Treatment for rodent control can vary depending upon the situation. The first thing our technicians will do upon arriving on site will be to talk to the customer regarding the situation. Afterwards, the technician will perform their inspection based on the information the customer gives them. They will inspect for harborage areas; rodent droppings and if rodent droppings are found, how “fresh” the droppings are. This will let them know how recent the rodent has been at the site; the size of the droppings to determine which type of rodents) they are dealing with; rub marks; rodent burrows; etc… After their inspection, the technician will then determine which products to use. If rodent stations, glueboards and/or snap traps are used, the technician will draw a diagram map of where each are located. This diagram is kept with the customer’s file for review on each visit thereafter & updated when need be. A copy of the diagram can also be given to the customer upon request. All rodent stations are properly labeled and secured according to EPA regulations. The most common rodents found on Guam in order are the Norway rats, the House Mouse and the Roof rat.
Again, method of treatment for cockroaches can vary. An inspection will be performed and monitor stations placed out to determine the type of roaches and infestation level. The appropriate method and products will be used depending upon the severity of the problem and also the location of where the problems) may be. Roaches need food, water and shelter to survive. By limiting these three essentials, it is more difficult for roaches to live in the infested area. Simply by improving the sanitation conditions you can often suppress existing populations and discourage new infestations. Consistent cleaning (vacuuming, mopping, wiping down of counter and table tops) on a daily basis will greatly assist in eliminating the food source.
Trash should be disposed of and monitored for any spills. Caulking and sealing of cracks and crevices will also assist in elimination. Roaches like to harborage behind areas that are dark and damp. The technician will discuss with the customer their recommendations and a follow-up inspection will be scheduled to ensure the recommendations were done. Treatment methods may include, but not limited to, baiting and/or liquid spraying. The most common cockroaches found on Guam are the German, American and Oriental. On a few occasions the brown-banded has been found.
Ants are one of the most successful groups of insects. They are social insects that live in colonies which are usually located in the ground, but may enter buildings for shelter and/or food. Ants feed on practically every type of food, but those entering homes are looking for sweets and/or protein-containing substances. Pest ants are usually divided into two groups based on their typical nesting preference, either wall-nesting or ground-nesting ants. The biology and habits of each species are different, so a detailed knowledge of these for each species is necessary for effective control. Control of ants is a five step process. The processes are correct identification, location of the nests), baiting, perimeter barrier treatment and non-chemical control methods. Control methods we may use at an account, but not limited to, is baiting, liquid treatment and dusting. Based again on our technician’s inspection, they will discuss with the customer their recommendations. The most common ants found on Guam are the Crazy ants, Fire-red ants, Ghost ants, Big-Headed red ant (non-biting), and the Odorous House ant.
Flies such as the common house fly are classified as filth flies because they breed in rotten food and garbage. Flies can mature from egg to adult in as few as ten days. This quick maturity can cause a severe fly problem in a short period of time. Getting rid of fly’s long term begins with proper sanitation and exclusion. To kill the existing fly population insecticides are used, the insecticides come in residual forms, aerosols, fogging materials and baits. Fly lights with distinctive UV spectrums are also popular in commercial establishments and we also utilize
glue traps.
You can find fruit flies flying around fruit and vegetables, both fresh and rotten and they can also be found around any moist organic matter and garbage. Our technicians will first look for fruit fly sources in areas where vegetables or fruits are stored outside refrigeration, garbage cans, under appliances, and recycling bins. Even a little spilled juice behind an appliance can contribute to their breeding and the larva can only survive in decaying organic matter that is moist. All stages of fruit fly infestations depend on organic debris to complete the complete fruit fly cycle. Whenever possible, food and materials on which fruit flies can lay eggs must be removed. Killing adult fruit flies will reduce infestation, but elimination of fruit fly breeding areas is necessary for good management. The first step in order to get rid of fruit flies in the kitchen or elsewhere is to have proper sanitation. It is critical to eliminate any breeding sources. Clean garbage cans and dumpsters (they should have tight lids), get rid of any extra moisture with proper drainage, use screens on building openings, re-grout tiles in kitchens and bathrooms (this will prevent leakage in the walls and possible fruit fly breeding sources).
Termites have been around for over 250 million years. They too, like ants, are social insects and live in colonies which are usually located in the ground or in wood. Termites are usually divided into three groups based on the location of their colony: the subterranean, the drywood and the dampwood termites. Termite control begins with a thorough inspection of the structure and/or item that is damaged. Subterranean termite control methods we provide include a liquid pesticide treatment and/or installing the Sentricon Colony Elimination Termite Bait System, which is proven to be an environmental friendly termite bait system. For drywood and/or powder post beetles, we are able to fumigate using Vikane and/or Metho-Q-Gas to eliminate the pest. Our technicians are annually trained and certified by DOW AgroSciences with the using of Vikane gas and the Sentricon Colony Elimination System.
NKOG will utilize inspections and monitor stations as mentioned earlier. By doing this, we will be able to identify the level of infestation and what type of action will be taken. One of the primary keys in providing effective pest management in food handling establishments is the use of the IMP inspection and discussions with the customer regarding their sanitation and exclusion methods. NKOG would like when at all possible to have their customers do a “walk thru” with them of the infested areas to recommend what actions needs to be taken on the customer side to assist with the pest population. Flushing agents will not be used when exposed food and/or space is occupied since this may spread the pest out to common areas and food contamination may occur. It is imperative in a food-handling establishment that the smallest amount of pesticide be used when at all possible. However, if this is not possible because of the severity of the problem, then NKOG will discuss with the customer other ways of treatments (Cracks & Crevice with/without Fogging) and what preparation steps the customer needs to do prior to the treatment being rendered. NKOG performs regular inspections and service in each of their food handling accounts. Recommendations, if any, are then discussed with the customer thereafter.
Stinging arthropods such as bees. wasps, or hornets may cause a situation that needs to be dealt with immediately. Such a situation may occur at buildings where people are entering and/or exiting at all times; school yards; play ground areas; etc.. In any case, NKOG normally responds within two to three hours of the phone call. Our technician will then assess the situation and determine the best method possible to eliminate the source of the problem. This may be done by removing the nest if possible. If not, then NKOG will utilize a product such as Wasp Freeze, which will provide a quick knock down of the pest. NKOG has recently discovered that using a Simple Green solution effectively kills bees. The common species found on Guam are the Mud Daubers, Paper wasps (boonie bees), Honey bees, and Yellow jackets.
