Beginner’s Guide to Integrated Pest Management
What is integrated pest management (IPM)? Only the best darn way to keep nasty pests off your property! If you’re in desperate need of pest control in Alabama or anywhere else in the southeast region, this beginner’s guide to integrated pest management was made for you.
Integrated Pest Management Explained
IPM is a multi-faceted approached to pest control. Instead of just relying on one pest control method, numerous steps are taken to provide improved coverage. The life cycle, activities and characteristics of insects are taken into consideration before deciding what methods should be included.
The goal is to minimize cost by taking a comprehensive approach that prevents bugs from becoming a problem in the first place. In order to accomplish this goal, the IPM plan has to be regularly evaluated to make sure pesky pests are controlled and adjustments are made for seasonality, new insects, etc.
Pest Control Methods Included in IPM
When you’re using integrated pest management just about every method is on the table. The whole point is to know your options and select a variety that will handle the problem from every angle. Some of the methods that are commonly included in IPM plans are:
- Removing debris and clutter.
- Keeping the home and yard well maintained.
- Removing standing water.
- Weatherization for structures.
- Carefully containing trash.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Keeping dirty dishes out of the sink.
- Using pest barriers.
- Installing pest traps.
- Using other bugs for natural control.
- Physically removing insects and nests.
- Professional pest control services with or without pesticides.
Residents in Alabama should always incorporate the removal of standing water. This is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can carry diseases like West Nile Virus and the Zika virus.
Putting Together an Effective IPM Plan
The EPA has outlined four steps in helping food growers implement an IPM plan, and the same principles apply for concerned homeowners.
Establish an Action Threshold – Basically this first step is deciding when action is needed beyond preventative steps. In other words how many bugs need to be around before pest control is applied. The threshold is going to vary from person-to-person and bug-to-bug. For example, because termites are very destructive, professional services should be used if just one is seen on your property.
Monitor Insect Activity on Your Property – The next step is to monitor bug activity on your property. This will give you a better understanding of what insects are around, where they are most active and which ones need to be removed. The types of bugs you’re dealing with will also influence the preventative and control methods that are used.
Prevent Pests – Now that you know what bugs to watch out for, it’s time to take preventative steps. This includes removing things that attract bugs (i.e. food, garbage, overgrown spots in the yard) and improving conditions so that infestations are less likely.
Control Pests – Step four comes into play when the action threshold has been met. Despite your preventative measures, if insects show up on your property in large numbers you’ve got to control the situation ASAP. Ideally you have already decided the best course of action in the monitoring stage so you can act quickly.
Need help controlling pests at your Alabama residence or business? Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Inc. is a big believer in IPM. For more than 50 years we’ve provided complete pest control in Birmingham residents can trust. We always carefully analyze the bug activity at a property before creating a custom pest treatment plan that will control pests and help prevent future infestations.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/beginners-guide-to-integrated-pest-management/