Lawn Care » Pest Control

Choose right, use right: Tips for safe and effective use of pesticides and fertilizers

Jennifer — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:22:42 +0000

(ARA) – It’s that time of the year again when millions of do-it-yourself homeowners face the challenges of keeping problem insects and weeds away from home gardens and yards — while staying within the family budget.

The pesticides and fertilizers available at local hardware and home improvement stores are designed specifically to help with these tasks, but choosing the right products and using them correctly is something every homeowner must consider.

“Nothing is more rewarding than picking healthy, home-grown vegetables, or enjoying a healthy lawn or a pest-free outdoor space with family, friends and pets,” says Allen James, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. “The range of products available to homeowners is vast, but you have to use the ones that are right for your specific situation and use them responsibly.”

Here are some basic guidelines to help homeowners choose the right products and use them correctly:

* Identify the problem — Different pesticides and fertilizers are formulated to work in various ways, so positively identifying the problem is vital. If this is unclear or unknown, ask a qualified expert or local extension agent.

* Determine the best method of control — Research the best, most effective, most economic solution to the specific problem at hand. Sometimes pesticides or fertilizer products are the answer, other times a different solution might be appropriate.

* Read and follow all label directions — If pesticides or fertilizers are needed, remember the label is the law. Read the label carefully for mixing and application instructions, as well as other precautionary information such as wearing proper clothing or product drying time after application.

* Use only what is needed — Measure, mix and use the right amount of product needed for the task at hand. Don’t over-apply, but don’t under-apply either. Read the directions and follow them to the letter.

* Store products in a clean, dry area — Always store any unused pesticide or fertilizer products away from weather or direct sunlight. Make sure all products are stored out of reach of kids and pets.

“The right pesticide or fertilizer can make all the difference, but each situation is unique,” James says. “We have the right to choose the products we use, but we also have the duty to use them responsibly.”

Pesticides and fertilizers are designed to improve quality of life. If used properly, they are a helpful tool. They control, kill or moderate unwanted and dangerous pest populations ranging from stinging insects to vegetable-destroying fungus to noxious weeds, and they help to minimize the risks posed to homeowners, families, pets and property.

When used according to label directions and applied as directed, they have the potential to make a substantial positive impact on the productivity and usability of gardens and green spaces around the home. Improper use and careless handling can cause unnecessary, avoidable complications. Make sure all products are selected and used with care.

For more information on the proper application of pesticides and fertilizers, visit www.pestfacts.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips to prevent fire ants

Jennifer — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:15:02 +0000

(ARA) – Fire ants are very serious and territorial insects. They are not only a nuisance to your property; they can harm you, your children and your pets. Being able to identify fire ants, where they live, treatments for prevention, working with your neighbors for season-long control, and what to do if you are stung are all very important elements to educate yourself and family on in order to be fire ant-free.

Identifying fire ants and their mounds
Fire ants are small insects. They range in size from 1/16 to 1/5 of an inch long and are dark red and brown. A fire ant mound can be identified by its dome-shaped, soil-based structure that forms the upper most part of a fire ant colony. Their mounds can reach up to 12 inches or more in diameter and height and are usually found where water is nearby and the soil is damp.

Fire ants are hard workers and compile loose soil and other contents in the surrounding area to build their mounds. Mounds are typically visible in yards as soil granules form a “mound” shape, but are small and often hidden in grasses, weeds, under rocks and other landscaping. Mounds can pop up almost anywhere, but common places to watch for them include: Lawns and ornamental planting areas, patios, sidewalks, curbs, flower beds, compost piles, under trees and around electrical equipment. Be sure to keep an eye for fire ant mounds when you are enjoying parks, on golf courses, sports fields and any other places you, your kids or pets may walk through or play in.

Two-Step Method
There are two common approaches for effectively controlling fire ants — broadcast treatments and mound treatments. For large yards and early season prevention, use a broadcast treatment, such as Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer or AMDRO FireStrike to treat the entire yard. For smaller areas when visible mounds are present, use a mound treatment such as AMDRO Fire Ant Bait directly around individual mounds.

