Serenity Gardens

Melissa D. Sprint and

Seth M. Black

Phone:

(540) 636-761

Co-Owners

Fax:

958 Pine Ridge Drive

Website:

Front Royal

VA

22630

Email:

Service Categories:

structural

commercial

school

landscape

residential

golf course

other:

	We are a landscaping and plant production company. We consider the environmental effect of everything we do. To control pests, we use the most environmentally sound method and never resort to the use of harsh, chemical pesticides. There is always an environmentally sound solution and we will work with you to find it. We work to prevent pest problems in the first place if we can. Healthy plants don't attract pests. We feel that balance is the goal, not necessarily complete irradication. Methods we use are education, observation, research, close monitoring, introduction of beneficial insects, interplanting, crop rotation, companion planting, specific watering and planting techniques, organic fertilizing, hand-picking, soil-testing, physical weed removal, organic sprays, and aeration and thatch removal for healthy lawns. We try to find the cause of the pest problem and make changes to treat the cause, not just treat the symptoms (the pests). We can work with you if you are chemically-sensitive. We have references upon request and will travel a long-distance to your home.

What is your definition of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Using the most environmentally sound method to control pests and never resorting to the use of harsh chemicals. There is always an environmentally-sound solution. There has to be.

Is pest management performed on a specific schedule?

	They are monitored in the same way with observation. We try to find the cause of the pest problem if we find one and treat it, not just the symptoms (the bugs).

How are pest problems identified?

	Yes. It depends on the situation, but not without need, not automatically; although we do monitor regularly through observation (sometimes with a magnifying glass) and research.

What practices do you use to prevent and/or control pests?

We use environmentally-sound control methods such as biological, physical and mechanical techniques.

Do you use biological controls?

Introduction of beneficial insects. For instance, ladybugs.

Do you use borates?

	N/A

Do you use synthetic chemicals?

	No.

What are the top 10 pesticides you use/sell/recommend?

	Safer soap (insecticidal soap) and neem.

If pesticides are used, how much are used per year of each?

	N/A

Does your company perform habitat modification?

	Yes. We do interplanting, companion planting, crop rotation, specific watering techniques and addition of organic fertilizers.

Do you use any physical or mechanical controls?

	Yes, water spraying, hand picking, soil-testing and enrichment

What type of fertilizers do you use/sell/recommend?

Espoma lawn-tone. (We also do aeration and thatch removal)

What do you usually use/sell/recommend for addressing:

termites

N/A

cockroaches

N/A

fleas

pennyroyal can be planted around pet areas/house.

carpenter ants

N/A

fire ants

N/A

ants (indoor)

Tansy can be planted around the house.

crabgrass

physical removal

	dandelions	physical removal
	aphids, mites	non-sythetic organic pesticides or physical control. For deer and rabbits, use interplanting with plants they dislike. For prevention choose deer-resistant plants.

How do you evaluate effectiveness of your pest management

	Monitoring after implementing controls. We don't feel it has to be 100% to be effective, we can all co-exist together and achieve and appropriate balance.

References

We can give references to all individual requests, but we prefer to do it when contacted so the customers are current; we like to let the customers know ahead of time and don't feel its appropriate to expect them to receive calls indefinitely.