Communicating Positive Pest Management Messages

"Are Pesticides used safely and responsibly?"
"My neighbor down the street uses pesticides more than I do."
"Are pesticides thoroughly tested?"

These perceptions reflect the attitudes of the general public toward specialty pesticides. A public opinion survey, conducted by RISE (Responsibility for a Sound Environment)^® in 1994, showed that even though consumers understand the benefits of pesticides, they are concerned about their safe and responsible use.

Perhaps your customers have similar questions and concerns. If so, how do you answer them?

What Do Your Customers Think?

Do you know what your customers' opinions are regarding pesticides? Do you communicate your company's safe and responsible use of pesticides?

It is important for you and the pesticide applicators with your company to serve as knowledgeable and credible sources for your customers about pesticides and how they are applied.

It's easy to promote your company's safe and responsible use of pesticides. It's something you practice daily with each job. We encourage you to add another step to serving your customers: explaining the positive aspects of pesticide use and how your company uses pesticides.

Communicate With Your Customers

It's important to proactively communicate with your customers. Providing materials such as fact sheets, newsletters, and information included with your billing statements will help educate your clients. Include information such as:

• Your responsible use of pesticides.
• Pesticides your company uses.
• The pests they control.
• The benefits of controlling the particular pest.
• Your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) philosophy. RISE, the National Pest Control Association (NPCA) and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) have adopted IPM definitions you may use.

Here are a few positive points you should discuss about pesticides with your customers:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and the registration process. The pesticide industry is one of the most highly regulated in the nation. After thorough review, EPA registers only those uses of pesticide products that pose minimal risks.
• Pesticide testing. Many people are unaware of the rigorous testing that pesticides must withstand.
  • It takes a chemical manufacturer seven to 10 years to test and register a product.
  • Over 120 tests are performed, many to evaluate environmental and health impact.
  • Only one pesticide in 20,000 makes it from the lab to the market.
  • A product costs between $30 and $50 million to register.
• IPM. Pesticides are used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. IPM is a system of controlling pests (weeds, diseases, insects or others) in which pests are identified, action thresholds are considered, all possible control options are evaluated and selected control(s) are implemented. This program stresses the prevention of pest problems and the safe and responsible use of pesticides when necessary.
• Pesticides enhance the quality of life and the environment. Discuss your customer's quality of life if there were no pesticides to treat the bothersome pests and weeds that invade homes, lawns and public areas, and can often transmit diseases and allergens.

Your company takes many steps to ensure pesticides are used safely and responsibly. Don't forget to communicate these steps to your customers.

• Read and follow the label. Let your customers know you closely follow label instructions. The label is the law as registered by EPA.
• Extensive training. The applicators who work for your company are by law required to undergo certification, training and licensing, as well as keep strict records. Be sure to tell your customers of these requirements.
• Professional products. Products used by professional applicators are often the same products used by homeowners, and are applied at the same rate, according to product labels.
• Proper calibration of equipment. Good practice requires your company to properly calibrate equipment to ensure you're applying the exact amount of product called for on a label.
• Practice proper container disposal. Explain what happens to the containers of the pesticides you apply to your customers' lawns or homes.
• IPM. How does your company incorporate IPM into its practices? This is another important point to share with your customers.
• State laws. Your company should stay aware of the laws in your state and abide by them.
• Federal and state issues. By attending events in your area such as state applicator legislative days, your company will stay informed on pesticide issues in your state. Also, your company will stay abreast of national issues that trickle down to the local level.

RISE cooperates with your national associations and can serve as an additional source of information by providing facts regarding issues facing the pesticide industry.

Two examples of broad-based issues facing the specialty pesticide industry include: "Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances" (IEI), formerly known as "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity" (MCS), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools.

From position statements on IEI to a definition sheet on IPM, RISE can help you become a knowledgeable and credible source to your customers and to the public.

RISE was created in 1990 as a voice for the specialty pesticide industry. Its members include manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders. We urge you to join, or continue your membership in, your state and national association(s). We are all working together to support your business.

For more information on the safe and the responsible use of specialty pesticides, and how you can communicate this information to your customers, contact one or more of the following associations:

• American Association of Nurserymen - (202) 789-2900
• Associated Landscape Contractors of America - (703) 620-6363
• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America - (800) 472-7878
• National Arborist Association - (603) 673-3311
• National Pest Control Association - (703) 573-8330
• National Roadside Vegetation Management Association - (302) 832-2960
• Professional Lawn Care Association of America - (770) 977-5222
• Society of American Florists - (703) 836-8700
• Turfgrass Producers International - (800) 405-TURF
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - (202) 260-2090

RISE is the national association representing the manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with pesticide and fertilizer products used in turf, ornamental, pest control, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation management and other non-food/fiber applications. Visit our web site at http://www.pestfacts.org.