What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Managing pests and the environment to balance costs, benefits, public health, and environmental quality - that's the goal of the Integrated Pest Management approach.

Integrated Pest Management is structured around thorough inspections, monitoring, structural modifications and sanitation, and the use of different materials to make the environment less hospitable to insects and other pests. It does include the use of pesticides but as a last resort to eliminate an infestation.

Components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

First Things First: Inspection and Monitoring

Thorough inspections and monitoring devices help determine where pests can be found and where they may have access into the building. Monitoring also shows a change in the pest population, so the pest company can act quickly to reduce or eliminate the population before it becomes a problem.

Other Methods: Mechanical and Chemical Measures

The materials used to reduce or eliminate pest populations range from the non-chemical (like traps), to growth regulators and baits, to a last choice of registered residuals pesticides. Many of the chemicals used are designed specifically to interact with insect physiology, not humans.

Lets Talk It Out: Communication and Re-evaluation

Pest control companies need to maintain very clear lines of communication so that their clients can report any pest occurences and pest control personnel can review findings.

Re-evaluation of the Integrated Pest Management program is also necessary from time to time because different pest populations can change with the changing environment (indoors or outdoors) in which they live.

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