EPA names Western PESP Gold member

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — On May 10, Western Pest Services announced it has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program” (PESP) Gold Member. This recognition is reserved for PESP members who have demonstrated a commitment to pesticide risk reduction and serve as models for other PESP members. Western is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc.

“Our integrated pest management (IPM) approach combines proactive prevention, environmentally responsible treatments and education of staff and consumers about effective techniques that require little to no pesticide application,” says Tom Walters, president of Western Pest Services. “Only after we have exhausted all IPM options will we consider using pesticides. Even then, we use pesticides that are proven to be the most effective and yield the least risk to our customers and their environment.”

Established in 1994, PESP is EPA’s premier partnership program dedicated to reducing pesticide risk in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. The program works with the nation’s pesticide-user community to reduce human health and environmental risks of pesticide use and prevent pollution. Additionally, it promotes the adoption of innovative, alternative pest control practices, including IPM and the use of biological pesticides.

In addition to this recent recognition, Western Pest Services is also recognized by the National Pest Management Association as QualityPro and GreenPro certified. Known as “the mark of excellence in pest control,” the QualityPro designation can be achieved by ensuring that all employees voluntarily ascribe to a set of standards far above what is required by state and federal regulations. GreenPro companies are identified as environmentally-responsible businesses that employ a comprehensive, environmentally friendly approach when treating a property; investigate the source of the problem, and work to eliminate it, before applying pesticides; and apply pesticides only when necessary.