What Does it Mean to be Green?

Thomas Powell and Correy Hildebrand, technical field specialists, MGK

The term “green” has been used in pest management for decades. Why is it still such a challenge?
For nearly 30 years, the pest management industry has discussed and struggled to define the word “green.” The challenge is that there is no universally accepted definition, creating confusion for both customers and pest management professionals.

Some customers assume green means no pesticides at all, while others simply want products they believe are better suited for use around children or pets. Within the industry, definitions vary widely. Some companies define green service as using only botanicals or FIFRA 25(b) products, while others consider reducing the amount of product applied around a home to be green. This inconsistency often creates unrealistic customer expectations instead of helping them understand the service they are receiving.

Rather than continuing to redefine “green,” our industry has an opportunity to focus on delivering customized, detail-oriented pest management programs that meet each customer’s unique needs. That’s the philosophy behind Smart Sustainable Solutions (SSS).

What is Smart Sustainable Solutions, and how does it differ from a traditional “green” program?
SSS is built around making the smartest decision for each customer, each infestation, and each treatment area. Instead of focusing on a single product category or philosophy, SSS combines customer expectations, pest biology, integrated pest management (IPM), application precision, and thoughtful product selection into a practical framework that improves both service quality and sustainability.

Every program begins with understanding the customer’s concerns and expectations before treatment begins. From there, technicians evaluate the biology and behavior of the target pest because every pest behaves differently. In SSS, pest ecology—not product preference—drives treatment decisions.

The next step is combining IPM with precision application. Many homes include areas where softer product options may perform extremely well, while other locations experiencing higher pest pressure or structural risk may require a different approach. Rather than treating every area the same, technicians evaluate each treatment zone independently and select the most appropriate solution. The result is improved performance, less waste, and greater customer satisfaction.

Does sustainable pest management mean eliminating conventional products?
Not at all. Sustainable pest management isn’t about abandoning conventional chemistries. It’s about selecting the right product for the right situation. Every product category has value when used thoughtfully.

For example, conventional insecticides used in areas with high pest pressure may reduce the total amount of pesticide applied over time by preventing repeated service calls. Likewise, botanical products may be ideal for sensitive treatment zones where frequent monitoring is already planned. The smartest decisions are rarely all or nothing.

A successful sustainability program should also support the pest management business by improving consistency, reducing callbacks, increasing customer retention, and creating opportunities for premium services. Instead of marketing a “green” program, companies can offer a smarter one in which customers understand that every property, every pest, and every treatment plan is unique.

Ultimately, the smartest solution is the one that delivers effective pest control while thoughtfully balancing customer expectations, environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and sound science. Perhaps the future of our industry isn’t redefining “green” but finally moving beyond it.