December 13, 2005

Mosquito Misting Systems…

What Do Pest Management Professionals Think?

Bobby JenkinsABC Pest and Lawn

Austin, Texas

Rick BellArrow Exterminators

Atlanta, Georgia

Mike RottlerRottler Pest & Lawn Solutions

St. Louis, Missouri

December 13, 2005

Consumers Want Solutions to Mosquito Problems

•Pest Pressure in Texas extremely high

•Mosquito season lasts 9 months

•Backyard landscaping is very dense

 

December 13, 2005

What Do Consumers Want?

• Desire to utilize outdoor living space• Large investment in backyard• Pools, hot tubes, patios, outdoor fire places,

outdoor kitchens, sport courts, children playscapes

• Children and adults need to be able to access• People willing to invest significant dollars• Misting systems average from $2000-$3000 in

Texas• Quarterly charge $150

December 13, 2005

Do Mosquito Misting Systems Work?

System Results

• More than 300 installed in Texas• Customers very satisfied• Mosquito populations reduced by over 95%• Can now utilize back yard more often

Misting SystemsChallenges for Pest Management Professionals

There are two broad areas of challenge facing PMPs who desire to successfully integrate

misting systems in their business:

Internal Challenges

External Challenges

SUCCESS

December 13, 2005

External Challenges

• Is this I.P.M.? (population density, action threshold,…)

• Effect on beneficial Insects• Resistance

• Target Pests• Non-target Pests

• System Damage• Cut Lines• Leaking nozzles• Ruptured Drums

• Homeowner Intervention• Changing formulations• Access to timer / remote control• Kids exposure

December 13, 2005

Internal Challenges

• Additional licensing / certification from the state.• Soliciting customer involvement.• Commitment to specialized training.• Commitment to explore additional methods and

materials.• Is this I.P.M.? (scientific data vs. anecdotal data)

• Guard against overselling.• Can we satisfy the customer?• On demand vs. Timed application.• Did we install correctly? How do we know?

December 13, 2005

Overcoming These Challenges Together

• Pest Management Professionals welcome assistance from state regulators and the EPA

December 13, 2005

Overcoming These Challenges Together

• Responsible advertising and promotion

• Eliminate misleading ideas from marketing vehicles

December 13, 2005

Overcoming These Challenges Together

• Regulate sales and service by licensed operators only

• Require systems to be secured

December 13, 2005

Overcoming These Challenges Together

• Eliminate risk of direct exposure

• Implement override mechanisms

• Replace use of timers with on-demand systems

December 13, 2005

Overcoming These Challenges Together

• Establishment of workgroup with key stakeholder involvement

• Uniform policies throughout the United States

December 13, 2005

Pest Management Professionals want Mosquito Misting Systems to be:

• Safe

• Effective• Available