Your lawncare pest control operator is designated as a Reduced Impact Pest Controloperator by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board and has completed trainingrequired to qualify for this designation. Thegoal of Reduced Impact Service is to manage your pest problems while reducingpesticide exposure to people, property and the environment. This service encourages the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)methods to control pests (weeds) and take advantage of all pest managementoptions, including but not limited to the judicious use of pesticides andnon-chemical methods.
An IPMprogram is one designed to create a healthy lawn and/or landscape withsufficient plant strength and density to survive weed, insect and diseaseattacks with minimum pesticide use. An IPM program must consider your lawn orlandscape needs and overall condition. AnIPM program requires the support of proper cultural practices includingconsideration of the following: Proper mowing practices, regular watering at arate that ensures retained moisture levels throughout the root zone, coreaeration to promote root development and reduced soil compaction, programmedseeding, sodding, plugging, or sprigging to enhance lawn density and to enhanceappearance by controlling incursions of undesirable grasses and weeds, soiltesting, fertilization to provide essential nutrients which may be deficient inyour lawn. PH balancing treatments (lime or sulfur) to achieve proper soilacidity levels and improve nutrient absorption. Regular inspection of lawn areasfor early detection of pest presence is essential to IPM.
IntegratedPest Management (IPM) is using the best mix of cultural techniques, use ofbeneficial insects, biological controls, and discreet use of control products. A customer's cooperation in mowing, watering, and regular inspections forearly detection between our service visits is important to the success of theIPM care of your property.
To minimizethe reliance on pesticides and reduce pest populations, your Reduced Impact PestControl operator may recommend that you consider cultural practices likechanging the varieties of your turf and/or ornamentals. Proper mowing, aeration, watering, or pruning can effect the health ofthe turf or plant. Your lawn and ornamental operator may offer these servicesupon request. A proper inspectionwill provide the information necessary for you to choose the method of pestcontrol which best suits your situation. Youracceptance of a certain percentage of weed or insect damage can effect to whatdegree most pesticides are used.
This ReducedImpact Service will include an inspection report and treatment recommendations.You should review these before authorizing treatment, and keep a copy for yourrecords. Your cooperation infollowing the recommendations made by your service provider is essential to aneffective reduced impact service program.
Pesticidesmay be used in a responsible and professional manner in a Reduced ImpactService. If you do not want a specific pesticide used or any pesticides used,you must note this in writing prior to the initiation of the service.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATIONAPPLIES TO YOU--
WHETHER OR NOT YOU SELECTREDUCED IMPACT SERVICE:
Pesticidesmust be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency andthe Texas Department of Agriculture before they may be used in Texas.
If you haveany questions about the application, contact the certified applicator. If you suspect a violation of the law regarding structural pest control,contact the Structural Pest Control Board.
If you arecontracting for pest control services due to a home solicitation, you have theright to cancel the contract within 72 hours. You may exercise this right by notifying the pest control company, priorto receiving service, that you do not wish to receive their service.
Forgeneral information on the chemical or health properties of pesticides you maycontact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378. This hotline is a national service supported by funding from the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency. For information concerning structural pestcontrol laws, contact the Structural Pest Control Board at (512) 451-7200. For information concerning the formulation and registrationof pesticides, contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at (512) 463-7476.
Fornon-emergency health information relating to pesticides, contact the TexasDepartment of Health at (512) 458-7111.
In case of ahealth emergency, seek immediate medical attention.