Concern About Liquid Chemical Termite Treatments Leads Environmentally Conscious Homeowners to Alternative.

Business Editors

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2004

In April, America steps back to recognize environmental concerns as it observes Earth Day. It is also one of the most active months for termites, which annually cause $2.5 billion in property damage nationwide.

To treat their subterranean termite problems, some people choose liquid chemical barrier treatments, which require hundreds of gallons of chemical solution to be poured into the ground in and around a structure. Although these chemical mixtures provide adequate temporary termite protection, 90 percent of homeowners are concerned about using a liquid chemical termite treatment inside and around their homes(1).

Concern About Chemicals

Each year, millions of gallons of liquid chemical mixtures are pumped into the Earth in an attempt to create a barrier around structures. Until recently, homeowners' options were limited to these liquid chemical mixtures when treating subterranean termite infestations.

But now, environmentally conscious homeowners can choose a product registered under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Reduced Risk Pesticide Initiative - which grants registration approval to pesticides that meet reduced risk criteria such as low impact on human health, a low toxicity to non-target organisms (birds, fish and plants), low potential for groundwater contamination, lower use rates, low pest resistance potential and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management - to monitor and eliminate termite colonies.

Going "Green"

Today, homeowners are going "green" and selecting an alternative: the Sentricon(R) Termite Colony Elimination System - the first termite baiting technology made available to homeowners. Already protecting more than 1.5 million structures, the Sentricon System is an environmentally sound and less disruptive choice that can provide proven, long-term termite protection. Unlike liquid chemical treatments, it uses just grams of termite bait only when and where termites are present to eliminate termite colonies.

The Sentricon System is the only termite treatment to receive one of the United States government's top environmental honors, the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. This award, presented by the EPA on behalf of the president, recognizes technical innovation that incorporates the principles of "green" chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use. In addition, it was the first product registered under the EPA's Reduced Risk Pesticide Initiative.

Water Problems

According to the Earth Day Network, the availability of water is one of the most challenging resource issues of the 21st century. Groundwater levels have reached an all-time low on every continent, and by 2025, it is predicted that 3.5 billion people worldwide will experience water shortages.

Liquid chemical mixtures place a strain on the world's water resources due to the chance of contamination and use of water to mix the chemicals. Using the Sentricon System prevents the use of hundreds of gallons of water to mix with the chemicals because it uses just grams of active ingredient when and where termites are present. By not using water, the Sentricon System helps reduce the risk of water contamination and run-offs.

Every home treated with the Sentricon System instead of a liquid barrier treatment helps reduce the impact on water resources. This impact that liquid chemical mixtures have on water resources and the environment is leading homeowners to make an environmentally conscious choice.

The Alamo Takes a Stand

Homeowners aren't the only ones choosing the security offered by the Sentricon System. It currently protects some of the nation's most treasured landmarks, including the White House, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Vernon and the Alamo.

Around this time last year, the Alamo took a stand against termites, choosing the Sentricon System because it is proven to eliminate termite colonies while being environmentally responsible - using just grams of active ingredient only when and where termites are present. In fact, a liquid termite treatment at the Alamo would have used 800 to 1,000 gallons of termiticide(2) solution. The Sentricon System is also less disruptive to the environment because there is no need to drill into the foundation or disturb landscaping.

"The Sentricon System allows us to control the termite problem and eliminate colonies without causing any environmental damage to our beautiful park-like atmosphere with our fish and birds," said Dave Stewart, director of the Alamo.

For additional information, including ways to detect a termite problem and locate an authorized pest management professional, visit www.sentricon.com.

1 Source: Pest Control Technology 29(3), 2000 "Termites and Public Attitudes"

2 Source: Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO), based on product labels of leading liquid termite treatment requirements

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