What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management refers to a system of effective and economical pest control. IPM aims to control pest populations below the environmental harm level. It has been found that most pest control methods are not economical or sustainable, which is one of the reasons why so many homeowners do not implement these methods.
In the past, integrated pest management has focused on the elimination of the pest invaders one by one. However, with the increasing awareness of risks posed by pests, pest control companies have recognized the need to provide broader services such as eliminating pests holistically. In other words, instead of treating an individual pest, pests can be eliminated through a comprehensive integrated pest management plan. This type of system not only saves money but also ensures that the environment remains free from pesticides and other toxic chemicals.
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.
IPM Eco System
Integrated Pest Management is not a single pest control method but, rather, a series of pest management evaluations, decisions and controls. In practicing IPM, growers who are aware of the potential for pest infestation follow a four-tiered approach. The four steps include:
- Set Action Thresholds
Before taking any pest control action, Integrated Pest Management first sets an action threshold, a point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken. Sighting a single pest does not always mean control is needed. The level at which pests will either become an economic threat is critical to guide future pest control decisions. -
Monitor and Identify Pests
Not all insects, weeds, and other living organisms require control. Many organisms are innocuous, and some are even beneficial. IPM programs work to monitor for pests and identify them accurately, so those appropriate control decisions can be made in conjunction with action thresholds. This monitoring and identification remove the possibility that pesticides will be used when they are not really needed or that the wrong kind of pesticide will be used. -
Prevention
As the first line of pest control, IPM programs work to manage the crop, lawn, or indoor space to prevent pests from becoming a threat. In an agricultural crop, this may mean using cultural methods, such as rotating between different crops, selecting pest-resistant varieties, and planting pest-free rootstock. These control methods can be very effective and cost-efficient and present little to no risk to people or the environment. -
Control
Once monitoring, identification, and action thresholds indicate that pest control is required, and preventive methods are no longer effective or available, IPM programs then evaluate the proper control method both for effectiveness and risk. Effective, less risky pest controls are chosen first, including highly targeted chemicals, such as pheromones to disrupt pest mating, or mechanical control, such as trapping or weeding. If further monitoring, identifications, and action thresholds indicate that less risky controls are not working, then additional pest control methods would be employed, such as targeted spraying of pesticides. Broadcast spraying of non-specific pesticides is a last resort.
Trust Boo’s Bug Stoppers for IPM
Boo’s Bug stoppers uses EPA approved pesticides as a preventative pest control measure. We do use many of these IPM control strategies. The difference between the two services is basically the fact that we rely more on chemical treatments as a first response. IPM is the Green and safe approach to pest control. IPM usually results in more trips to a home or business. The pest elimination can take much longer to achieve with IPM. Integrated Pest Management is basically waiting until you have a pest problem before doing any kind of treatment whereas we seek to prevent any infestation with pesticide applications. Read this article for more information on how we implement IPM in schools.
Most customers feel cheated when they use one of these companies especially if they are used to having a company come and spray as a preventative measure. The technician usually only enters a restaurant or bar with only a flashlight. They will then leave a report with management pointing out anything that could attract insects or rodents and request that these areas be cleaned or repaired to prevent any future infestations. This can be bad for a business, especially if customers see insects crawling or flying around in a restaurant since there is no chemicals to kill them once they’ve entered the building. Pricing is the same for either service. The amount of time spent at a location is usually much less with IPM.
At Boo’s we will park with you to determine the best approach for your business. We will explain our recommended approach and come up with a customized approach that meets your specific needs for your business. Contact Us today for a free quote and recommendation on the best approach for your home or business.
