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Prevention and Abatement

An ounce of prevention is most definitely worth a pound of cure!

Prevention and abatement are two separate procedures in pest control. Prevention is proactive, while abatement is reactive.

Prevention reduces the risk and mitigates the severity of an infestation.

Abatement takes care of a problem after it has already occurred. The sooner abatement takes place the lesser the severity of the infestation. Often, abatement is followed up by prevention.

Advancements, paired with the push for integrated pest management, have opened up many options in regards to prevention. In the past, the major emphasis was on chemical control. As the concerns over chemical applications have risen, the need for other solutions became evident. Although chemicals are still a great tool they are no longer the only option. Safer more effective innovations have changed the industry, with new methods of treatment and products being developed at a rapid pace. Take a look at how technology has changed in recent times, pest control is no different and is not absent of these advancements. Research has shown us that cultural control, physical/mechanical control, biological control, and chemical control can be used in combination to provide better and safer options. No longer is reaching for that can of raid the best way, in fact it can often cause difficulty in obtaining satisfactory results. With the progression of non-toxic products and a better knowledge of what causes the risks of pest problems, we have options that have not been available in the past. Prevention for termites, bed bugs, rodents, wildlife, as well as more common pests like ants, spiders, and roaches are now available, not to mention preventatives for the trees in your yard and the plants in your garden.

Most wait until an issue arises before they choose to take action. Once abatement is necessary, the options become more and more limited. Often, harsher chemicals, repairing damage that has occurred, and intrusive procedures which can disrupt our lives are necessary to regain control. Although we are experts in abatement, we are proponents of prevention. Why not be proactive from the start? Doesn’t the old adage: “an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure” apply here as it does to nearly every other area of life. Do we wait for a problem to become so unbearable before calling an expert, or get their advice before an issue comes about?

Is prevention an option for you? The simple answer is yes. Enough is known about the pests that are prevalent in our area that preventative measures are highly effective. In addition, an ongoing prevention program allows for preemptive action against invasive pest infestations and the ever changing pressure of specific pests. Prevention is the best way to mitigate the high costs of abatement, it also gives you the advantage of staying on top of issues that may be making you vulnerable.

With a passion for pest control, The Green Advantage stays on top of the latest issues. We are constantly researching, innovating, and inventing. Whether it be abatement, prevention, or a combination of the two we are here for you. With unsurpassed knowledge in this field and a quality you’ve come to know and trust, it’s no wonder why we are NWI’s most experienced and qualified pest professionals.

To Contract or Not to Contract?

Contracts and Service Agreements are often portrayed in a negative light, what is the truth.

 Similar to Hamlet’s struggle with his mortality, most people and companies alike, struggle with the thought of either writing or becoming entangled in a contract. Is it good to have a contract or to ask a company if they have contracts? Often times, people are scared away by the term contract. It has somehow garnered a negative connotation to us, either because of the fine print or due to stories that we have heard of people “getting the bad end of a contract”. We here at The Green Advantage find ourselves opposed to the word contract, both as the service provider and as being customers as well (we all have cell phones, right?!). Most of us typically have strong intuitions that when the word contract comes into the conversation, someone is trying to “sneak something past us”, but we never know because the Terms and Conditions are in microscopic print that almost no one can read.

 Let’s start with providing the definition to the word contract. The word contract means, “a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.” In short, a contract is a written or verbal agreement. As both service providers as well as customers ourselves, we at The Green Advantage have learned that when the law is involved over contract disputes, most of the time, “the spoken agreement” is not admissible. The “written word”, however, is not only admissible, but followed and upheld. Who can disagree with what is written down clearly in black and white? The contract has protected not only the company, but more importantly, the customer as the contract states exactly what was promised to them on the day the customer signed up.

 In today’s modern society of constant sales pitches and promises, it is hard to keep up with, let alone, remember what everyone has promised us. We all try to take notes, but then in the shuffle of life and kids and significant others we lose, and sometimes throw away, our notes (at least that happens to us)! With contracts, both the customer and the service provider have identical documents that clearly outlines the agreement between the customer and the service provider. In short, we as the service provider, are telling you that as our customer, we are going to take the time and effort to make sure that what we said, we will honor. As part of that promise, we will provide you documentation of our promise to you in the form of the contract or agreement.

