What is Integrated Pest Management?

IPM employs tactics that prevent, exclude and suppress pest infestations making it a more effective, long-term approach to pest management.

Traditional methods of pest control usually involve no more than periodic applications of pesticides. IPM is a common sense approach to pest management that uses a variety of methods to control pests. Chemical pesticides may be part of an IPM program. However, considerable effort is also put towards preventing pest problems by controlling conditions, which may attract and support pests. IPM has been used successfully for many years in agriculture, and is increasingly being applied in non-agricultural settings.

In structural pest control (pest control in and around buildings), IPM focuses mainly on eliminating or reducing sources of food, water, and harborage that are available to pests, and limiting pest access into and throughout buildings. Control measures such as sanitation, and building maintenance and modifications are strong elements of a structural IPM program. The success of such a program requires the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in the management and maintenance of a building including service contractors, tenants, custodians, and other employees.

Education and cooperation are necessary parts of any IPM program.

The 4 Steps of Proper IPM.

  • Inspection - The premise needs to be completely inspected before any controls are to take place.

  • Identification - The pest control professional needs to correctly identify the problem, or the                                 potential for a problem.

  • Assessment - The pest control professional needs to consider the extent of the problem, and                               decide on the homeowner’s level of pest tolerance.

  • Management - Control should be taken to eliminate the problem as well as future infestations in a                                timely manner. These controls could include biological, mechanical, chemical and                                sanitation practices.
  • We believe that part of a successful IPM plan involves a Quarterly Pest Maintenance Program. This program not only protects your house against pests, but could prevent unnecessary insect damage though not only treatment, but also though preventative maintenance. As a potential client you have the power to solve your pest control problem, by hiring a pest control with not only the knowledge of IPM, but also the ability to implement an IPM program.

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