The Pest Management Workshop, held in Moraga, CA early October, was organized by Parents for a Safer Environment (PFSE), a very dedicated advocacy group of parents in the San Francisco Bay Area founded by Susan JunFish. The workshop taught attendees to use less toxic, long-term and economical methods to control common insects, rodents, and weed problems in landscapes and structures.
The companies invited to give the presentations emphasized monitoring, sanitation, baits, and as a last resort, use of least-toxic pesticides. By using these methods you can use fewer pesticide applications, hence reduce contamination of air and water. Some termite companies offer non-toxic treatments that use microwaves and heat. Others offer least-toxic treatments made of borates or termite baits.
Gee Chow, owner of BioVent Termite, talked about detection and cure. He locates termites by using the Termite Tracker which is an acoustic device that listens for the sound of active termites. Next he drills a tiny 1/8th inch hole into the wood and insert a probe to the hole to confirm live termite activity. Then, through another couple of tiny 1/8-inch holes he injects the termicide Premise Foam into the wood. This method detects and treats termite more locally and minimize chemical use.
James Schmerker, owner of Animal Damage Control, gave some practical demonstrations of using various traps to catch rodents the correct way. For example, placing two mouse traps right next to the wall on both sides could trap mice coming from either direction. He said that peanut butter’s effectiveness as a bait only lasts for a day or two as the smell disappears quickly. Peanut with shell lasts for about six months. Someone from the audience also said that mice do not like hydrogenated oil in the peanut butter. So organic peanut butter works better!
It was a very informative workshop. I would suggest everyone to attend if it is offered again next year. Or suggest your gardener or contractor to attend.
Some of the companies that presented at the workshop offer 10% – 20% discount for new clients referred by PFSE.
Here is the list of presenters:
Animal Damage Control – James Schmerker, www.animal-damage-control.net/homeBioVent Termite – Gee Chow, bioventtermite.com
Pacific Landscapes – Darryl Orr & Steve Cole, Darryl@pacificlandscapes.com, scole@pacificlandscapes.com
Cagwin & Dorward – David Phelps, Dave.phelps@cagwin.com
ABOL Rodent Control – Al Dentone, adentone@softcom.net
Wild Wing Co. – John Schuster, info@wildwingco.com
Rincon-Vicota Insectaries – Ron Whitehurst, ron@rinconvitova.com
ATCO Pest Control – Richard Estrada, Richard@atcopestcontrol.com
Alliance Environmental Services – Jon Nelson, JonNelson@alliance-enviro.com
Sign the PFSE petition asking Contra Costa County to adopt an Integrated Pest Management Policy.
