Integrated Pest Management

General Definition of IPM  

IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by using appropriate technology and management practices in a way that minimizes health, environmental and economic risks. IPM includes, but is not limited to, monitoring pest populations, consumer education, and when needed, cultivation practices, sanitation, solid waste management, structural maintenance, biological and chemical controls.  

Criteria for IPM  

Monitoring  

Perform inspections.

•  Pest populations will be monitored using various types of traps, mechanical devices, glue boards, sticky traps and pheromones.

•  A visual inspection by the IPM technician will be conducted on each service visit of all areas of concern.

•  The number and frequency of the visits will depend on the nature of each pest problem.

Action Thresholds  

•  An action threshold is a level at which some method of control would be initiated.

•  Action threshold are determined by such factors as severity of the pest problems, impacts on health and safety, economics and aesthetics.

•  The customer and the IPM technician will determine and record tolerance levels for pests and pest damage.

Methods of IPM  

•  Identification of the Pest.

•  Inspection for the Pest and determination of the Pest's origin.

•  Selection of an action plan to include optional methods, depending on the Pest species.

Integrated Pest Management  

Action plans of IPM    

  • Sanitation Eliminate potential food and water sources.
    Caulk, plug holes and put up screens.
  • Exclusion This involves methods to keep the pest out, such as caulking, plugging holes and putting up screens.
  • Habitat and Behavioral Modifications Eliminating conditions conducive to a pest infestation may include: removing the breeding source, eliminating moisture conditions, eliminating harborages, cutting back shrubs and tree limbs and using proper lighting to draw night flying insects away from the building.
  • Spot treatments of Biological Products These are targeted for specific pests and with consideration given to products that lower risks to humans and the environment.
  • Pesticide Applications These spot applications will be applied in accordance with EPA label recommendations.
  • Follow-up Documentation & Record-keeping Compile a site-specific history of all monitoring observations, pest infestations, control measures, inspection results, corrective actions by customer, pesticide applications and any problems associated with each specific site.

Your Involvement  

Seal all food products in plastic containers.

•  Tightly seal all food products in plastic containers to prevent the pest from smelling the contents. Rubbermaid, Tupperware, etc.

•  Correct any conditions found by the IPM technician to be conducive to the growth of the pest population. Leaking faucets, open holes, wet mops, etc.

•  Report all sightings of pests accurately in the Pest Log Book between visits. This should include the actual location, time of day and approximate numbers of the pests observed.