Do you have questions about the products and services
that we offer? Below is a list of some frequently asked questions,
along with our answers.
Q:
Can I open windows after spray applications?
A: Yes you can open windows after spray applications on your
property. It is best to have your windows closed while the technician
is applying the materials.
Q: When can I let my pets out?
A: The materials we use work on contact and are safe for pets
once they have dried, usually 1 hour after our technician leaves
your property.
Q: My gardener fertilizes.
Are you both providing the same service?
A: Gardeners usually fertilize turf only. We strongly suggest
that you leave the fertilizing of your trees and shrubs to us.
We use state of the art products that contain microbes specific
to your individual plants needs.
Q: If it rains does everything
get washed away?
A: Most materials we use work on contact, which means that if
the insect or mite is there at the time of application it will
be controlled. Environmental laws restrict the use of residual
materials. There are some specialty treatments that are more effective
if it does not rain, at (THM) we will take it upon ourselves to
re-apply those materials at our cost.
Q: Why doesn't the technician
spray all trees and shrubs?
A: Our Philosophy is based on treating plants that need treatment
because they are susceptible or under attack by insects, diseases
or mites. If a plant has no insect disease or mite infestation
treating it is a waste of time and money, and is not environmentally
sound. Treating only infested plants helps to preserve the natural
balance of beneficial organisms on your property.
Q: I have been using
your company for so many years, why has one of my trees died?
A: Unfortunately, our technicians have little or no control of
abiotic factors that may cause plants to die. Some of these factors
include extended periods of drought, harsh cold winter weather,
disturbance of root systems during home renovation, disease conditions
for which there is no available cure, and improper installation
at the time of planting.
Q: My contract lists
application dates, but my visit did not occur on that date?
A: Providing application dates is required by the NY State Dept
of Environmental Conservation (DEC). At THM we work on growing
degree days to determine the emergence of pests and thus the best
timing to treat plants in your landscape. Weather and other factors
also play a role in determining actual application dates.
Q: Why do I need to sign
a contract?
A: The NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires
us and all pest control companies by law, to have a signed contract
from property owners.
Q: You said the products
used on my property are environmentally safe, why is there a tag
on my lawn?
A: The NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires
us to post properties if we use any product that has an EPA Registration
number. Products like Horticultural Oil, Soap, and even garlic
have an EPA Registration number.
Q: I am signing up in
the middle of the summer, is it too late?
A: It is always better to have us there for the entire season,
however we can accomplish healthier plants with a partial program
as long as we are there to follow up early the following spring.
Q: Why do I have more
visits and a higher cost than my neighbor next door?
A: We tailor our programs to each property based on plant types,
density, anticipated pest problems and subsequent treatment requirements.
You may pay more and have more visits because your plants are
more susceptible or physically larger.
Q: Dormant oil is supposed
to be used first thing in the spring you did not use any on my
property on your first visit. Why?
A: Dormant oil is an old term. The word "dormant" has been replaced
with the word "horticultural". Back a decade or so ago spray oils
were so heavy and poorly refined they had to be used while plants
were dormant or injury to plants would occur. Since then oils
now are more refined and can be used throughout the entire season.
Some insects are controlled more effectively with horticultural
oil later in the season as they first emerge.
Q: Shouldn't you spray
each visit?
A: We always make an application or treatment of some kind when
we come to your property. Some applications will be made to soil
to increase nutrient and microbial activity when no insects, diseases
or mites are present. This is a good thing, we don't always want
to hear something is wrong when we see a doctor.
Q: I had my air-conditioning
on while they sprayed, is this a problem?
A: Our trained technicians avoid spraying near open windows,
air-conditioners, furniture, kid's toys and other non-target obstacles.
Rest assured that you and your family are safe to enjoy your property.
