The Key to Integrated Pest Management
IPM throws out one-size-fits-all “solutions” and takes a much more holistic approach to pest control. Why? Because every home, business, or property has different needs and characteristics; treating a home in the suburbs the same as a business downtown doesn’t make much sense then, right? Unfortunately, this is the route many pest control companies take.
Our team works with you to fully inspect your property, properly identify the pests, and then apply the most effective, safest, and minimally impactful solution. Traditional methods often rely solely on chemicals. Bombs away! But sometimes, the best answer to a mouse infestation, for example, is sealing up cracks and removing food and water sources.
IPM decreases dependence on chemicals, which in turn reduces the health risks to property owners and visitors. It can also save you money! Further, it may be the only solution for pests that are resistant to chemical treatments.
Individualized Approaches
As mentioned, IPM ditches one-size-fits-all thinking, as well as the use of chemicals as a first line of action. Here are some fundamentals:
- Careful identification. Not all insects and critters are detrimental, and they may not require any control measures. For example, bees and moths are garden pollinators and are incredibly beneficial. Your Rid-a-Bug expert will monitor your situation carefully and take action from there. This prevents unnecessary use of chemicals and keeps beneficial insects in your yard and community.
- Non-invasive management. Again, instead of going with chemical first, we will work with you on proactive measures to manage pests. This may include crawl space encapsulation and taking some simple steps around the yard (e.g. cutting the grass, trimming shrubbery, removing debris piles).
- Careful control. If a pest problem is identified, the next step is determining the most appropriate action. Instead of bug bombing your yard, for example, we may use highly targeted solutions, like pheromones, to prevent pest breeding. We may also use trapping. We move on from there for more stubborn pests that require chemical treatments. So instead of being the first step, it’s the last resort.
Some DIY integrated pest management steps you can take include:
- Keeping your yard/property clean and well-maintained
- Keeping trash in a secured, pest-resistant container
- Keeping pet food in pet-resistant containers
- Storing pantry items (e.g. flour, sugar, crackers, pasta) in pest-resistant containers
- Removing food scraps from the home and washing dishes immediately after meals
- Sealing cracks and gaps around your foundation, doors, and windows, vents, pipes, and other potential access points
- Inspecting items that come into your home (e.g. furniture, bedding, etc.)
- Removing standing water from your yard
- Putting firewood well away from your home
Integrated pest management is a set of strategies and techniques that are designed to effectively control pests while reducing environmental impact. It requires intense knowledge of pest behaviors and life cycles. Rest assured, your Rid-a-Bug experts are well-versed in the ins and outs of IPM. Contact us for a safer, cleaner solution.