Integrated Pest Management

What is IPM?

IPM is an abbreviation for Integrated Pest Management. Integrated Pest Management is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for treating and controlling pests. These solutions incorporate three basic techniques: 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment. 

IPM is a more holistic approach to pest control, as treatments are based on each individuals’ unique needs. Pest professionals do not use a "one size fits all" approach in IPM but rather determine the best option to address your particular pest problem – whether it’s sealing cracks, removing a food or water source, or employing product treatments.

Most importantly, IPM requires a partnership between you and your licensed pest professional. In working together, you can have the peace of mind that your family and home will be protected against pest-related health and property threats.

 

 

IPM Treatment and Inspection Techniques

When it comes to IPM, there are very few “standard operating protocols.” Instead, your pest control professional will assess YOUR unique situation to develop a comprehensive solution to your pest problem, which could include any of the following techniques:

• Applying product
• Using various trapping devices
• Emptying trash containers frequently and keeping them clean
• Keeping full trash bags tied securely and placed in outdoor garbage storage areas
• Cleaning outdoor garbage areas to remove debris
• Using tight fitting lids and/or closed dumpsters to store garbage outdoors
• Emptying sink strainers and running the garbage disposal frequently to prevent food build up in the drain area
• Washing dishes immediately after meals to prevent pests from consuming food residue on dishes
• Cleaning food particles and grease from kitchen appliances (toasters, ovens, microwaves, ovens, stoves and refrigerators)
• Storing pet food in re-sealable containers
• Limiting the amount of time that pet food and water dishes are left out
• Storing food products in plastic snap-lid containers or kept in the refrigerator
• Vacuuming and sweeping floors and furniture regularly, especially around eating areas such as kitchens and living rooms
• Cleaning food storage areas and shelves regularly, where pests may be harboring
• Sealing gaps around plumbing, wall outlets and switch plates to prevent pests from migrating from infested units to others
• Screening windows and doors
• Caulking cracks and gaps in and around the property to keep pests from invading from outdoors
• Running water frequently in spare bathrooms, utility tubs and toilets to keep pests from entering through dry drainage areas
• Scanning grocery items, produce and other packaged food products, which may have been stored in infested locations prior to being purchased, before bringing them indoors or storing them
• Inspecting children’s book bags and lunch pails on a regular basis to prevent transporting pests from school to home
• Keeping branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the property
• Removing old tires or other open containers around the property that can fill up with water and provide a breeding ground for pests
• Stacking firewood and lumber away from the house to eliminate harborage for rodents, spiders and centipedes
• Pulling soil or mulch back from the foundation of the property to prevent termites
• Channeling water from downspouts away from the property’s foundation
• Paying particular attention to the maintenance and upkeep of the property’s foundation