- Author: Andrew M Sutherland
Baits Eliminate and Prevent Subterranean Termite Colonies
Subterranean termites (Family Rhinotermitidae) are considered the most serious wood-destroying pests in the world, causing an estimated $32 billion in global economic impact each year. California is home to both native and introduced subterranean termite species (Figure 1). Infestations of wooden structures are widespread and common. Pest control operators (PCOs) have conventionally applied liquid termiticides to control these pests, usually as soil drenches or injections around structures. These treatments may not always be effective, however, especially if good underground coverage is not achieved, if local termite...
/h2>- Author: Andrew M Sutherland
- Author: Brandon Kitagawa
Multi-unit housing (MUH), such as apartment complexes and single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings, can harbor significant infestations of cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents, and other pests. Structural continuity (shared walls of adjacent units), budgetary constraints, poor maintenance and infrastructure, and cultural and social factors allow pests to infest and thrive in these environments.
Many of these pests threaten public health and wellbeing of the residents. For instance, German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) produce proteins that can be found in their feces and exoskeletons that, when dispersed into the air, can be inhaled, causing asthma in children.
Pest management is often conducted in response to...
- Author: Niamh M Quinn
Where is rodenticide exposure in wildlife coming from? Is it from use by residents or farmers? Applications by marijuana growers? Or from applications by qualified and trained structural pest control professionals? These questions are being asked by state legislators and regulators, special interest groups, and state pest associations across the country.
However, even though we don't fully know where all the exposure is coming from, action is already being taken to restrict the use of rodenticides in urban areas. In 2020, California legislators placed a moratorium on almost all uses of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide. And local jurisdictions have also added restrictions to rodenticide use. For example, in...
- Author: Siavash Taravati
Licensing for perimeter spraying under California's pest control laws is dependent on the situation and site (Table 1). Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) licensees, Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) Qualified Applicator License (QAL) holders, and DPR Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) holders are all legally allowed to make perimeter spray applications to control ants and other pests immediately around structures. However, the intent of these applications determines the specific license needed.
SPCB licenses
If the perimeter spraying is performed to prevent the entry of ants or other insects into the structure, then a structural license is required. If the pests are coming from the lawn, then the...
/h2>If your company does residential landscape pest control, your employees should be trained to know what to do when they encounter a vegetable garden, or fruit or nut trees in a yard (Figure 1). Their training should include how to answer a customer's questions about the safety of their pesticides around vegetables or herbs. Talking to a customer about the edible plants in their garden so you don't accidentally spray their plants might save that account from subsequent cancellation.
Is it appropriate for a technician to recommend that a resident simply wash their vegetables after having their yard treated for say, mosquitoes, or should the vegetables be thrown away? What about a perimeter spray around the home? The answer...