Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP)

The age of depending on chemical solutions to solve pest problems has gone the way of the gas lantern. During the last few decades, the pest management industry has had to make adjustments in the manner it approaches pest issues. These adjustments have proven to be both wise and challenging. In evaluating the over-usage of pesticides and its effects on our environment, new and more effective methods of solving pest problems had to be developed and applied.

Environmentally sound programs were developed to place emphasis on a regular intensive inspection of the residence or business in order to search out and determine the cause of the pest condition. We in the pest management industry refer to this as IPM (Integrated Pest Management). As I stated at the outset, this has been difficult (old habits being hard to break for both the technician and the client), yet, it has proven to be a positive and more effective way of doing business. The importance is now less focused on chemical usage, and more focused on thorough and precise applications (pinpoint treatments) that result in a safe and effective pest management program. By performing an intensive inspection, it reveals that a non-chemical approach will prove more effective, by eliminating the very condition that produced the pest problem in the first place.

The key to any pest management program consists of the following four steps:

1. Pest Identification – Treating for the wrong pest will result in zero control of the pest issue as well as misuse of pesticides. Making sure you have clearly identified the pest will assure the problem is properly addressed.
2. Sanitation – Poor sanitation provides both breeding sites and food supply for pests. Improving sanitation procedures will eliminate the development of pest issues without ever using pesticides.
3. Harborage Elimination – Removing any areas that may be used to provide protection from predators and the elements will make it easier to treat effectively because there is no place for pests to hide.
4. Pest Proofing – It is important to protect your home or building by preventing pests from entering by using caulk, copper mesh or high performance metal.

The success of the program will largely depend on whether each of the key elements mentioned are addressed.

Having said that, it is with a great deal of pride and excitement that we at Catseye Pest Control are looking forward to the opportunity to join the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP). The program is voluntary and allows us to form partnerships with pesticide users to reduce the potential environmental risks associated with using these chemicals. It is a great way for us to demonstrate our commitment to protecting our environment by practicing responsible pest management.