Gopher and Ground Squirrel Control On Certified Organic Farms and Orchards in Temecula and Murrieta.

We at Wheeler’s Pest Control got a call from the owner of a Certified Organic Farm in Temecula. They have an orchard growing apple, citrus and other tree type produce. The farm is Certified Organic. 

They call us out because their orchards were over run with gophers and ground squirrels killing and damaging their trees.  

Two other pest control companies had been called out for bids to get rid of the gophers and ground squirrels. 

The other companies had no idea what they could and couldn’t do on a certified organic farm. They both tried to sell the owners on the idea that they could use machines that produce exhaust gas, which produces carbon monoxide, to eliminate the problem pest. 

If they hadn’t called Wheeler’s Pest Control out, they wouldn’t have known that this is prohibited on Organic certified farms. Bottom line they could have lost their Certification which isn’t cheap to get and maintain.

We at Wheeler’s Pest Control keep up to date on all situations we may face.

Below is the recommendation from NOSB.

Formal Recommendation From: National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) To: The National Organic Program (NOP) 

Date:  April 2015 Subject:   Petition to add Exhaust Gas (carbon monoxide) at §205.601 NOSB Chair:   Jean Richardson 

The NOSB hereby recommends to the NOP the following:    Rulemaking Action:   Guidance Statement: Other:  X   

Statement of the Recommendation (Motion #1):  Motion to classify Exhaust Gas as synthetic, passed Statement of the Recommendation (Motion #2):  Motion to list Exhaust Gas at §205.601, as a synthetic substance allowed for use in organic crop production, failed 

Rationale Supporting Recommendation (including consistency with OFPA and Organic Regulations):   Based on the failure to satisfy the OFPA criteria, specifically concerns about potential impacts on non-target species of vertebrates, invertebrates and microorganisms, especially threatened and endangered species as well as potential effects on soil microorganisms, the NOSB recommends that Exhaust Gas not be added to the National List.  

Committee Vote:   Motion to classify Exhaust Gas as synthetic Moved: Francis Thicke Second:  Harold Austin Yes:   14    No: 0    Abstain:  0   Absent: 1   Recusal:  0

 Motion passed Motion to list Exhaust Gas at §205.601, as a synthetic substance allowed for use in organic crop production Moved: Francis Thicke Second:  Harold Austin Yes:   0    No: 14    Abstain:  0   Absent: 1   Recusal:  0 Motion failed