuine, dues-paying members of my industry. They’ve been providing alternative pest control solutions for sixty years and their products are widely used by the pros. Effective, green pest control involves partnerships between providers and end-users. Havahart is a great partner to invite into your team!