What comes to mind when you think about pest control? Chances are it’s toxic chemicals- poison baits and fog bombs.
The very thought is enough to make one decide that it’s better to live with noxious pests…well. Ugh. Fortunately, this is a false choice. You can eliminate pests without destroying your immediate environment or endangering your health. MGB asked Knockout Pest Control President Arthur Katz for more information.
Based in Uniondale, Knockout serves commercial and residential customers throughout the metro New York area.
Knockout Pest Control has been around since the 1970s. Was “sustainable pest control” even imaginable back then? At what point did sustainability become a company value- and what led you there, in an industry that (no offense) most people mainly associate with toxic pesticides?
In the mid 1970’s the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appointed agencies in every state to administer and police federal pesticide regulations. In New York State that agency is the Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC). The NYS DEC in turn added to the many federal regulations as it pertains to the care and application of pesticides, the registration of commercial pesticide applications companies and the certification of commercial applicators.
Every commercial pesticide applicator (also known as technicians or exterminators) has, since the 1970’s, been required to take two or more written exams to become certified and then take many courses to maintain their certification. Today these exams cost $100 each to take as well as a fee ranging from $150 to $400 to maintain their certification. It is typical for a technician to pay $1000 for their certification renewal.
It became apparent that in order to attract and maintain a professional staff, great attention would need to be given to the training of our teams to ensure that we comply with federal and state requirements.
For companies such as Knockout, who wanted not only comply with regulations, but to exceed the requirements of the regulations, programs needed to put into place. Knockout developed a three month training program prior to a new technician actually providing service to clients. That program, combined with our ongoing monthly classroom and field training, has positioned Knockout as one of the finest pest management service providers. Knockout, throughout our corporate history (since 1975), has been a leader in identifying pest management strategies that employ non toxic products and products low in toxicity. I like to use this example: An adult might use two aspirin for a fever, a child one and an infant one-half. The point is that the dose makes the poison. Some of the products we use have frightening labels. We do not use those products in that concentration. We might use only one ounce and add a gallon of water, cutting the concentration 100 times.
Before we use a pesticide we work with our clients to eliminate pests by structural modification, sanitation, change of habits and more. Over the past decade, new families of pesticides have come to market in new formulations. They are lower in toxicity and are in baits and gels. This means you cannot breath and in some cases touch or come into direct contact with the products. Overall, chances are that you have more toxic products under your sink than we use.
Over the years these methods became known as Integrated Pest Management or IPM. Professional companies such as Knockout have been using these methods years before IPM became known. Today these same methods are known as “green” pest management.
What is the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System, and how does it work without poison?
The Sentricon termite colony elimination system is a product of Dow AgroSciences. Sentricon was first introduced in 1985, and Knockout was one of a small number of pest management companies chosen to become an authorized operator. The authorized operator program was and is the only time in pest control history that this model has been used. This means that not all companies can purchase and use this revolutionary system, and often I hear from companies that are not authorized that the system does not work. BULL! I can count on one hand the number of properties where we have not had total termite colony elimination. This stuff works great in the thousands of properties under our care.
Sentricon is not toxic to anything but termites. It uses a growth regulator that does not permit the termites to grow. It is specific to termites and will not harm other insects, plants, pets or people. You can learn more at our web site: www.knockoutpest.com or call us for a free DVD. (800-244-PEST)
Knockout claims that “Being green is easy and it’s not any more expensive than traditional pest control methods.” How is this possible?
Green is easy and cheap; well, Knockout’s end is not more expensive anyway. In order to be pro active, it may cost the home or business owner more, but not for our services. For example: Fix your screens on windows and doors so flies and bees cannot come in, install weather stripping at the bottom of doors so mice cannot come in, cork around windows and doors so ants and other crawling insects cannot come in. I think you get the idea.
Are consumers responding well to your eco-friendly offerings?
Most people, when asked do they want “green” pest control when they do not have a problem, always say yes. However, when there is an emotional pest sighting such as a bee or termite swarm or a mouse in the house, they really don’t care. I hear, “just do what you have to do to get rid of my bugs or pests.”
Do you see any signs that sustainability is becoming valued throughout your industry?
Our companyy is taking a leadership role in sustainable pest management. During the past two years the National Pest Management Association created two programs: Quality Pro and Quality Pro Green.
First came Quality Pro. Knockout applied for this designation the first year it was offered. This program requires that participants meet requirements in four areas: business operations, consumer education, environmental stewardship and employee testing and training. Specifically, companies would employ criminal background checks on their employees, pre-employment drug screening, a uniform dress policy, and a guarantee that employees are technically tested and trained.
Then came Quality Pro Green. A company that is Quality Pro first can then apply for the Quality Pro Green designation. Now, because of Quality Pro Green, green pest management services are an accepted standard of performance that has third party validation and endorsement. Quality Pro took a strong leadership position in the green revolution and greatly influenced the destiny of the pest management industry. Green pest management is now a standard, a defined service protocol and a reality.
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