Integrated Pest Management is an important development in the realm of pest control today. It is a sensitive approach to pest management that relies on common-sense practices. IPM programs use comprehensive, current information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, which combines with available pest control methods, is used to manage pests and their associated damage by the most economical means. This also uses the best possible means to eliminate hazards to people, property, and the environment. One goal of this type of program is to use pesticides more judiciously than those used in the past to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.
The key elements of IPM:
The most important elements of IPM include
- Exclusion
- Mechanical control
- Cultural control
- Evaluation
- Inspection
- Monitoring
- Sanitation
- Minimized or lowest toxicity pesticide applications only when necessary
- Extensive knowledge of pest behavior and biology
How do IPM programs work?
This is not known as a single pest control method, but it’s a series of pest management processes. It includes a certain type of process:
Set Up a Plan
Before taking any action against pests, IPM tests pest populations or environmental conditions and what type of action should be taken.
Identify and Then Monitor Pest
This is the most important aspect of pest management. To completely control pests, you must know what type of pest is present and where it appears to be living. Not all pests require control. IPM programs work to closely monitor for pests and identify them accurately.
Prevention and Removal
This is the first line of defense in pest control. Keeping pests from ever becoming a problem is the best way to keep them away from your home! It’s important to have good maintenance, sanitation, design, storage, and organizational practices to keep pests away.
Control
Once all of these things are complete, control is important. The most effective and least risky methods are chosen first, and if those don’t work, then further ones are chosen. This is the safest and most economically sound way to get the best pest control. It is also a wise idea to try the ones that use the least amount of chemicals first, before trying ones that may be harmful to the environment.
This approach to IPM is the best way to eradicate pests and do it in the proper manner. It is wise to be sure to remove pests in the best way possible. If you feel you have a pest problem, call our Las Vegas pest control specialists today to help evaluate and remove your problem. We offer the best possible solution to your pest problem – we will evaluate your situation, and tell you what exactly it will take to remove it from your property. If you understand what you have to do before you enlist our services, you’ll be much happier with the results!
For more information on IPM, click here.