However, disease-resistant microorganisms and biological creeps that we don’t even know the names of continue to grow
If you don’t have the time or ability to research your pest problems and safely apply the appropriate procedures and materials to control them, you may want to hire a pest control service to do the job for you.
“A professional also has access to some products not available in the market. To be effectively managed, many pest problems like termites or problems on wood and large trees, require specialized equipment, pesticides, and technical training,” says M B Lama who runs a pesticide retail shop at Kumaripati in Patan.
In this regard, Pest Control Nepal, located at Old Baneshwor, was the first ever company that started pest control as a service business. Also, it is one of the few companies that are officially registered with the Nepal Pesticide Board established in 1991.
“We’re dedicated to providing innovative and the best possible environmentally-friendly crop-care solutions. We specialize in the products and services, including healthcare, crop care, aquatic care, animal health, lawn care, crop protection, plant nutrition, and custom synthesis,” says owner S. K. Shrestha. He provides services for vermin control in commercial places like hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, and residences.
“Since these are public areas, we use the least hazardous chemicals,” he adds.
Other areas that require pest control are industries. “Industrial areas are very sensitive pest-control sector because this is directly related to public-oriented products,” says Shrestha. In this case, they apply what they call Integrated Pest Management that involves not only chemical pest control but also clients are encouraged to participate for a more effective result, using fewer chemicals but more manual precautions, like nets, for example.
“At present, there are a lot of treaties that bind countries, and there is an internationally driven agenda to cut down carbon emissions,” says Shrestha. He also opines that chemical pesticides can never be totally environmentally friendly. Therefore, organic pest control products have also slowly begun to find space in Nepal.
However, due to the increase in global trade, the demand for professional services in pest eradication is increasing for various commodities, packaging materials, pharmacy products, spices etc. At the same time, awareness of pesticide residues is also increasing. Hence, selection of the right pesticide and its appropriate use is of great importance.
“These are outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the basis of their defined hazard levels,” says Shrestha.
Such services are usually provided to a host of international organizations as well. “They only allow certain chemicals, and these vary according to the country they are affiliated to,” says Shrestha. “Almost all countries are bound by the Environment Protection Act (EPA) that permits countries to use only certain chemicals legally,” he adds. For instance, fumigation as a pest control program is not permitted in Nepal due to the lack of environmentally friendly chemicals.
Another area that is explored by pest control companies is termite eradication. Termites are one of the most destructive pests ever found in households. They attack all kinds of buildings made of cement, mud and wood. Termites are found in Nepal from east to west, from north to south. Nepal has already done many treatments to protect private properties and many of the heritage monuments like temples, and old and valuable wooden carvings.
“Soil treatment is the ideal method for termite control,” both Lama and Shrestha assert. In new buildings under construction, the soil around the building and beneath the floor is immediately charged with soil toxicants so as to create a chemical barrier impregnable to termites. Also all vulnerable locations, such as points where underground soil pipes and electric cables enter the external plinth walls are treated with soil toxicants. Then, if you are not through pre-construction anti-termite treatments in existing buildings which are termite-infested, let professionals treat the buildings by either various effective steps like injection of chemicals drilled in the floor, and so on.
Although the professional services provided are from very few source, but with the rise of residential apartments and diplomatic missions, the professionalism is gaining momentum.
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