1. How does Ivy Oaks control ticks?

We focus on a long-term approach with ticks and encourage our clients to implement devices that treat host animals such as deer, mice, and other mammals. These devices reduce tick populations without any spraying. We also use a light natural product consisting of cedar and peppermint oil to treat tick harboring areas. This product meets the EPA requirements for classification as 25(b) Minimum Risk which is the safest rating of a pest control product. Below is additional information on 25(b) products from the EPA.

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Because the EPA has determined that certain "minimum risk pesticides" pose little to no risk to human health or the environment, EPA has exempted them from the requirement that they be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. 

www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides/minimum-risk-pesticide-definition-and-product-confirmation

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In situations of tick risk or tick infestations, we may determine the use of a synthetic form of pyrethrins called pyrethroids is necessary for our initial treatment. Pyrethrins are the natural byproduct of the Chrysanthemum flower. Synthetic pyrethroids have a similar chemical structure as the pyrethrins, and are found in many commercial products including household insecticides, pet shampoos and sprays, and even lice shampoos. The products themselves are water-based, mixed in water and will not harm plants. We always prefer to use natural cedar and peppermint oil but in some cases a more aggressive approach is needed for the first visit.

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2. How about mosquito control?

We first alter any features of a client's property that will breed mosquitoes. This includes removing items that accumulate standing water while ensuring that large bodies of water are properly draining. We also use our natural cedar and peppermint oil treatment to areas where mosquitoes cluster and nest. 

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3. How are you controlling poison ivy?

Our primary approach is natural removal which involves us physically pulling poison ivy vines from trees and out of the soil. Depending on the specific growth pattern, we may also apply a non-aggressive slow acting herbicide to areas where physical removal is not feasible. This herbicide takes 7-14 days to show results and interferes with enzymatic production of certain amino acids that only exist in plants, fungi, and bacteria so toxicity to humans and animals is very low. As with all of our control options, we prefer to use the least amount of chemicals as possible. 

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ALL PRODUCTS WE USE ARE EPA APPROVED FOR RECREATION AREAS

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4. Can you guarantee me that I will not get bit by a tick, get poison ivy or see a mosquito at a certified camp?

Although we strive to achieve these results nature is unpredictable and no one can make this guarantee. Our certification indicates a camp has implemented a control program which has reduced the risks associate with ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. If a hosting tick detaches from a squirrel in the middle of a field and then attaches to you there is no way we can prevent this. If a bird leaves poison ivy seeds in it's dropping and poison ivy sprouts before our next treatment we cannot prevent this. However, by visiting certified camps every 3-4 weeks we can suppress tick habitats in recreation areas, interrupt mosquito reproduction cycles, and control poison ivy when it is beginning to sprout.                    

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5. When do you complete the treatments?

Applications are completed when campers and guests are not in the treatment area. 

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6. How often do you visit camps for treatments?

The treatment schedule will vary for each camp depending on their tick and mosquito populations as well as their poison ivy prevalence. Treatments are generally once every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer months. 

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7. If we sign up in Georgia is someone going to be driving from Pennsylvania to conduct services?

No, we have service teams spread across the many regions we provide service. Each team lives in the region they are assigned and provides services to clients nearby.

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Still have questions?

Email isaiah@ivyoaks.com

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