Falcon Termite & Pest Control, Inc.'s PESP Strategy

Describe your Organization’s Five-Year Goals Related to Pesticide Risk Reduction

Falcon differs from other Pest Control companies because it was conceived out of the desire to change the way the industry was handling insect problems. Falcon began and remains on the cutting edge of innovations in the pest control industry. This allows us to make changes quickly and effectively when new advances in pest management, such as our termite detecting canines, when made available. The approach we have in getting the job done right with the most appropriate, least-toxic, most effective and environmentally friendly methods is something Falcon takes pride in providing for all of our clients.

What do you envision doing (broadly) to try to resolve your major issues?

Consult with all clients on the basics of Integrated Pest Management practices.
Ceaseless, on-going technician education in exclusionary practices, including Quality Pro certification.
Only handling pesticides with a label at 'Caution' or lower.
Calculated reduction of all broadcast applications.
A 75% reduction in the use of products labeled "Warning" by going to borate based baits, diatomaceous earth dusts, natural pyrethrins and biological insecticides.

Goal 1 and Tactics

Our on going commitment to drastically reducing broadcast applications in our pest and lawn control divisions by utilizing backpack sprayers and applying treatment only to infested and/or infected areas along with aeration on all clients when applicable.

How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
This method heavily reduces broadcast applications which directly results in far less pesticide being used. Utilizing soil aeration provides a more optimal growth environment with the burden of heavy pesticide and fertilizer usage.

How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
A continued closely monitored inventory of pesticide usage with a compare and contrast paradigm to the older model, along with regularly scheduled quality assurance inspection.

Goal 2 and Tactics

The precise application of baits, aerosol crack & crevice equipment, glue boards, and mechanical traps.

How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
The use of these environmentally friendly tools removes the need for liquid pesticides and rodenticides. This strongly reduces the risk of non-target kills and contamination.

How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity? A continued closely monitored inventory of pesticide usage with a compare and contrast paradigm to the older model, along with regularly scheduled quality assurance inspection.

Goal 3 and Tactics

We will continue the use of our new Service Order "Falcon Residential Integrated Pest Management Survey" on each and every residential and commercial account. This survey will be used on every account serviced and will outline the areas of the home or structure that need structural adjustment, sanitary improvements or other corrections to help reduce pest populations.

How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
By completing this survey on each service, the customer will become more knowledgeable in reducing or eliminating the pest population without the extra use of pesticides. It shows them how to remove harborage areas, use exclusionary practices and eliminate factors such as water and food sources. We believe this will create a significant reduction in pesticide usage and a decrease in customer call backs.

How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Through ongoing quality assurance checks and cataloged monitoring of results. We will also measure the effectiveness of the program, as shown in the average number of call backs per residential customer on a quarterly basis.

Goal 4 and Tactics

Our continued and ongoing participation in the National Pest Management Associations technician training program, QualityPro. Also, our ongoing patronage and training through the University of Florida Termite Training School (Pest Management University), National Pest Management Association, Florida Pest management Association, and Certified Pest Control Operators of Florida.

How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
As our technician's education and knowledge grows, our earth friendly Integrated Pest Management practices become more and more effective, our usage of pesticides becomes less and less.

How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
Our continued evaluation and quality assurance checks of all of our employees. This is done on a scheduled and routine basis and his been a benchmark in the quality of the technicians that work for Falcon Termite & Pest Control.

Goal 5 and Tactics

A 75% reduction in the use of products labeled "Warning" by going to borate based baits, diatomaceous earth dusts, natural pyrethrins and biological insecticides.

How does this activity reduce pesticide risk?
This will literally cut in half our use of pesticides that could have a detrimental effect on the environment. This is an amazing accomplishment that we are excited as a company to be executing under our current treatment procedures.

How will you measure the risk reduction gained from this activity?
We will continue to examine the latest scientific research on effective, alternatives to synthetic pesticides and utilize them as often as possible. The measurement of the harm reduction done to hegnvironment is difficult to measure, but we will monitor to the best of our ability as we progress further.