 All an agreement does is specify the responsibilities of anyone involved. That simple. It puts the service provider’s promises and agreement on paper so neither side can twist what the other has said. Quite often the negative experiences people have with agreements is that they don’t understand the responsibilities outlined and that they agreed to. A good example is when we click the ‘I agree to the terms and conditions’ button online; we don’t even think about it, not even realizing we are entering an agreement with someone else (someone we don’t know, or have never even met, we may add). Another good example is buying or renting a house, how many of us just initial and sign wherever the representative points; never reading or questioning what we are agreeing to. A study done a few years ago, added a clause to a contract that the signer agrees to “give up their first born, and if they don’t have a child, they have until 2050 to do so”. The study found that 98% of people signed without hesitation.

 It has come to our attention by other service providers in our industry as well as concerned customs, that there are those companies that claim that they do not use contracts and portray contracts in a negative light. Apparently, they are claiming that contracts are simply a document meant to tie the customers in an unbreakable vow with the company for the rest of their lives! This couldn’t be farther from the truth for most in the pest control industry! The truth is an honest agreement benefits everyone involved. A few of the benefits formed through contracts include:

• They allow a service provider the peace of mind that they will be compensated for the work they do. This allows for the commitment from them, quality material, quality equipment, knowledge, and experience are all investments that go into a well done job. This is very important for an ongoing work or recurring services. In order to give the best service, a service provider needs to continually invest; a commitment much easier to follow through with when there is an assurance that the consumer will utilize their investment.

• They allow the consumer the ability to verify warranties. If anyone offers a service with a warranty/guarantee to you without an agreement, just remember that the warranty/guarantee isn’t worth the paper it’s written on as there is no way to verify what was said and agreed to.

• They specify when payments are to be made; have you ever received a late charge or interest charge and didn’t even know a bill was due??
• They describe what services are to be performed and at what cost. Limiting the service provider from adding and charging for services without the customer’s approval. But also, limits the customer from adding services that aren’t being compensated for. Again, the contract has written down the obligations made to the customer from the service provider, and the promises made by the customer to the service provider.

• They allow for both the consumer and the service provider to reference back to the agreement, and have a solid reference to what was originally agreed to. Over time expectations may change, rather than resenting the current agreement, they can easily be amended to add services or remove services that are no longer necessary.

 Imagine the situation we hear about time and again: An individual seeks out services only to find the problem not solved. They have made multiple attempts to contact the provider but the providers were no longer answering the phone calls from the customer. The first question that needs to be asked is whether these individuals have a service agreement. This is done to verify what service was done, what guarantees were made, and what repercussions would take place if service was inadequate or unsuccessful. When an agreement doesn't exist, there isn't much that can be done; not only from a professional standpoint but from a legal one as well. Don't be the individual who obtains service from a company who claims an agreement isn't necessary, this is the first sign that something is not right.

 Getting lured away from a service because of an agreement/contract is the best way to avoid the knowledge and expertise that is required for successful services. These agreements aren’t there simply to protect the company doing the program, but, more importantly, they are there to protect the customer and insure the company and technicians provide the service they are required to do. We at The Green Advantage, highly recommend steering clear of service providers that are unwilling to commit to you, and unwilling to put that commitment on paper. If someone offers you a guarantee, ask them to back that guarantee with a written contract. Contracts are good and are there to protect everyone involved!

Mosquito Breeding and Mosquito Control

Learn how to maintain control against Mosquito with The Green Advantage!

Mosquito season officially begins when temperatures rise about 50F. Spring has just sprung here in Northwest Indiana and hopefully we will begin seeing warmer temperatures soon.

There are over 175 known mosquito species, of which 53 are known to be found in the Midwest. Breeding can depend on the species. Speaking in general terms, most mosquitoes in the Midwest breed using standing water. Usually shallow water is used for the breeding of mosquitoes, as little as 1/8 of an inch of water is sufficient. Think of items that are around your yard that may have standing water collecting in them or objects that will collect water. Dirty gutters are a perfect breeding place for certain species which prefer stagnant water containing organic material. Several others prefer the clean water that is provided when rain water settles in items such as tires, wheel barrows, and drip containers of planting pots.

The more time mosquitos have to breed the more difficult it is to keep them from invading your yard. Like other seasonal pests, the population of mosquitos compounds when conditions and environment are suitable for them. One mosquito will lay hundreds of eggs many which develop into adults, which breed again. This cycle can occur several times in a single season, which is why it seems to get worse until we see the temperatures drop again. As the old saying goes "an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure". It is always more difficult to get a situation under control than it is to keep it in control.

