 Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) is a systemised process that finds the most
effective way to remedy pest problems whilst minimizing
potentially harmful pesticide usage.
Professional pest
management has moved past relying solely on applying
pesticides to solve pest problems. Concern for the
environment and the health of clients has led to methods
that reduce pesticide usage. With proper planning, the
need for pesticides can sometimes be eliminated
completely.
The five steps of IPM.
The proper application of
IPM principles is a five step process:
Inspection.
The area
to be controlled must be inspected for the presence of
pests and conditions that are conducive to pests. Even
when clients report problems in specific areas, the real
cause may be concealed or located elsewhere.
Identification.
Quite
often the client will specify which pest problems they
want controlled. Even then, it is important to identify
the particular species requiring control and what
conditions present in the premises might be encouraging
the infestation. For example, the problem might be
specified as cockroaches. However, German and American
cockroaches have different breeding areas and habits
that significantly affect remedial measures.
Recommendation.
The client
is provided a report detailing the steps that need to be
taken to manage identified pest problems. The client and
ourselves will find the appropriate solutions that meet
the client's specific requirements. For example, the
private home has very different needs to a commercial
food handling premises.
Application of
control measures.
These are
the action steps towards solving any current problems
and preventing future pest infestations. Depending on
pest type, location and client needs, these steps can
include the following:
Sanitation: Cleaning areas that contribute to pest
infestations.
Exclusion: Putting physical barriers over entry
points to prevent pest entry.
Trapping: Placement of traps that capture pest
populations.
Pesticide application: Placement of pesticide
products to kill existing pest populations.
Sometimes
removing food sources and other pest attractants will
significantly reduce the need for continual pesticide
application to manage a pest population. Examples
include the careful management of garbage and regular
cleaning up of wet areas.
Monitor.
A program
should be put in place to monitor the success of the
pest management program in accordance with client needs.
Again, the homeowner might be satisfied with calling in
pest management professionals only when they experience
new pest problems. Food handling companies in particular
need to be more proactive to ensure adequate food safety
practices.
Normally,
pests are only seen after some level of infestation
has established itself. The careful placement of traps
and other monitoring equipment can provide early warning
that a new infestation is trying to establish itself
before it reaches a critical area.
These
traps need to be inspected regularly and the results
recorded to identify trends and any required changes to
the pest management program in place.
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