Riparian Pests

Start be doing things properly; Pesticides tend to only work as expected when used as directed.

The understanding that our health and prosperity is fundamentally interlinked with the wider environment has long been recognised and it is satisfying to work hard to aid in these aspects through effective, safe and sustainable Pest Management.

You will be lucky to have these in your garden but if they have to be moved out for their own safety it will be important to try to keep any pairs together when possible  as they are known to be quite monogamous.

13 Reasons:
1. A pest management professional with a licence to perform this work for a fee is highly trained in identifying pests and has a much deeper understanding of pest habits and reactions to control measures.
2. They are also First Aid Trained and regularly undergo Health Assessments.
3. Operate with Health and safety obligations to the client, user and the wider public under legislation.
4. Take an integrated approach to pest management which can include alternatives to achieve control through biological, physical, hygiene or a combination of measures or leave well alone but still prevent damage.
5. Due considerations for risk of Insecticide resistance by the use of different pesticide groups with differing modes of action are taken where necessary.
6. Understanding of the various pesticide products that may or have been in use; what is and is not registered or no longer able to be used by law.
7. The particulars of each pesticide such as withholding periods, limitations and other less obvious hazards related to controlling pests with agents specifically designed to kill.
8. Reduce off-target damage to beneficial insects, spiders, reptiles, frogs and such other creatures which may not be considered pests in the environment.
9. Activities have a need to be effective on pest targeted in various situations – those performed at cost which do not achieve the desired objective can lead to trouble with Consumer Protection.
10. Longer term ecological effects on the food web and synergistic impacts are effectively avoided.
11. Precautions needed to avoid pollution or contamination of soil waterways sensitive areas spray drift or other concerns which neighbouring residents are likely to have and the implications of complaint are well known.
12. Responsibility to follow directions: While all users have a Legal obligation to follow directions; professionals have a particular interest in doing so as their licence depends on it!
13. Will have a Contingency Strategy; this may include follow-up with more toxic agents for example Restricted Chemical Products not available to the homeowner.

Continue reading “Snail control time again.”

There may be some benefit in having the Yellow Paper Wasp around during spring in helping to control caterpillars but if a nest is being started above a doorway or in  a carport it is worth removing now before aggression and size increases.