“Elements of Success” Low-Impact Pest
Management A Sustainable Approach
Patrick T. Copps Technical Services Manager
Orkin, LLC 1
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
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3 Source: 2007 Harris Interactive Research Poll
And…Homeowners are more likely to hire a pest professional who practices “green” methods.
Likelihood of Hiring a Pest Professional Who Practices “Green” Methods
2,135 Adults who owned their home
18%18%
38%
26%
Likelihood of Hiring a Pest Professional
13% 20%
47%
20%
Not at all likely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely
80%
74%
U.S. Green Building Council
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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)
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.
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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
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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
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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
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.
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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
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Advantages and disadvantages of a green service program like ElementTM
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
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?
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Assess the Situation
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Implement a Customized Solution
Educate Source Reduction Prevention and Exclusion Pesticide Treatment - Bait - Landscape - “Barrier”
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Monitor, Document and Communicate
Monitor: Baits, Service requests, Conducive conditions Document/Review
Communicate with the
customer – Make modifications where needed!
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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 20-25 min.
Element protocols can be accommodated in the time
allotted if a comprehensive initial assessment was made and you have a “client-partner”.
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Questions?
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