GREEN PEST CONTROL

We all want a healthier environment; organic foods, natural products, better air quality, clean water and fewer pesticides. No wonder many ask us if and how can pests be eliminated without using harmful pesticides.

Along with green construction, sustainable pest control is achievable but does require a new way of thinking, planning and building. It also means a little more maintenance and using natural products, low-impact and ecologically sound materials when necessary. In other words: “Working with nature rather than fighting it.”

Green Construction: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Consult first with your architect, contractor and pest control operator to avoid creating or leaving existing conditions that lead to infestations.

Good drainage in and around structures to prevent moisture intrusion and water pooling in crawl spaces

Moisture membranes and concrete soil covers to keep sub-areas dry, clean and unwelcoming to pests

Sufficient Ventilation in enclosed areas to prevent stagnant and unhealthy air leading to mildew and mold

Adequate elevation and grading away from the structure to prevent earth-wood contacts and faulty grades

Ample roof overhangs, flashings, gutters, downspouts and drain lines to prevent leaks and deterioration

Proper flashing and joints around exterior doors, windows, siding and trim to prevent moisture intrusion

Borate based pre-treatment (Bora-Care or Tim-Bor) of exposed wood and foundations before enclosures

Complying with and exceeding state and local building ordinances for a healthier and safer home

Concrete cover with sump pump in subarea	Proper drainage with concrete  foundation above grade and concrete cover in crawl spaces	Bora-Care or Tim-Bor pre-treatments prior to wall and floor enclosure

Sustainable Maintenance: “Use nature's lessons and allies to your advantage”. Once completed discourage nature's invaders and maintain the structure and its surroundings inhospitable to pests.

Maintain the structure's exterior siding and trim sealed, painted and watertight.

Keep and trim vines, trees, shrubs and vegetation away to promote air movement and a dry environment

Don't pile, store, build or lay material, plants or added buildings against the exterior of the structure

Keep sprinklers and other irrigation systems from watering against or near the structure.

Don't add planter beds, stone facia, brick veneer or raise soil grade against the exterior siding

Keep ventilators unobstructed to promote air movement and replace torn ones to keep rodents out

Clean and clear roofs, gutters, downspouts and drain lines, particularly during fall, winter and spring

Have your sump pumps, drain lines and plumbing checked and serviced to prevent leaks and moisture

Keep all areas dry and clean to discourage common pests (ants, flies, beetles, fleas, termites, etc.)

Know friends and chase away foes: Spiders, birds, lizards, and some beetles are all pest predators

Use non-toxic traps or repellents to avoid secondary wildlife poisoning (e.g. birds of pray and reptiles)

When using retail available products, always follow the label never exceeding recommendations

Consult with a licensed professional before adding, remodeling or modifying any improvements

Call to get a periodic pest inspection by a State Licensed Professional to discover infestations early

Wood decay damage (dry rot) caused by moisture intrusion from faulty or missing flashing	Water in subareas without drainage lead to mold, wood decay, termite & beetle infestations	Severe termite & wood decay damage caused by adjacent planter bed and faulty grade

Low Impact Pest Control: Nature is tenacious and in spite of the above recommendations it may still find ways to infest. Gone are the days of creosote, chlordane and such other pesticides that were common around homes. Decades of public awareness, research and development have lead to more target specific and safer products eliminating pests without affecting occupants, the local ecosystem or surrounding environment.

Bora-Care & Tim-Bor are made from naturally occuring sodium borate found in Boron California	Altriset is a non-repellent termiticide with a toxicity level lower than salt or orange oil	Termidor-SC Odorless products affect termites not adjacent plants

Marin Termite recommends following the above recommendations first and uses the following products once infestations do occur: Natural inorganics (Bora-Care, TimBor, clays, diatomaceous earth, salts), colorless and odorless non-repellents (Termidor & Altriset) that have no effect on plant life and minimal impact on the environment.

Call 456-9620 and ask for one of our licensed inspectors to schedule an inspection.