What is IPM?
IPM – The six elements
We use the term IPM on this website a lot, which might lead some to ask “what is IPM?” and wonder why they should care about it. IPM – Integrated Pest Management is a process for managing pests in an effective, economical, and environmentally conscious way. Something that all responsible pest control operations should strive for. An IPM Program consists of 6 elements:
• Prevention
When pest problems are prevented, pests are not present to do damage. This is done by planning and managing potential ecosystems. Both inside and outside.
• Identification
When a potential pest problem arises, the pest must be correctly identified. This gives insights into its behavior and life-cycle, and helps determine when to take action and what techniques to use to reduce the number of pests.
• Monitoring
Monitoring is important because it provides the information required to make decisions about the timing and location of treatments and whether they are necessary. Monitoring programs include regular inspection for pests or signs of their presence. It is also important to monitor for beneficial species, as they can help to suppress pest populations.
• Threshold
The level of pest presence that requires treatment depends on the location and species in question. For example, ants in a kitchen have a significantly lower threshold before treatment is necessary than ants in a backyard. The action threshold is the amount of pest population where control is needed. It is unnecessary and potentially damaging to an ecosystem to treat a pest while its population is below its action threshold.
• Management
Not just chemicals! One or several control methods may be coordinated into an Integrated Pest Management program to target a certain pest. The methods chosen should achieve control with the least potential harm to humans or the environment. These include:
• Cultural
Key to providing long-term pest control, cultural methods involve making a location less attractive to pests. This includes lowering humidity, increasing sanitation, and removing places in the home or workplace where pests can hide.
• Mechanical
These include traps, barriers to entry such as screens or door sweeps, and the use of vacuums.
• Biological
The use of beneficial organisms to control pest populations naturally. This might include distributing parasitic nematodes to remove lawn grubs, or spraying microscopic Bacillus Thuringiensis to kill mosquito larvae.
• Chemical
This includes both pesticides used to kill pests and repellents used to convince them to move elsewhere. These chemicals can take the form of sprays, gases (fumigation), granules, and dusts. All recommended precautions are taken before their application, and in following IPM principles the least damaging chemical that still accomplishes its goal will be used. After all, “The Label is the Law!”
• Evaluation
It is important to conduct follow-up monitoring or inspections to find out how successful the Integrated Pest Management program has been. In keeping records and analyzing the effectiveness of treatments, future pest control operations can be more effective in the constant struggle against infestation in the community.
Conclusion
So what is IPM? It’s Integral Pest Management. These are principles that anyone should expect from a professional exterminator, and something we are a proud supporter of.