Photo by Maki Nibayashi

Occupation:
Termite and pest Control Operator

Time in Japan:
19 years



Where are you from?
Hawaii.

What brought you to Japan?
My parents first brought me here when I was a child. Then I returned for business opportunities and marriage. The marriage didn' work out, and now I am officially single.

What do you do?
I own and operate NoKaOi Japan International, Inc. I do the majority of the sales and field work myself. We are handing a pest control product made by Dow Chemical called Sentricon Systems. This system is unique in a way that it does not use any dangerous chemicals to eliminate termites; it takes advantage of the natural molting process of the insect to kills them. My company is one that strongly stresses the need to keep our earth and environment clean and free of dangerous chemicals, and this is why we use only baits. Only when it's extremely necessary will we use a chemical spray to do a job.

Does your company use any Japanese bug killers?
We use only products made in the US and distributed by Dow Chemical Japan, Co., Ltd. We are looking into some products made by Bayer but have not yet made any concrete decisions.

In your personal opinion, which over-the-counter roach killer is the most effective?
I think the best one is Combat. It works a lot like a bait and also works with the natural life cycle of the insect. However, industry products like Max Force, having the same basic properties in the chemical ingredient, work much better long term. Remember, a pregnant female roach carries an egg pouch in her body that she will dispense when attacked by over the counter and\or industrial sprays. It is necessary that the cockroach dies in your presence rather then to be allowed to run around and hide before dying. She will dispense her egg shell before she dies, and that will hatch and produce more cockroaches.

What is your favorite thing about Japan?
The food and the girls of course, but I really enjoy the relaxation I get from onsens.

What is your advice for a pest free life in Japan?
Understanding the biology of an insect is the best way to prevent it from entering the home. Roaches need food, warmth and moisture. Therefore, not giving them these resources will prevent them from foraging in your home, office or shop. Keep your environment clean. Sanitation is the most effective way to prevent pests in all homes and businesses.

Neal Dauber can be reached by email: nkojp.neal@mc.neweb.ne.jp  

Neal Dauber spoke to Maki Nibayashi

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