Glossary
Diamond Certified
To become Diamond Certified, a company undergoes a 12-step certification process. The company must earn a score of 90/100 on a customer satisfaction scale based on a survey of a large random sampling of its customers. Ratings and research on the company’s performance are carried out on a regular basis to maintain the prestigious “Diamond Certified” listing.
EcoWise
The EcoWise program was created in California to provide a unified set of standards aimed at reducing the use of harmful chemicals that find their way through runoff into water systems, affecting the resources of the entire region. This extensive program certifies individual technicians within a company through testing on process and procedures. Technicians are also tested on their understanding of pest biology. Rigorous, independent certification includes ride-alongs and ongoing audits to determine whether Integrated Pest Management is being practiced correctly. Only certain pesticides are approved for use. A complete list of EcoWise procedures and approved products are available to view on the EcoWise website.
EcoSense
ATCO developed its own EcoSense program in response to requests from residential clients looking for a “green” alternative to traditional pest control. EcoSense, based on the EcoWise principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management, relies primarily on physical and organic means of pest control, with limited use of synthetic pesticides. The customer is involved in the decision-making process. Nearly three quarters of ATCO’s residential customers have chosen the EcoSense approach.
ATCO Termite Control
ATCO’s sister company, ATCO Termite Control, treats termites, dry rot, fungus and wood boring beetles. ATCO Termite Control technicians provide home restoration and repair to termite-damaged wood. Since termites emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, we use CO2 termite detectors to locate and remove infestations.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management is a carefully designed program of pest detection and treatment based on an understanding of pest biology and the use of physical solutions. It is considered to be the least harmful method of controlling pests, providing long-term environmental solutions to pest infestations. Successful Integrated Pest Management requires customer communication, education and commitment. California’s EcoWise Certification program defines standards for materials and methods for pest control consistent with the principles of Integrated Pest Management.
Physical Solutions
Understanding the biology of pests and pest populations enables pest control experts to remove the causes of pest infestation physically, discouraging further infestation. Examples of physical solutions to pest infestation include removal of food and water, performance of sanitation and structural repairs, vacuum and steam eradication, as well as the use of baits and traps.
IPM Innovator Award
In 1994, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation introduced the Integrated Pest Management Award “to acknowledge agricultural and urban organizataions demonstrating leadership and creativity in new methods of pest management.” To receive the IPM Innovator Award, a company must demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding the practice and development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) processes through education, research, training and outreach to encourage statewide safe pest control practices.
IPM Commendation from the Marin County Board of Supervisors
In July 2009, Marin County passed a landmark ordinance, 3521, instituting safe Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and policies for all of Marin. ATCO,
as an innovator and early adopter of IPM practices, is the first and only EcoWise-certified pest management company in Marin to be recognized by the Marin County Board of Supervisors. The resolution commending Richard Estrada and ATCO reads in part: “Among all of Marin County’s Pest Control Operators Richard Estrada was one of the first who saw the value of and obtained EcoWise Certification and his company is the only Marin County Pest Control company that has been certified by Ecowise…. ATCO’s Integrated Pest Management practices and EcoWise Certification provide a pest-free workplace while ensuring people working in and visiting Marin County government buildings are not exposed to dangerous pesticides.”