Pest control is often thought of as just getting rid of the problem through the use of pesticides which can cause harm to other beneficial pests or any non-target species. Most pests are considered a nuisance but some can pose a health hazard or economic threats. In recent years pest control companies have adapted the use of IPM (integrated pest management) to help lessen the effects of pesticides on the world. IPM offers a solution to address the issue most people are concerned with, chemicals. It is economically viable, environmentally safe, and is effective when properly applied. Proper IPM includes several ways of controlling pests through inspections, monitoring, preventing conducive conditions, identifying the correct pest which needs controlling, and mechanical methods of pest control
Inspections are crucial in finding out the information needed to start a treatment program. First an inspection is going to properly identify the pest that needs to be controlled. Once established which pest we need to control, they can determine the best way to prevent, trap, monitor, and identify anything that may be a hindrance to IPM. During an inspection a qualified technician is looking for anything that can attract pests or cause the pest to thrive in an environment, usually called a conducive condition. Conducive conditions can be many different things for the different types of pest, some can attract all types of pest like heavy foliage, mulch, tall grass, and excess moisture. Removing conducive conditions is one step in improving the pest population, another way is monitoring the area for any returning pest afterwards. Working with the client to ensure that the conducive conditions are corrected help aid the effort, communication with the client is crucial with IPM.
Mechanical methods of pest control can include many different methods. Physical removal is one of the simpler ways of taking care of pests, sometimes it is easier to pick up or vacuum up pest populations in certain instances. Installing pest barriers is a very effective way to physically stop pests from entering into a home or building. Some of the most common entryways for pests would be through the doors with old and worn out gaskets and through the plumbing coming through the walls (sinks, toilets, or appliances). Sealing up windows, siding, cracks and crevasses all help reduce pest access into the building. Trapping is also an effective way to monitor and control populations, glue boards are the most common. Heat and cold treatments can be utilized for certain situations, mostly depending on the size of the area, if it's a small item, or the type of pest.
PM is very effective but in certain instances pesticides are going to be the resolution to solve the problem. Having a professional to look at the issue can be more valuable than trying to fix it yourself and endlessly searching on the internet. Discuss with your pest control applicator/company to see the various options there might be before resorting to a chemical treatment.
Pest Control
Donald Beebe
Mike's Pest Control
Phone: (281) 332-0019
Website: https://mikespestcontrol.com