What Is Integrated Pest Management
September 20, 2019
Pest Control That Works
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
originated following World War II as a coordinated and scientific approach to management and control of agricultural pests. IPM has been developed further over the years to promote scientifically proven and eco-friendly pest control methods in many other environments. IPM provides a logical and structured approach to pest control for all residential and commercial buildings as well as lawns and gardens.
IPM is an ongoing process whereby pests are studied and analyzed in a given environment to determine the least hazardous method available to eliminate the subject pest and prevent damage.
There are four necessary steps
involved in implementing IPM: (1.) Identify the species of pest invading the subject environment and determine where the pests are coming from; (2.) Identify the food, water, and shelter in the subject environment the pests are using; (3.) Assess whether traps or non-toxic methods along with other control methods would be sufficient; and (4.) Monitor and assess ongoing pest control methods.
IPM goes far beyond merely killing pests that in an environment with pesticides that might not be necessary for the situation (or might make things worse). IPM focuses on prevention and exclusion in addition to merely poisoning existing pests. Through careful study of the environmental factors present in a treatment area, along with scientific approaches to the structural exclusion of pests, IPM provides efficient strategies for elimination of pest more permanently.
IPM methodology also calls for proper pest identification and knowledge of the characteristics and behaviors of varying pest species, and that is the key to the entire IPM process. Our education and experience allow for the correct identification and understanding of the problem pest in your environment.
Once a pest is identified, proper control techniques
can be evaluated. An integrated approach using the best combination of control methods provides for more efficient pest control. The different types of control methodologies include biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls.
Biological control includes the use of a pest’s natural predators to control a given pest. A given pest may have natural predators that offer protection in an environment. Controlling or eliminating a pest’s preferred food source is another type of biological control.
Cultural controls are intended to reduce a pest’s ability to reproduce and establish populations. These control methods include water maintenance and soil treatments. The general idea is to look for ways to make an environment unfriendly to the subject pest, which usually means making the environment better for people and for the animals and plants that need to be protected.
Mechanical controls either kill pests or exclude pests from an environment by preventing their entry. Mechanical controls include traps of all types to capture or kill pests. These types of mechanical devices can be useful in properly understanding precisely what kind of pests are present. Mechanical controls also include the use of physical barriers to prevent entry into a given environment by pests.
Chemical controls involve the use of proper pesticides. IPM practices are designed to minimize the use of chemical controls to protect humans, animals, and plants that are not the target of the pest control process. IPM calls for the use of the most effective pesticide that can be used minimally and in ways that are safe and have the least impact on the environment.
A key component of IPM is thorough and effective environmental monitoring after control methods have been implemented. Continual feedback and analysis allow for any modifications to the control methods used to address any pest problem properly. IPM is designed to be used as an ongoing process of monitoring a controlled environment to treat changing conditions.
Use of IPM reduces and excludes pests, reduces the necessity of pesticide applications, and saves money for home and business owners, all while protecting the home or business environment and its inhabitants. Reduced pesticide application means less allergic reactions or adverse health reactions for your family and pets at home, or your employees and customers at your business. Implementation of IPM saves money in the long term, as exclusion and control methods prevent future pest infestation.
At Restoration Pest Management, we use modern IPM methods to assess your particular situation accurately and advise you on the best available pest control methods available. Our approach is designed to logically and safely protect your home or business most effectively. Call us today for an inspection and assessment of your property’s pest control needs.
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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Removing ants from your home can be challenging, and if not executed properly, it may exacerbate the issue and allow the colony to spread throughout your residence. Numerous over-the-counter pesticides are marketed for ant control, but they often fail to address the root cause of the infestation. What Lures Carpenter Ants Ants invade your home because they discover an environment that offers favorable conditions along with food and water sources. Typically, ants are drawn to moisture issues, particularly Carpenter Ants. Over time, the barriers that prevent moisture from penetrating the wood in your home deteriorate. Windowsills and door frames begin to degrade, caulking cracks, and moisture seeps into these areas. When wood moisture levels rise, it creates an inviting environment for various wood-destroying pests, including ants. Carpenter Ants utilize their mandibles to excavate the wood, creating nesting cavities. While they do not consume wood like termites , they can still inflict damage, including structural harm to your home if not addressed promptly. Black Carpenter Ants Ants, in general, are social insects, each fulfilling specific roles within their colony. They collaborate and share resources throughout their community. To effectively eliminate ants, it is crucial not to disrupt their activities but rather to provide them with something they recognize as food or a substance they cannot detect, which will spread throughout the colony and eradicate the source of the infestation. Carpenter Ants, in particular, can have multiple satellite colonies away from the main colony, depending on their level of establishment. The primary colony can be located up to 300 feet from a satellite colony, often found in decaying trees, logs, or nearby woodpiles. How to Treat Carpenter Ants – Mount Gilead, Ohio Many homeowners prefer to tackle these annoying pests on their own to save some money. While this might seem like a cost-effective choice, it can sometimes worsen the issue by embedding the problem deeper into your home, causing the colony to spread and divide. Many over-the-counter solutions, such as chemicals, essential oils, and vinegar, are designed to repel insects quickly, providing a temporary fix. This approach may push the ants out of sight, but it creates a repellant barrier that can lead to the ants splitting into two groups, allowing them to infiltrate untreated areas of your home. Consequently, this method fails to eliminate the source colony from which the ants originate. Liquid Ant Bait For minor ant infestations, using an over-the-counter borax ant bait can be an effective first step in the elimination process until a pest control expert can evaluate and address the issue properly. Ant baits are specifically designed to attract ants, which perceive them as food, and they subsequently distribute it throughout the colony. Borax ant baits offer a low-risk option to help prevent a larger infestation from developing. Control Carpenter Ants – Columbus, Ohio In the end, having ants in your home can pose a more significant problem than just the few visible in your kitchen or bathroom. Engaging a pest control professional like Restoration Pest Management, who can accurately diagnose and treat the infestation, is the most effective solution for long-term success . While homeowners can perform localized and spot treatments, a pest control expert will ensure your whole home is safeguarded against ant invasions both now and in the future. Contact Restoration Pest Management today at 614-204-8630 for your complimentary quote.
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