IPM

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

How IPM works:
Insects such as cockroaches and ants often cannot be eliminated quickly due to population size, biological characteristics and instinctive behavior for self-preservation. IPM methods may or may not eliminate pests quickly, depending on the severity of the infestation; however, IPM can yield more enduring results in the long run than non-targeted, copious pesticide applications. Using repellent residual insecticides will give a false impression that the pest problem is being solved. Often insect survivors escape the treatment zone and remain concealed until pesticide residues break down or they invade new areas of the structure.

Basic Components IPM:

The customer’s role in IPM:
The desired results of IPM will be realized through a collaborative relationship between the customer and the pest management professional:

• Inspect and interview to determine the source and harborage of pests.
• Identify the pest species to decide the appropriate course of action.
• Establish cooperation of customers and residents to ensure optimal results of IPM.
• Avoid bringing pest-infested items such as used furniture and appliances, electronic entertainment systems and boxed produce from questionable sources, into the area.
• Enhance bait acceptance by removing the pests' source of food.
• Remove food waste and empty beverage containers daily
• Remove as many pests as possible through trapping using food lure sticky traps, vacuuming using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner.
• Use insecticides with ability to target the insect's physiology without posing a threat to people, companion animals or beneficial wildlife.
• Strategically place insecticide baits that cause nearby pests to feed and die.
• Recognize that repellent insecticides alarm pests, which then escape and hide in structural voids.
• Administer insect growth regulators (IGR) to interfere with the pest's ability to mature and reproduce.
• Seal-off cracks and crevices repeatedly used by pests for harborage.
• Monitor over time using baited sticky monitors, pheromone traps, insect light traps.
• Inspect and interview to determine if pest situation is improving.
• You can help IPM by keeping your living and work space clean and uncluttered
• Noting and reporting exact locations of where insect pests are seen
• Refraining from using over-the-counter insecticides
• Examining used appliances, entertainment systems, furniture and storage boxes for evidence of pests before bringing such items indoors

The customer’s role in IPM:
The desired results of IPM will be realized through a collaborative relationship between the customer and the pest management professional:

• You can help IPM by keeping your living and work space clean and uncluttered
• Noting and reporting exact locations of where insect pests are seen
• Refraining from using over-the-counter insecticides
• Examining used appliances, entertainment systems, furniture and storage boxes for evidence of pests before bringing such items indoors