Greetings!
Welcome to the February issue of our monthly newsletter! We hope
everyone is having a magnificent year so far. In this issue we are going to
address integrated pest management and explore the various dimensions that play
into our integrated pest management program. So what is IPM? The National Pest Management Association
defines IPM as a decision making process that predicts and prevents pest
infestation by combining several strategies to achieve long term pest
protection. By initiating correct cultural practices, biological and physical
techniques, mechanical devices, and pesticide application we can successfully solve
any unique pest dilemma.
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What goes into our IPM program?
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The biggest aspect to our IPM approach relies heavily on
customer responsibility. Sanitation is the most important cultural practice
affecting the success of a pest management program. Sanitation removes the most
basic resources all pests utilize for survival. By effectively eliminating
harborage areas, food, and water we can terminate any pest problem's you may be
experiencing. Some more specific examples to these cultural practices include
cleaning, waste removal, grass mowing, and exterior cleanup. Biological techniques
also play a part in our IPM programs. Parasites and predators can be very successful
in controlling outdoor pests; however there is very little application to
indoor pests. In fact, one of the most successful baits in the industry was
derived from bacteria. Other biological control techniques also include insect
growth regulators and chitin synthesis inhibitors, which abnormally affect
growth and development. Physical and mechanical devices also do their
part in our IPM programs. We utilize items such as screening, netting, hardware
cloth, caulking, and expandable foam, to exclude your house from unwanted
guests. Proofing your home and denying entry points is essential in keeping
your home pest free, year round. The application of pesticides is the last
piece to a successful pest management plan. After close evaluation, elimination
of resources, and utilization of mechanical control devices we will apply
pesticides if deemed appropriate. Remember IPM is a pro active rather than a
reactive approach to pest elimination and therefore pesticides are used as a
last resort. Please remember there are no quick fixes in pest elimination, it
can be a long and exhausting process. It is our duty as pest management
professionals to constantly investigate, observe, educate, and implement the
strategies necessary to eradicating your home of pests.
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