The best start to controlling mosquito population is to eliminate breeding areas. A popular, but incorrect claim is that 'mosquitos can only be controlled at the adult stage'. We always suggest starting a mosquito treatment program early in the season before the swarming starts. We have the knowledge to find these breeding areas that would normally go unnoticed. In addition, we utilize larvaecides and insect growth regulators, which stop the development into adult mosquitos, and can lessen the dependency on chemical applications later on.

When the weather begins to warm up is the perfect time to give us a call and begin with our package that will keep your yard free of these pests, and your family safe from mosquitoes all season long. We at The Green Advantage are Northwest Indiana’s Most Qualified Pest Control Specialists. Let us help you keep your yard and family from the pesky mosquitos!

Oak Wilt

This is a discussion on Oak Wilt and the treatment The Green Advantage can assist you with!

The Professionals at The Green Advantage want to be sure that you know the basic information about Oak Wilt and how to protect your Oak Trees from Oak Wilt. One of our services is the use of anti-fungal injections to help keep Oak Trees healthy from developing Oak Wilt. Oak Trees in Indiana and other Midwest states are being affected by a fungal infection known as oak wilt that can cause them to die. Oak wilt affects all oak species, although red oaks will experience a faster decline than white oaks, which can sustain the fungus for several years. Initial symptoms of oak wilt will appear at the top portions of trees, beginning in June. The symptoms seen on leaves is a bronze or tan coloring beginning at the tip and moving to the leaf base. If you removed the bark on wilting branching will show dark brown streaks.

Infected trees can be bare of leaves by late summer due to defoliating. Pressure from the fungal mat can split the bark vertically the following spring. Oak wilt is caused by Ceratocystis fagacearum which causes damage to the trees vascular system and disrupts the flow of both water and nutrients. Oak wilt can be spread due to two factors sap-feeding beetles move the fungus from a diseased tree to a healthy one, and root graphs. Root graphs occur when trees within fifty feet and the roots unite.

Prevention of this infection is the only option for long-term tree health. The Green Advantage offers preventative treatment for Oak Wilt which includes applying a preventative fungicides. Other tips for keeping Oak trees healthy include, pruning during the low risk time frame from December 1st to March 1st. Sanitary pruning may save trees in the white and bur oak group at first indication of oak wilt the branch can be removed in an effort to save the tree. The disruption of root graphs of oak trees within fifty feet of each other is recommended this can be completed with equipment or with chemicals. Once a red oak tree is infected it should be removed and grind out the stumps. Removal is suggested to be performed during winter for low risk spread of oak wilt.

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-28-w.pdf This link will bring you to the Purdue extension pamphlet on oak wilt in Indiana.

Services and Locations Provided by The Green Advantage

This in an overview of the locations that we currently service in Northwest Indiana and the Services we offer

Is all mosquito control the same?

What's the difference? Is there a difference?

This question comes up quite frequently, especially with the flood of contractors that have recently started services targeting mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. I've even heard contractors stating that there isn't a difference, which I've found to be an interesting statement to make. As one of the innovators and leaders in this field, I can say with absolute certainty there is without a doubt a difference. Why else do some services work, while others do not? If asked, some service providers can find solutions and explain what is going on, while others cannot.

So why do people make the assumption that all these services are the same? The answer is fairly simple, they think that the services are all the same because they have not been taught any different. An applicator goes to a property, sprays something, and leaves...right? The truth is there is a little more than that going on.

First of all, at The Green Advantage we are constantly monitoring the types of mosquitos that are causing trouble in our area. There are over 53 different types of mosquitos found in our area. Although some cause more distress to humans than others, it is still important to know and understand that there are differences between the species. Where they breed, when they breed, when they bite, where they live, and what diseases they carry; are all areas of knowledge that help in why and how to control them. Knowing the differences explains why some years are "bad mosquito years" and others aren't so bad. It also explains why some yards are worse than others, and why some bites are worse than others. This knowledge helps in knowing when and where to treat. It also gives the information as to what can be done to prevent the pests and what products to use to prevent them.

