Current and Past Topics in Structural Pest Control

In the mid to late 2000's, there were a number of factors that coalesced to create the need for pest control companies to market and provide a more environmentally centered form of pest management to their consumers.  These new services acquired the moniker known as "Green Pest Management" (GPM), which resulted in commercializing the utilization of minimum risk pesticides labeled for use on public health pests.

In addition, States and Federal agencies responsible for regulating the structural pest control industry, as well as the Pest Control Industry itself, voiced concerns over GPM, because the efficacy of such products requires specialized technical knowledge of their use in public health settings.    ASPCRO, and its Industry partners saught to ensure proper application practices and criteria were established for companies employing GPM.  By drawing on available published information on GPM and established certification programs already in existence, criteria for operating these programs was established to protect consumers from potentially fraudulent practices, unfounded efficacy, safety and public health claims.

ASPCRO responded to this issue by forming the Green Pest Management Committee in 2008 to address Industry and consumer concerns and to monitor the development of the GPM movement.  The regulated Industry also responded to consumer demand by instituting a number of green pest control programs.

The documents listed below were generated by ASPCRO's Green Pest Management Committee.  They will provide the reader with insight into this particular issue.

Documents

Green Pest Management Committee Report; August 2010

Green Programs Listing (NGO Listing)

Green Pest Management Credentialing Programs

Survey Summary of State Green Pest Management Programs; August 2009

Supplemental Documents

Survey Attachment 1 - List of Survey Questions

Survey Attachment 2 - Excel Spreadsheet Raw Data

Survey Table 1 - Survey Raw Data Summary

Survey Table 2 - Summary of Complaints and Inspections

Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation (PSFI) usage by the construction industry became problematic due to difficulty performing termite inspections.  In addition, use of PSFI became an issue for structural fumigators and resulted in registrants issuing guidance for fumigant use on structures that used this insulation.

During the 2018 midyear meeting, the Building Code Committee agreed to explore challenges posed by Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation (SPFI). As with other conducive conditions in structures, such as wood to ground contact, rigid foam board and concrete foam insulation below grade, the ability for termites to go unnoticed where SPFI is used can result in damage complaints by homeowners. Spray foam can be applied to any number of construction features. When applied in attics, walls, and crawl spaces, spray foam can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency. However, when applied over structural timbers it is often impossible to inspect for termites and other wood destroying organisms (WDOs). This potentially jeopardizes the home’s warranty related to WDOs. This white paper explores the challenges that Pest Management Professionals and state lead regulatory agencies have experienced with SPFI, reviews related Building Code Committee activities, and encourages states to work with their respective building code officials to consider codes that require inspection gaps.

Guidance documentation issued by Douglas Products for the use of Master Fume and Vikane, as well as Ensystex's guidance for Zythor are available for review.  Additional information related to this issue can be found in a Georgia Department of Agriculture consumer notice found here.  Another excellent resource can be found in the National Pest Management Association's Consumer Alert located here.