For the most comprehensive control, especially in the case of severe infestation, experts recommend a Two-Step Method using both broadcast and mound treatment. First use a broadcast spreader to treat your entire lawn. Then, treat particularly stubborn mounds you see with AMDRO Fire Ant Bait to eliminate fire ant activity in as little as one week.

It is an ant’s nature to pick up food and bring it into the colony to feed to the queen and other ants. Ants believe that bait and AMDRO Fire Ant Bait are food. You feed the worker ants and they in turn, feed the queens. As the bait works, it destroys the colony.

Quite the opposite, but with the same results, fire ants unknowingly pick up Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer on their bodies, carry it back to the mound, and distribute it to other colony members including the queen. Fire ants ingest it or absorb it through the cuticle, killing them and destroying the colony.

By using both a mound treatment and a broadcast treatment together, you achieve season-long control.

Neighborhood programs
The best way for homeowners to prevent fire ant infestations is to coordinate treatment with neighbors. A coordinated effort among neighbors maximizes the treated area, making it harder for fire ants to find a place to re-colonize. A neighborhood Two-Step Method is the most effective way to control and prevent fire ants for season-long control.

Studies show that areas with diligent neighborhood fire ant control programs, where multiple homeowners treat their lawns at the same time with the same fire ant control product, can reduce the number of active mounds by as much as 96 percent.

Treating fire ant stings
Fire ants bite and then inflict painful stings, which cause small blisters or pustules on the skin, typically up to 24 to 48 hours later. If you, your child, or your pet is stung by fire ants, it is important to follow first aid guidelines and to seek medical attention immediately if there is any suspicion of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions include severe swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, headaches and sweating.

If blisters occur, make sure they are clean and avoid any action that might further irritate the area, such as scratching or rubbing. Rinse the sting area with cold water and gentle soap to avoid infection and elevate the affected area of the body. You can use a cool compress or ice to reduce swelling and alleviate pain and itching.

Summer is the season to enjoy the outdoors. Now is the time to educate yourself and family on fire ants. Being able to identify fire ants and their mounds, proper treatments and handling stings are all extremely important to avoid fire ant infestation. Take time to educate yourself and family and enjoy a fire ant-free season.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Take Steps in Spring to Combat Fire Ants

Control summer pests in an environmentally-friendly way

Jennifer — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:36:46 +0000

(ARA) – Spring is here, and we can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones. Because when nature springs back to life, so do cockroaches, grubs, and a myriad of ants including fire ants and carpenter ants. If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t want to share your house and yard with damaging insects, but you may also worry about using pest control products around your house.

A recent survey of homeowners, commissioned by the Professional Pest Management Alliance, reflects these concerns. According to the survey, “green service” is the second-most important consideration — after pest elimination — when choosing a pest control provider. Forty-four percent of respondents defined the term “green” as meaning “not harmful to humans or pets.” Homeowners today want the best of both worlds — fast and long-lasting pest elimination as well as more comfort in their use around the house.

Thankfully, there are now options that allow you to control pests in ways that are both effective and gentle on the environment.

Get the facts
If pests are damaging your lawn or entering your home — despite your best efforts at prevention — don’t take matters into your own hands. It’s easy to misidentify the insect or misuse a pest control product. Homemade concoctions and off-the-shelf products, when used incorrectly, could have unintended harmful consequences.

Call a local lawn-care or pest-control company and have them do the hard work. They’ll assess the pest, conduct thorough inspections and apply the necessary pest control products. By understanding insects and how to treat them, professionals can actually minimize pesticide usage. These pros can share their knowledge of environmentally-friendly products and techniques, saving you time, money and damage to your home and lawn over the long term.

One great resource is www.callyourpro.com — it provides information on the behavior and biology of the most common household and outdoor pests. Just enter your ZIP code and you’ll instantly have a list of local professionals at your fingertips that are controlling pests with environmentally-friendly products.

Ask the right questions
It’s reassuring to know that the Environmental Protection Agency registers all professional pesticides to the same high regulatory standard, and also encourages the development of “reduced-risk” pesticides that meet a set of criteria that may include a lower mammalian toxicity profile, reduced toxicity to birds, fish and plants, and/or a lower potential for groundwater contamination (among other criteria).