The second major difference is equipment. By now most of us have seen the guy blowing the mist around a yard, it has become almost as common as the guy spreading fertilizer. There are other types of application methods that are used, depending on different situations or products, but the mist blowers have become the common method for mosquito control. Knowledge of the equipment and the products is pertinent. This is where we see most applications fail, whether it be fertilizer, weed control, or insecticide. These tools need to be constantly monitored and adjusted to perform properly. More importantly, the operator needs to have a working knowledge to make corrections, adjust, and diagnose issues with equipment or at the least an application will be compromised, and could possibly cause a hazardous condition. A perfect example we have heard time and again is when people see a professional applying fertilizer. It is often stated how they appear to be speeding through the application going faster than what people think they should; rushing the job. The truth is that the equipment they are using is designed to apply the product at a rate determined by the speed. Adjusting the speed will misapply the product and can negatively impact the amount of coverage; which risks causing adverse effects. The Green Advantage prides itself of not only knowledge of the equipment, but innovating equipment and how they are used.

Products are the next major difference. There are a multitude of different products on the market. Products vary on how they can be applied, what is being targeted, what stage of development they effect, and how they affect insects. As with anything, there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to products. We have done and continue to do extensive research on the products The Green Advantage uses. Some products work well in some instances, while not so well in others. There is also a constant battle with resistance, something we are trained to be on guard for and take precautions against. Knowledge of the products and how to use them is the most important part of any application, both for effectiveness and safety. Under application causes resistance problems, while over applying causes safety issues. Lack of knowledge of products and equipment are the two most common mistakes in this industry. The Green Advantage uses the highest of quality products, with extensive training and in house testing.

There is a reason so many have trusted The Green Advantage, we are NWI’s most qualified pest control professionals. We make a complicated task look simple and easy, it’s why so many of the competition found the services we provide attractive. They find this as quick, easy money, without the knowledge that makes us excel. For this reason we continue to innovate and lead, while others try to replicate and follow. Put your trust in the best, and give yourself the advantage – The Green Advantage.

What is The Green Advantage?

Before we can answer that loaded, yet important, question, please allow us to first talk about the pest control industry. Pest control has been around since humans and insects have been interacting with one another. However, the use of chemical agents began with the advent of agriculture and the need to protect our crops from insect devastation. Agents such as lemon oil and arsenic to DDT and herbicides emerged, developed, and changed along with our knowledge of different chemical compounds and how they affect an insect’s nervous system. To this day, we are still learning and trying to come up with better and safer ways to implement pest control services. For years, there have been a couple of huge nationwide pest control companies, but no one local and easily found by their communities.

We at The Green Advantage saw this as a problem and felt that dependable and safe pest control services should be available to our community! Therefore, in 1994, The Green Advantage was founded with the idea of bringing safe pest control solutions to our community and the surrounding communities. We are a family run business that dedicate ourselves to best serving our customers and staying abreast on the requirements for safe and dependable pest control.

Since opening our doors in 1994, The Green Advantage prides itself as being innovators in pest control by providing services and products ahead of our competition. In an ever changing field, it is pertinent to keep up with the most up to date procedures and products. This requires a passion, and WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT PEST CONTROL!!! New products, techniques, and equipment are constantly emerging, with even more on the horizon. Research and testing are key in this ever changing environment, and is being carried out constantly, right here! We use top of the line products and techniques, resulting in superior results and safety. Utilizing integrated pest management practices insures the most practical and environmentally sound solutions. How? One might ask. This is a good question. We at The Green Advantage make sure to:

· Become certified Pest Control Experts through the State of Indiana Chemist, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Department of Health

· We continually take new and continuing education courses offered byIndiana State Chemist, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois

- In order to be able to buy and use certain products, we are required to take the manufactures’’ classes and tests. Not all companies have this certification and can therefore, cannot use these top quality products

- We are active members of the National Pest Management Association, the Indiana Pest Management Association which gives us access to new and upcoming trends and products for our industry

- We have been and continue to be innovators in the industry, bringing new ideas in application methods, products, and equipment

- We are dedicated to constant research and in sharing that research with you, our customers, through our website, blogs, and social media

With vast knowledge and experience of the pest control industry, we welcome questions; from the raccoon in the attic, to the bugs in the kitchen, and even the weeds in the lawn, we are your go to experts.

Because our passion and dedication through constant research in order to better ourselves, we have even accepted inquiries from many of the big name companies in the area, many you have heard of, but we will not name. If the professionals come to us for answers, advice, and solutions; why shouldn’t you?

The Curiosity of Ants: An Article on Five of the Peskiest Ants

The Odorous House Ant

The Argentine Ant

The Carpenter Ant

The Pavement Ant

The Fire Ant

Who Lives In Indiana with US?

Mosquito Species

Why Should You Choose The Green Advantage for your Pest Control Needs?

Locally Owned

Experience

Tips & Tricks

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