[Mosquito Suppliment] M.I.S.T. Conference opens dialogue about mosquito misting

SAN ANTONIO and TAMPA — Many pest control operators seeking to bolster their business with new service offerings have either added, or are considering adding, mosquito control services – including mosquito misting. In many respects, this service offering is still in its infancy as it relates to the pest control industry. Questions that PCOs grapple with include: What are the pros and cons of this offering? Is it a good fit for my business model? Will my market(s) embrace mosquito misting? It’s for these reasons that manufacturer MGK held its first-ever M.I.S.T. conferences earlier this year in San Antonio, Texas and Tampa, Fla. The day-long conferences were opportunities to bring together pest management professionals and MGK technical representatives to answer questions, share information and learn more about mosquito misting.

MGK Business Director Kevin Caskey kicked off both conferences with a historical look at pyrethrums – a product used in many misting systems. Caskey said there is anecdotal evidence that people have been using chrysanthemums (the flower from which pyrethrum is extracted) to ward off pests for thousands of years. MGK’s involvement begins in 1939, when its founder Alexander McClaughlin, a Scot, recognized the potential of pyrethrum for pest control after observing that spices packed with dried flowers were not experiencing insect damage. In the late 1920s, MGK scientist C.B. Gnadinger helped standardize production of the first concentrated pyrethrum extracts. Caskey noted that pyrethrum production ebbs and flows. Most of the world’s pyrethrum comes from Kenya, although South American countries and, especially, Australia, have increased production in recent years. Issues related to Kenya, including political unrest, are major reasons pyrethrum supplies are somewhat volatile. Caskey said a problem right now is that some Kenyan farmers have replaced chrysanthemum plants with food crops because the region is experiencing a drought and chrysanthemums require water, thereby competing with food crops for a valuable natural resource.

MGK Technical Director Dave Carlson provided attendees with a regulatory update on residential misting systems. In the early days of misting, which Carlson likened to the "Wild West," the pest control industry lacked consistency for how and where the systems were installed. The industry has made strides in this area, said Carlson, who pointed to 2007 when the National Pest Management Association and the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO) endorsed a Best Management Practice (BMP) for Outdoor Residential Misting System. Carlson noted, however, that EPA and the states have and will continue to evaluate misting relating to a variety of issues (e.g., spray drift).

Jennifer Williams, MGK technical representative, gave a presentation titled "Active Ingredient: Pyrethrins and Permethrin." Williams provided a detailed explanation of how pyrethroids work to essentially disrupt a mosquito’s nervous system. Williams said misting systems are a component of an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program, which includes: inspection; identification of target pests; and educating customers about conducive conditions that can contribute to mosquito activity. Regarding BMPs for mosquito misting, Williams noted the importance of checking for proper pH balance, which she said should be between 5.5 – 7.0.

Andy McGinty, of insurance provider LIPCA, provided an overview of insurance considerations related to mosquito misting. McGinty said LIPCA began insuring PCOs for mosquito misting services in response to client demand. McGinty said that, similar to termite and general pest control, mosquito misting services should be backed by a service contract – not a warranty. The contract should include simple language and warnings/exclusions for: plants/vegetation; roof; and chemical sensitivity. Additionally, McGinty recommended that contracts have language stating that any dispute be settled through binding arbitration.

MGK Misting Market Specialist Andy Sturgis concluded the conference by reviewing how PCOs can offer a comprehensive mosquito control program through the use of not only misting systems, but also larvicides; adulticides; source reduction; and barrier treatments. Sturgis noted that mosquito control services can strengthen the PCO-customer relationship because the PCO is helping customers "take back their backyards." He also noted the tremendous growth opportunities with this line of work, including special event spraying for events such as weddings or at locations such as community ball parks.

The author is managing editor and Internet editor of PCT magazine.