Professionals also have access to products that, due to their low toxicity, do not require first aid language on their label. This means that no first aid intervention is required if a person or pet accidentally has skin exposure or ingests the pesticide.

Chances are that your local pest control and lawn care professionals are using the latest pest control products from DuPont. DuPont is a leading company pioneering the creation of high-performing pesticides specially engineered to be environmentally friendly.

It’s also a good idea to make sure any individual handling pesticides has the Required Pesticide Applicator License. Ask for referrals from customers that live in your area. And if a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, and what kind of continuing control, prevention and management are necessary.

Prevent future infestations
You have successfully rid your home and lawn of these pests. Now what? There are a number of ways to prevent future infestations. Outside, caulk cracks and crevices in the foundation where pests may be getting in. Make sure lids are sealed on trash containers and that the area is clean from spills. Clear any unnecessary boxes sitting around, as they are a big breeding ground for roaches. And be sure to get rid of sources that may be collecting water, such as containers or tires. Standing water is a favorite breeding ground for many insects, and in hot weather, will attract insects looking for a drink.

And don’t forget about the inside of your home: Seal crevices in your food storage areas and store sweets, including sugar, cereals and syrup, in sealed containers. Also, since many insects are looking for moisture, fix leaky pipes and don’t overwater indoor plants.

By implementing these preventative measures, and using the services of a professional who specializes in environmentally-friendly pest control, you will create a pest-free environment for outdoor entertaining and family fun.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Take Steps in Spring to Combat Fire Ants

Jennifer — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:15:18 +0000

Temperatures are on the rise, more kids are playing outside, and before you know it, gardens will be flourishing. All these signs point to one glorious time of year — spring. For people living in predominantly southern regions of the United States, spring also means that fire ants are back in force.

Fire ants, an unfortunately common pest in about 15 states, are both a nuisance and a health risk. Taking up residence in yards, sidewalks, playgrounds, and electricity boxes, fire ants are most active during the spring season. With warm, humid air and occasional rain showers, a welcoming environment for fire ants is created.

Spring is the perfect opportunity for fire ants to begin working on their mounds. During this time, winged fire ants begin the task of starting new colonies and foragers start doing some work near the surface of the soil. Ants are out looking for food and traveling from yard to yard — so now is the best time to stop these pests in their tracks.

“It is extremely important to treat before the fire ants divide into new colonies,” says Neal Denton, extension agent and county director with the University of Tennessee. “In order to do so, you must get to them early in the spring before they are first waking up.”

Building mounds in areas where humans come in frequent, direct contact with them, fire ants are a threat to families, children and pets. The best way to combat fire ants is to use a broadcast treatment over your entire yard. Broadcast treatments, such as Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer, eliminate mounds and ants that can’t be seen. This method is a sure-fire way to gain control and the treatment creates a fire ant-free zone in as little as three weeks.

The broadcast treatment can be distributed by a spreader across the whole yard. Once the Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer has been administered, control of fire ants lasts all year long, with results visible in as few as three days.

For homeowners looking to go the extra mile and stamp out fire ants in an entire neighborhood, collaboration between neighbors is essential for a continued and concurrent effort to treat for fire ants.

“Neighborhood programs are extremely valuable in controlling fire ants,” says Denton. “To stop fire ants from spreading from one yard to the next, an entire neighborhood can work together and use a broadcast treatment that is more effective than treating a spot here and there.”

Studies have shown that areas with diligent neighborhood programs, where multiple homeowners treat their property at the same time with the same treatment, can reduce the number of active mounds by as much as 96 percent. Neighborhood programs are a proven method to prevent fire ant infestations, making communities safer for everyone. But for many fire ant experts, lapses in successful neighborhood suppression programs are as irritating as a fire ant sting.

“There are a number of benefits to neighborhood programs,” says Tim Davis, fire ant
suppression specialist with Clemson (S.C.) University. “The larger the treated area, the longer the dormant period lasts. A coordinated effort between neighbors makes the treated areas bigger, making it harder for fire ants to re-colonize.”

For more information about fire ants visit www.FireAntFree.com or the FireRANT! blog at http://blog.TheFireRant.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent