LEED Certification
by Richard J. Know more through my articleA
key component in making sure that you’re dealing with a reliable
pest control company today is to make sure they are LEED certified.
LEED is an acronym in the green building industry, which stands for
“Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” and is an
environmental ranking system that sets the standard for the
construction and design of ecologically sound buildings.
The
Criteria That are Factored into LEED Certification
A LEED
endorsement signifies that a company meets and follows certain green
criteria. These criteria can involve the mandates set for site
sustainability, the selection of building materials, the efficient
use of energy, improving indoor air quality, and conserving water. In
the pest management field, LEED credits are given for two of the
aforementioned areas, namely enhancing indoor air quality and site
sustainability.
Working with Building Managers
The
implementation of practical measures ensures that pests can be
controlled in a way that does not affect public health and with
reduced impact on the environment. Therefore, the protocols used by
LEED certified companies support the objectives of building owners.
Green buildings are designed to improve the quality of the water and
air, pare down operational costs, enhance employee productivity, and
improve the quality of life overall.
An Integrated Pest
Management Plan
Professionals in the building industry who
follow LEED standards include landscapers, engineers, architects,
construction executives, and owners of real estate. When pest
control specialists conform to LEED standards, they follow an
integrated pest management (IPM) plan of keeping buildings free from
pests.
A Sustainable Way to Control Pests
IPM is
a long-term and low-toxic way of pest control and was originally
created for use in industrial and agricultural sectors as well as
institutions where archives or collections are kept. Before you
institute a program in your own facility then, you need to look at
both the pros and cons of using this type of pest control
technique.
The IPM Advantage
One of the apparent
advantages of an IPM system is the marked reduction in the
application of chemicals. If the building has experienced a recurring
problem with pests then, IPM applications, can minimize and reduce a
pest population more proficiently.
Traditional Pest
Management
Traditional pest management solutions often
emphasize ongoing chemical applications, without looking at the
degree of pestilence or the kinds of species that may be affecting a
building or facility. Fortunately, when pest control specialists are
LEED certified, they scrutinize the situation more carefully and use
a safer, more efficient approach in getting rid of pests.
Exterior
Examinations
When making an assessment of a building,
technicians look at the exterior and interior structures and set up a
system of monitoring insect activity. When examining the outside of a
structure, they look for evidence of debris or damage, check for
cracks or holes in the walls, look for gaps around entrances and
windows, and determine if there is a disposal for waste materials
close to the facility.
Interior Inspections
If
they are inspecting the interior, technicians look for insect damage
and debris, and check for gaps around windows and doors. They also
see if there is an excessive amount of food waste or paper trash in
certain designated areas.
Establishing a Tracking
System
When monitoring a building, pest professionals
design a floor plan of the complex they plan to treat, marking off
the windows, doors, and sources of heat and water which draw insect
activity. They also select traps and set them throughout the building
and indicate their placement on the floor plan. Each month, the
catches are recorded on a chart. After pests are trapped and caught,
the technician identifies the kind of species and the life stage of
the catch. By following this kind of checklist and plan, pest control
specialists can better determine which key species are showing up in
specific areas.
Controlling Insect Populations on the
Outside of a Facility
After a monitoring system is put
into place, technicians can start to manage and reduce the pest
population by implementing specific controls. Outside the structure,
any vegetation or water sources should be removed that as well as
trash or debris. Cracks should be sealed around windows and doors as
well.
Controlling Insects Indoors
Inside the
complex, clutter in the form of food and paper should be cleaned on
an ongoing basis as well as any dust or dirt. Any carpeting that may
be holding mold or mildew should be removed as well.
Pests are
managed in a number of ways, including heat treatments and
fumigation, using certain low-toxic gases Naturally, knowing what to
expect will make it just that much easier to formulate a regular pest
control program for your business or institution.
About
Author: John V. Wright is an entomologist and a writer. He
encourages businesses contact Plunkett’s Pest Control, for managing
pests. The Milwaukee
pest control company can be reached toll-free at 1-866-906-1780.
Sponsor Ads
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.