“WHAT’S HAPPENING?”
The University of Tennessee/Agricultural Extension
Service
Entomology & Plant Pathology - EPP #60
Volume No.4 - April 23, 2004
GET THE FACTS BEFORE PAYING FOR AIR DUCT CLEANING
By Darrell Hensley
Homeowners should pause and get the facts before rushing out to hire an air duct cleaning service, warns U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems, but the media is full of advertisements promoting cleaning services, many of which apply chemicals to the duct work to kill or control bacteria, fungi
and other organisms. EPA experts urge anyone contemplating air duct cleaning to be aware of the facts and get as much information as possible before spending a lot of money.
EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts unless a specific problem occurs such as clogging or vermin infestation. Studies show that air particles or dust in homes does not increase because of dirty air ducts.
Mold can be an especially tricky problem. If a visible substance appears to be mold, a positive determination can only be made by an expert and may require laboratory analysis. The presence of mold does not necessarily
mean that ducts must be cleaned. Keep in mind that internally insulated air ducts that get wet or moldy cannot be effectively cleaned and will require replacement.
No matter what type of ducts you have (unlined sheet metal or fiberglass-lined), the conditions causing mold growth---such as leaking pipes or improper humidity--- must be corrected or mold will reoccur regardless of cleaning or replacement.
If you decide to have your ducts cleaned, talk to at least three contractors and ask detailed questions. Inquire about their experience in duct cleaning and working on systems like yours. Find out what procedures they use to protect residents, pets and homes from contamination. Ask if they comply with the cleaning standards of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. Find out whether they hold any relevant state licenses and check references. Also contact your local consumers' affairs office or Better Business Bureau to learn about any complaints against the company you're considering.
The duct cleaning service may tell you that you need a disinfectant, sanitizer or other antimicrobial agent applied to kill germs and mold and prevent future growth. The company may also want to apply ozone. Be aware that little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of these techniques. In fact, using these products may trigger the very health problems you were trying to avoid. Chemicals sprayed into an operating air control system may be released into the home triggering adverse health effects.
EPA regulates sanitizers, disinfectants and other antimicrobial products under federal pesticide laws. A product must be registered by EPA for a specific use before it can be legally used for that purpose. EPA has assessed the health risks of only some biocide products specifically for use in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Some of the product registrations are only for coatings applied at the point of manufacture and should not be used on existing systems.
If you allow the use of a disinfectant or antimicrobial product in your air ducts, carefully read the label before it is applied. Make sure it has an EPA registration number (EPA Reg#) and states that it can be used specifically in air ducts or HVAC systems. If you have the EPA registration number, you can view the approved product label on the Internet at www.epa.gov/pesticides/pestlabels/ Check the label for very specific directions. The directions should include information about cleaning the system before application, using the correct amount, proper
application method and the conditions under which the product can be used. Also, read the hazards and precautionary statements. Since the label is the law, make sure the product is used strictly according to its label. As a precaution, all residents and pets should leave the premises during application.
To learn more about air duct cleaning, please see the EPA publication "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" EPA 402-K-97-002, available on the Internet at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct or by calling
The Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318. For questions regarding antimicrobial products approved for air ducts, contact the Antimicrobial Hot Line at (703) 308-0127.
Source: (U.S. EPA REGION 5 NEWS RELEASE No. 04-OPA034)
WHAT ARE SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES AND WHAT ARE MY
MANAGEMENT OPTIONS?
by Karen M. Vail
Subterranean termites have been swarming for almost a month now. Listed below are answers to questions commonly posed by the homeowner as they ponder termite management options.
Q: Why should I be concerned about termites?
A: Subterranean termites, the most destructive wood-feeding insects in
Tennessee, feed on cellulose that is usually obtained from wood. Termites are
very important because they help recycle dead, fallen trees back into the soil.
They do not easily distinguish between a dead pine tree and pine lumber; therefore, their food may be in
the form of a dead tree or the wood in a house. They will also feed upon fence
posts, paper, books and fabrics of plant origin, as well as living plants such
as trees, shrubs, flowers and some crops, although they are more likely to
invade woody plants that are in decline. They may chew foam board insulation,
and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems.
In the United States, the cost of treating and repairing damage caused by subterranean termites has been estimated to be between 1.2 and five billion dollars a year. Subterranean termite treatment may cost more than $1000 per residence. Besides the expense, winged termites emerging by the thousands inside one's home can be quite traumatic. The thought of termites feeding undetected in your home, for most folks the largest investment of their life, isn’t to settling either.
Q: Why are infestations often discovered during March - May?
A: In Tennessee, most winged forms of the subterranean termite, or swarmers, emerge from March through May, although many flight may begin as early as February or as late as June in some years. One less common species emerges in late July through the fall. In heated structures, subterranean termites can emerge any month of the year.
The swarm is a mating dispersal flight that usually contains equal numbers of both male and female winged forms. After flight, they land, break off their wings and seek out a nest site. Subterranean termites usually excavate a burrow under trees, in decaying wood or in the soil. Once the new king and queen find a nest site, they seal themselves in, mate and the queen starts laying eggs.
Very few swarmers emerging outdoors survive to start new colonies. Swarmers that emerge indoors will die in large numbers around windows in their efforts to escape. Swarmers emerging indoors do not eat wood and are best removed with a vacuum cleaner. With a few exceptions, indoor swarmers indicate that a structural infestation is occurring.
Q:
How will I know if my home is infested?
A: Signs of termite infestations:
1. Winged termites indoors. Discovering winged termites indoors almost always indicates a structural infestation warranting treatment. Winged termites are often confused with ants because they often have mating flights at the same time of year. Termites can be differentiated by their straight antennae, broad waist and wings of equal size. (Ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists, and front wings that are longer than the hind wings.) Winged termites are attracted to light and are often found near windows and doors. Termite swarmers emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, and other locations out in the yard may not indicate a structural infestation. If winged termites are seen emerging from the base of a foundation wall or adjoining porches and patios, the house may also be infested. If a termite infestation is suspected, contact a pest management professional to conduct an inspection and discuss treatment options.
2. Mud tubes. Other signs of infestation are earthen (mud) tubes extending over the slab, foundation walls, support piers, sill plates, etc. The mud tubes are typically about the width of a pencil, but sometimes can be thicker. These shelter tubes protect the termites as they travel between their underground colonies and the structure. If small, creamy-white worker termites emerge when a mud tube is broken, the infestation is active. However, if no workers emerge from the broken tube, it does not mean the infestation is inactive. Termites may abandon sections of a tube and forage elsewhere in the structure.
3. Wood eaten in layers and along the grain with mud present in layers. Termite-damaged wood is usually hollowed out along the grain with the spring wood fed upon and the harder summer wood left behind. This results in a layered look with bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Damage caused by other wood-destroying organisms does not look like this.
4. Tiny holes with soil around edges. Occasionally termites bore small holes through plaster or drywall and leave bits of soil around the margin of the hole.
5. Rippled or sunken traces behind wall covering. Rippled, puckered or sunken traces behind paint or other wall covering can also indicate termites tunneling beneath the surface.
6. Often no signs are present. Because termites are cryptic creatures, infestations can go undetected for years, hidden behind walls, floor coverings, insulation, and other obstructions. Damage can go undetected in exposed wood because the outer surface is usually left intact. Confirmation of infestation often requires a professional. However, even the most experienced inspector can overlook hidden damage or an infestation.
Q: Can I treat the house myself?
A: Ridding a home of termites requires special skills and a pest management
professional is recommended. Knowledge of building construction and termite
biology and behavior, and specialized and expensive application equipment
(masonry drills, pumps, large-capacity tanks, soil treatment rods and more) are
reasons why a pest management professional is needed. Professionals may use specialized detection
tools, such as moisture meters, acoustic emissions detectors, microwave tools,
thermal imaging, canine termite detectors (termite sniffing dogs), fiber optics
and others. "Do-it-yourself"
termite baits (see bait comments below) sold at retail stores or bought over
the internet will seldom eradicate an existing termite problem (Potter 2004b).
Q: How do I choose a pest control company?
A: One of the most important steps to
obtaining control of a termite infestation is procuring the services of a
trained and experienced pest control professional. Use the following items as a
guide in selecting professional help:
! Ask for referrals from trusted acquaintances who were satisfied with their termite treatment. Call at least three of these pest control companies and ask for price quotes, the chemical to be used and how the company plans to treat your house.
! If a company conducts an inspections, ask for copies of the inspection letter and map. Keep these records.
! Read the contract carefully. Different options are available. Some companies will offer to re-treat if there is a failure, while others may provide an additional damage repair clause. Read both sides of a contract to understand what you are getting.
! An annual renewal fee for inspections is usually offered. It is usually a good idea to contract for this service.
! Study the bids, a description of the work to be done and details of any guarantees and then make your decision.
! Be wary of prices that seem too low. Highly specialized equipment and training is needed to control termites and a low bid may mean low quality.
! In most cases, the materials to be used for termite control are only available to a certified applicator. The certified applicator should posses a certification card and a charter number should be present on a company’s truck to indicate the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has licensed the owner.
Do not feel pressured into signing a contract immediately. Termite damage occurs slowly. The amount of damage caused by taking an additional day, week, or month to make an informed decision is insignificant.
Q:
Which treatment methods and products should I use?
A: A very challenging question to which the answer is based on an individual’s
concerns and preferences, construction anomalies and other factors specific to
each structure. Termite treatments can be placed into two categories - liquids
and baits. The purpose of soil-applied liquid termiticides is to provide a persistent
chemically-treated zone that prevents ground-dwelling termites from entering
buildings. Until fairly recently, many products repelled termites from crossing
the barrier rather than killing them. Newer materials such as Termidor
(fipronil), Premise (imidacloprid) and Phantom (chlorfenapyr) are non-repellent
or not detected, and termites tunneling
into the treatment zone are killed. In general, nonrepellent liquid
termiticides are proving to be much more reliable in their ability to resolve
termite problems with the first attempt. Both repellent and nonrepellent liquid
termiticides can be effective and homeowners should not base their purchasing
decision on a product alone.
Baiting is the other broad treatment category. Termite baits consist of paper, cardboard, or other similar products upon which termites can feed, combined with a slow-acting ingredient that can kill termites. Most baits are installed below ground in a plastic station. Aboveground stations can also be placed over active termite mud tubes found indoors. Foraging termites need to find the bait, consume it and share it with their nest mates, all of which results in a gradual decline in termite numbers. Baits may be the only treatment on some properties, while others may combine baiting systems around the structure with liquid applications to areas where termites are observed. Sentricon, Exterra, FirstLine, Advance, and Subterfuge are examples of commercially-available professional baits.
Termite baiting is a very complex subject. More detailed discussion of the considerations in having your home treated with baits versus liquids is provided in some of the sources listed below. Chemically-concerned homeowners may find the concept of baiting more attractive. Some structures have construction features, such as wells, cisterns, drainage systems, etc., that interfere with conventional soil treatment methods.
No matter which method or product is selected, it's important to have the application made by experienced, certified technicians, with a responsible, licensed pest control firm standing behind them.
Q:
Does the entire house need to be treated... or can they "spot treat"
areas where I see termites?
A: Subterranean termite colonies may contain hundreds of thousands of individuals
that forage in many different directions and feed on many sources. Small,
localized or "spot" treatments are generally a gamble except in cases
of retreatment. Because it is likely
that termites will eventually find other points of entry into the structure,
most reputable pest control firms will not warranty spot treatments.
Some
companies may offer to do a so-called "perimeter" treatment using one
of the non-repellent liquid termiticides.
Usually, this involves a thorough application to the soil around the
entire outside foundation wall of the building, and a spot treatment to the
interior infested areas or critical areas such as pipe penetrations, bath
traps, etc. The contract should state that this perimeter treatment is an
incomplete treatment. The Tennessee
Department of Agriculture requires a written contract for every termite control
job. Retreatment is required if termites
are found within one year of a COMPLETE treatment application, provided
a termite contract has been issued. This required retreatment does not apply to
“perimeter” or incomplete treatments. If “perimeter” treatments are considered,
homeowners should inquire whether this incomplete treatment will be accompanied
by a warranty or service agreement in case termites return. Before the termite
service contract is signed, it should clearly state whether a warranty is given
or not. (Service renewal agreements or contracts usually state that if termites
return, the company will retreat the affected areas at no additional charge
provided the renewal agreement is maintained.) Purchasing any treatment without
an ongoing service agreement is a bit of a gamble.
Q:
How long will the treatment last?
A: The actual length of control on a given structure will depend on such
factors as thoroughness of the application, environmental conditions, and
termite density in the area. All new liquid termiticides are required to show
that they work for five years before they can become registered by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Should termites continue to be a problem the year after treatment, it
may be due to termites finding an untreated gap in the chemical barrier.
Q:
Have I been cheated if termites continue to infest my house after treatment?
A: Not necessarily. The best treatments performed by even knowledgeable firms
may fail at times, if termites find their way through tiny, untreated gaps in
the soil. While the intent is to establish a continuous chemical barrier, this
is near impossible to achieve in practice. In the case of baits, it may take
several months for termites to initially find the bait stations in the soil,
and even longer to achieve control. The key to an effective treatment is to
hire a reputable pest control firm employing experienced, conscientious
technicians. Companies will retreat affected area(s) at no additional charge
provided the service agreement is purchased and maintained.
Sources:
Potter, M. 2004a. Entfact-639: Termite Baits: A Guide for Homeowners. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef639.htm
Potter, M. 2004b. It's Termite Season. Kentucky Pest News. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. March 29,2004 vol. 1014 http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/kpn/pdf/kpn_1014.pdf
Potter, M. 2004c. Termites, pp. 217-316. In A. Mallis S. Hedges [ed. dir.], Handbook of Pest Control, 9th edition, GIE media, Inc.
Vail, K., H. Williams and J. Yanes. 2001. Subterranean Termite Control. The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pests/default.asp#home
Vail, K., E.E. Burgess, and C. Pless. 2002. PB 1703 Wood-Destroying Organisms Pesticide Applicator Training Manual Licensing Category: WDO. The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service.
http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/psep/secondlevel/thirdlevel/WDO/WDOindex.htm
PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM, PSEP,
by Gene Burgess
In the next few weeks I plan on having a series of articles in What’s Happening related to the Pesticide Safety Education Program, PSEP. These articles will be on the laws, regulations and procedures related to certification, recertification and licensing process. These articles will address a lot of the questions we receive at the PSEP office.
One of the most frequently asked questions is, where can I get pesticide certification and licensing study materials for the certification and licensing exams? Study materials for individuals who want to take a certification exam to become a certified pesticide applicator or licensing exam to become a Licensed Pest Control Operator may be obtained by the following methods:
A. They may be ordered through E-Commerce at http://ecommerce.cas.utk.edu/agstore OR
B. By phone, 865-974-7138, using a MC or VISA OR
C. Purchased or ordered, using an order form, F818, at UT, Dept. of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Rm 205 Plant Science Bldg., Knoxville, TN 37996-4560.
Other
information, publications and forms may be found on the PSEP web site, http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/psep/psep.htm
The
Dept. of Entomology & Plant Pathology, PSEP phone number is
865-974-7138. The fax number is
865-974-8868.
MOLINATE (ORDRAM, ARROSOLO) - CANCELLATION ORDER
by Darrell Hensley
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)is issuing a cancellation order announcing its approval of the requests submitted by Syngenta Crop Protection Inc., and Helm Agro U.S. Inc., to amend and voluntarily cancel the registrations of all of their products containing S-ethyl hexahydro-1H-azepine-1-carbothioate (molinate) effective June 30, 2008. Any distribution, sale or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is only permitted in accordance with the terms of the existing stocks provisions of this cancellation order.
The 2002 sales level of the molinate active ingredient will be the maximum amount that Syngenta and Helm will sell or distribute in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Syngenta and Helm may not sell or distribute any more than 75% of
the 2002 sales levels in the year 2007, and sell or distribute more than 50% of the 2002 sales levels in the year 2008.
Syngenta and Helm will provide annual production/sales reports to the Agency beginning in the year 2004 through 2009. Syngenta and Helm will also provide inventory reports for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. These
reports will be submitted by September 30 of each year to the Agency's Chemical Review Manager for molinate.
For purposes of this Cancellation Order, the term ``existing stocks'' is defined, pursuant to EPA's existing stocks policy (56 FR 29362, June 26, 1991), as those stocks of a registered pesticide product which are currently in the United States and which have been packaged, labeled and released for shipment prior to the effective date
of the cancellation order. The existing stocks' provisions of this cancellation order are as follows:
The cancellation of these registrations has an effective date of June 30, 2008. After that date, Syngenta Crop Protection Inc., and Helm Agro U.S. Inc., may not sell or distribute any molinate products except as detailed in the cancellation order. Syngenta Crop Protection Inc., and Helm Agro U.S. Inc., will be permitted to distribute the molinate active ingredient in 2009 for the purposes of facilitating usage by August 31, 2009. No use of products containing molinate is permitted after the 2009 growing season (August 31, 2009).
SOURCE: Federal Register: April 7, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 67)
Page 18368-18370, From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07ap04-50]
17-YEAR PERIODICAL CICADA BROOD X EMERGENCE IN MAY
by Frank A. Hale
There has been much interest in this brood in the media since March. Expect the emergence in the first two weeks of May. In 1998, Brood XIX emerged in West and Middle Tennessee as early as May 3 through the May 9. This year, emergence could be a bit later than that in East Tennessee. We will just have to see. Most of East Tennessee will see this emergence while it will only occur in 11 or so other counties scattered across the rest of the state. As the time grows nearer, expect a new flurry of calls. Dr. Karen Vail, Joey Morton, David Cook and I collaborated to produce a cicada web site that should help at http://web.utk.edu/~extepp/cicada/Cicadapage.htm
If you need the periodical cicada PowerPoint presentation, please contact David Cook here at the Plant Pest Diagnostic Center.
ORNAMENTAL PESTS ACTIVE
by Frank A. Hale
Several spring defoliators are quite noticeable now. The silk nests of the eastern tent caterpillar can be seen in trees like wild cherry. Most of these fuzzy caterpillars are mature and they are moving out of the trees where they can be seen crawling across sidewalks, highways, pastures etc. They will soon find a suitable site to spin a white silk cocoon on the ground in which to pupate. Some think that this is the period when these caterpillars are accidentally ingested by grazing animals. Ingestion by horses can cause an abortion within 72 hours.
Spring and fall cankerworms are very abundant now and have the potential to completely defoliate some trees. Check the leaves at the ends of branches for these inchworm like caterpillars. I have seen three to four caterpillars in the terminal leaves with much feeding damage already apparent. If you intend to treat, now is the time. Defoliation can occur rather quickly as these larvae mature. Bt. insecticides such as Dipel applied to the foliage will control the cankerworms while not negatively impacting beneficial insects, mites and spiders. If a tree is defoliated, that is generally not a major concern. Most trees can take an occasional defoliation without much harm. A healthy tree will put out a new flush of growth in a matter of weeks, making the tree look like nothing happened.
Spruce spider mites should have hatched from their overwintering eggs on evergreen trees and shrubs such as junipers, hemlock, spruce, and arborvitae. The best and easiest control of this pest is the use of and oil spray to kill the eggs back in the winter. Once the mites have emerged, they can be controlled with summer horticultural oil or miticides such as Kelthane, Avid, Floramite , and Hexygon.
Azalea lace bugs and boxwood leafminer can be controlled by drenching the root system with imidacloprid (Marathon, Merit, Bayer Advanced Garden Tree & Shrub Insect Control) in winter or early spring. This systemic insecticide is very persistent when soil applied and should give season-long control. Since boxwood leafminer only have one generation per year, you should be able to get by using the lowest listed label rate for soil application.
Disclaimer Statement
Pesticides recommended in this publication were
registered for the prescribed uses when printed. Pesticide regulations are
continuously reviewed.
Should registration or a recommended pesticide be
canceled, it would no longer be recommended by
The University of Tennessee.
Use of trade or brand names in this publication is for
clarity and information; it does not
imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may be of
similar, suitable composition, nor does
it guarantee or warrant the standard of the product.
The Agricultural Extension Service offers its programs
to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex,
veteran status, religion or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME
ECONOMICS
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
and county governments cooperating in furtherance of
Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Agricultural Extension Service Charles L. Norman, Dean