Elements of Success Low-Impact Pest Management A Sustainable Approach. Patrick T. Copps Technical Services Manager Orkin, LLC

Transcription

1 Elements of Success Low-Impact Pest Management A Sustainable Approach Patrick T. Copps Technical Services Manager Orkin, LLC 1

2 Why use an Element type program? Emphasizes non-chemical control and targeted interventions Combines multiple techniques to interrupt pest life cycle Focus is on the sources rather than symptoms of pest problems Reduced environmental impact 2

3 And Homeowners are more likely to hire a pest professional who practices green methods. 2,135 Adults who owned their home Likelihood of Hiring a Pest Professional 26% 18% 18% 74% 38% Likelihood of Hiring a Pest Professional Who Practices Green Methods 20% 13% 20% 80% 47% Not at all likely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely 3 Source: 2007 Harris Interactive Research Poll

4 4 U.S. Green Building Council

5 Pesticides EPA Reduced Risk Materials EPA Exempt Products LEED San Francisco Tier III List NOP USDA National List/OMRI Today, all pesticide manufacturers are developing reduced risk materials and in the [near] future, these will be the only products available for urban pest management programs - Dr. Clay Scherer DuPont Corporation (NCUE, Portland, OR -May 2010) 5

6 What is the Element Program? The Element program was designed for customers, both commercial and residential, who are interested in promoting and utilizing low-impact pest management techniques. This program was also designed to comply with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) integrated pest management standards. Orkin Element meets LEED requirements under Sustainable Sites Credit 3 and Environmental Quality Credit 3.9 The pest management industry lacks a true standard for low-impact mandated by regulation or statute. The Element program combines the best attributes of established programs like GreenPro IPM but allows for the inclusion of features that are unique to each situation. 6

7 Element - IPM Assess the situation Implement a customized solution Monitor, document and communicate Includes a training and certification component: - Element in-house training and test - GreenPro - Understanding of LEED for commercial properties 7

8 Not One Flavor Target Type Specific Agreement Client Input Pesticide Adaptation Residential/Com. IPM Element - Low Impact Yes Reduced Risk Residential IPM Element - GreenPro Yes Exempt/Reduced Risk LEED IPM Element - LEED Yes SF Tier III/No VOC Organic IPM Organic Protocol Yes NOP List/OMRI 8

9 LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 1) LEED certification requires the use of IPM practices 2) LEED restricts the use of materials that are not defined as least hazardous 3) LEED Integrated Pest Management programs must not have negative impacts on building occupants or the environment 9

10 Increasing need to meet LEED IPM requirements Requirements for indoor/outdoor IPM: Use of least-toxic pesticides Minimum use of chemicals Chemicals used only in specific locations and for targeted species Inspection and monitoring Requirements for indoor IPM only: Monitoring and evaluation of pest populations and pest management needs Pesticide use only if nontoxic options are unreasonable or have been exhausted, and then only a least-toxic pesticide Written IPM policy and documentation that it was followed Element scope-of-service and documentation As the USGBC s first pest management Education Provider, Orkin has agreed to abide by USGBC established operational and educational criteria, and is subject to annual reviews and audits for quality assurance. 10

11 Element - Target Pest: Argentine Ants Assess the situation Indoors? Nests/Sources? Implement a customized solution Client participation including education trash handling? Offices: I m not your mother campaign Non chemical interventions (Little research but there is value) Low impact (Bait and liquid/granular targeted treatments) Monitor, document and communicate What was done? Where was it done? Why was it done? What can be done differently/better? = Continuous improvement 11

12 Advantages and disadvantages of a green service program like Element TM Pro: Emphasizes good stewardship practices/sustainability (PESP) Increases Professionalism Proactive, fewer interventions Considers the building occupant Cost effective in the long term Requires attention to detail and education/cooperation of the client Con: Requires attention to detail and cooperation of the client Interventions are limited Green Stinks Can be overly prescriptive Can be costly in the short term 12

13 Assess the Situation What types of [ant] pests are present? Indoors/Outdoors? What are the conducive conditions? What restrictions could limit interventions? Are there opportunities for education and cooperation? 13

14 14 Assess the Situation

15 Implement a Customized Solution Educate Source Reduction Prevention and Exclusion Pesticide Treatment - Bait - Landscape - Barrier 15

16 Monitor, Document and Communicate Monitor: Baits, Service requests, Conducive conditions Document/Review Communicate with the customer Make modifications where needed! 16

17 Element and Business Time is a key factor For a typical residential service, Pest Management Professionals are required to assess, make interventions, and complete all tasks within min. Element protocols can be accommodated in the time allotted if a comprehensive initial assessment was made and you have a client-partner. 17

18 18 Questions?