Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you serve?
Our main focus is the Chelan Valley including the surrounding communities: Manson, Brewster and Douglas County.

What are noxious weeds?
Noxious weeds are exotic and extremely competitive plants that have taken over our rangelands, forested areas, croplands, and natural areas. Noxious weeds decrease biological diversity, threaten endangered plants and animals, and reduce our land’s ability to support wildlife and livestock. Noxious weeds also increase erosion, harbor pests, cause fire hazards, reduce property values, decrease recreational opportunities and are unsightly.

Are pesticides safe to use around children and pets?
Yes, used according to the label they are permitted for use around your family. However, it is advisable to wait until the product has dried before re-entering treated areas.

After treatment when will my weeds die?
You will see your weeds start to curl up in about twelve hours but the process takes longer. Most weeds will remain green for several days before they begin to wither away. More mature plants may stand for several months; however they are dead and will not produce viable seed.

Will my weed problems be solved forever once they are sprayed?
Probably not, there is no magic bullet. An ongoing management program is necessary to control weeds in the long term. The seed bank in the soil and re-infestation from adjacent areas will determine the severity of your weed problem in the future. Long-term control requires the establishment of competing grasses and other vegetation, irrigation and fertilizing where possible, re-seeding disturbed areas, and control of re-infestations.

Will cutting control knapweed?
No, according to research conducted by Washington State University. Knapweed will still set seed and return next season. It is only a temporary fix. For a more permanent fix look in to our bare ground treatment.

Will herbicides harm non-target vegetation?
In most instances the products we use are selective, meaning that they will not harm grasses. Other vegetation such as sagebrush, bitterbrush, and wild flowers may be injured temporarily, but will usually recover because of the low rate of herbicides used and the timing of application.

What is tree injecting?
It is injecting the soil around the base of a tree with a systemic insecticide using a tool similar to a large hypodermic syringe. The insecticide is then trans-located throughout the tree by its vascular system thereby killing the insects feeding on the tree.

What is the Bronze Birch Borer?
It is the larva of a beetle that feeds on the cambium layer of birch trees. It is now established in the area and is fatal to birch trees if not treated. The best way to control the Bronze Birch Borer is to inject your birch trees with a systemic insecticide.

Can I use over the counter products to control ants?
In most cases it is a waste of time and money. In order to control ants long term the queen along with the colony must be killed. Most over the counter products and aerosol sprays are quick knockdown products and only kill the ants crawling around at the time of treatment and therefore does not reach the colony. Many of these products are actually repellent to ants and make the problem worse and can even trap the ants inside the home which can cause “budding” and create a new colony.  Recently, a new strategy has been developed called the “transfer effect”. It involves treating the perimeter with a non-repellent slow acting insecticide and treating the inside of the home with bait. The ants then transfer the active ingredient to the colony and eventually kill it.