CAI-NJ Mar. 2019 (w)

Future Trends in PEST CONTROL for Property Managers By Randy Vogel, Operations Manager, Cowleys Pest Services

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W e are currently seeing two major trends in pest control: technology and proactive prevention. The first trend comes from the “information révolution” that we are all experiencing. Many manufacturers are leverag- ing this miraculous technology in their products to monitor and report wildlife and rodent infestations. Wildlife traps and rodent bait stations that once had to be manually monitored now incorporate “smart” technolo- gy that inform technicians of any infestation activity. With advances in communication technology, it’s possible to know the status of a trap or bait station in real time — even if miles away. Now, every trap is effectively no farther away than the nearest smart phone or laptop. With this remote electronic monitoring, there are far fewer surprises when a technician arrives to service a trap. With more accurate information comes better decisions, planning, and implementation. It makes a world of difference for pest and wildlife technicians to know what to expect before getting to the property to treat the problem. The second pest control trend in community properties is a decided tilt toward proactive prevention rather than passively waiting for pest and wildlife problems to happen

and deal with the aftermath. Forward-thinking property managers understand the myriad benefits of a pest control professional conducting property walk-throughs to identify potential problems that could easily open the door to infestation issues. Proactive pest control also translates into happier residents who know that their property managers are staying on top of things. With these two trends, wildlife and rodent problems are treated earlier and more efficiently. Better yet, they are often avoided altogether. GPS for Wildlife Trapping and Rodent Control Professional wildlife control means following indus- try-accepted wildlife trapping and removal methods that are practical, humane, and legal. Here in New Jersey, numerous regulations, enforced by the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, are in place to protect wildlife. Killing or inhumane treatment of wildlife can result in fines and, in egregious cases, criminal charges of animal cruelty. One particularly challenging window of time is when an animal is trapped. A trapped animal cannot be left to suffer, and must be provided with food, water, and protection. Should a trapped animal die from neglect, you may well find

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