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.
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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