The results resemble those of contact herbicides. There is no toxic residue and the area is immediately safe for human contact. Carrboro is testing the equipment as part of the town's Integrated Pest Management policy, adopted in March 1999. The policy calls for phasing out conventional pesticides on town property, but does not apply to private property. An earlier analysis of Carrboro's pest management practices showed that more pesticides were used on weeds than for any other purpose.
Weeds are a problem around buildings and parking lots, along curbs and gutters and in parks.
The town is using a comprehensive approach including a biodegradable herbicide made from corn gluten, propane flamers which kill plants by burning them, thick mulch on plant beds to smother weeds, and now hot water. All Rights Reserved. Inc. All Rights Reserved.