The technology and approaches to pest management have changed significantly since 1980 and the change continues. The days of the exterminator armed with a spray tank are not viewed as favorably as in the past; instead, current approaches emphasize inspection based programs and new technologies that use fewer pesticides. Most common pest invades from the outside and is not a pest in the truest sense but rather are unwelcome guest inside our dwelling. There are many alternatives to traditional pest control methods available today. ELS is a leader in the landscape industry in holistically understanding these concerns.

Turf Magazine article on IPM

Weed control is a more difficult than insects in terms of controlling weeds in green grass lawns with product applications. Weeds are often just plants in undesirable locations, like that green grass lawn that creeps over into the garden or flowbeds. However, studies have shown that good soil conditions, proper fertilization and watering will allow the turf grass to out compete weeds. This does not happen over night or even in one growing season.

Mulch and cultivation in flower and shrub beds will often control weeds very successfully. Physical barriers, metal, rock or masonry edging are required to keep creeping grass, like Bermuda, out of these beds. Once established, removing these grasses can be rather difficult to remove manually.

Landscape Design and Maintenance is the cornerstone of most common pest problems. Landscaping is one of the greatest attractions for crawling and many other types of pests. The closer the landscaping is to the perimeter of the building, the greater the likelihood for pests including rodents are to enter the structure.

Some pests do thrive inside of structures and others are unwelcome guest. The best method of control of rodents is exclusion. Mice only need an opening the size of a nickel to enter the building. Shrubs, trees and ground cover close to the building provides safe haven for many disease causing and carrying pest including ticks and rodents.

Pests that commonly infest and breed within structures include cockroaches, fruit flies, fungus gnats, rodents (mice and rats), and termites. In which case you will need to call a Structural Pest Control Expert. The National Pest Management Association lists companies active in the association. Information regarding state associations can also be found on its website. Information from this site may be helpful in developing specifications and narrowing lists of qualified vendors.

In 2004, The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) introduced a program called Quality Pro to recognize those business demonstrating professionalism and good business practices. In 2008, NPMA introduced QualityPro Green that adds to these standards with specific requirements for IPM.

IPM or Integrated Pest management is more than a search for opportunities to reduce pesticide use: IPM is a systematic approach to pest prevention and suppression that prioritizes non-chemical measures. Often there is linkage to other activities that can suppress pest or that caused the pest problem. Often, the use of pesticides is a treatment of symptoms rather than a solution that often is readily achievable. At the very least, there is often less toxic products that will work when pesticides are required.

We provide residential maintenance in the Grand Prairie, South Arlington, and Mansfield Texas area's. Irrigation and Commercial services provided through out the Dallas Fort Worth Area.


ELS Landscape LLC
3727 South Great SouthWest Parkway
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052
Phone 817-675-8791

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Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) (MC-178), P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.

TCEQ's web site is: www.tceq.state.tx.us

Our Irrigation License Number is 13365

Texas Department of Agriculture Commercial Pest Control License No. 0389853

Texas Department of Agriculture Commercial Floral Client No. 00318089

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