What Is Integrated Pest Management?
Many business owners ask, “What is integrated pest management? And, how can it help me with my pest problem?” A big part of running any business is anticipating potential problems and knowing how to avoid them. One problem that can strike any company operating in South Florida is a pest infestation, whether it’s termites or other insects, rodents, or raccoons. The best way to keep these and other possible troublemakers at bay is by adopting an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
Integrated Pest Management Focuses on Prevention
So, what is integrated pest management? IPM is an approach that combines eradication and prevention with the goal of reducing reliance on potentially harmful pest-control chemicals.
In years past, the primary approach of pest control services involved the use of pesticides. In contrast, the goal of IPM is prevention by integrating three phases of pest control: inspection,
Identify the pests and monitor pest populations – Inspect the premises to find areas susceptible to pests. Then, determine the best prevention and control measures for each vulnerable area.
Determine appropriate action thresholds – Action thresholds are the level of nuisance, health hazard, or economic threat posed by the pest. The thresholds depend on the characteristics of the business and its location, so a restaurant or retail business will have different thresholds than a distributor or manufacturer. This doesn’t mean the problem is allowed to run rampant up to this point, but rather the goal is to find out what pressures pose the greatest risk for that particular season. Many times this will address many of the underlying problems as well.
Implement the pest prevention strategy – The plan focuses on removing food and water sources and potential shelter locations. Aspects of the plan may include reducing clutter, patching exterior surfaces to block possible entry points, removing trash and vegetation, and educating staff about pest prevention measures.
Keeping potential pests under control – Whenever action thresholds are exceeded, the most appropriate removal measures are applied with due consideration of the safety of people, pets, and the environment. The methods may include trapping and removal, and pesticide application.
The Health and Safety Benefits of Integrated Pest Management
Documentation is a crucial component of long-term effective pest control. IPM creates a complete record of the pest management practices and their success in eliminating and preventing infestations.
- An on-site record of all measures taken and pesticides applied.
- Use of non-chemical control methods whenever possible.
- Recommended actions to prevent future problems.
In addition to minimizing the number of pests on the premises, IPM lowers the number and amount of pesticide applications required to keep pests at bay. As a result, the plan also protects the health of families, employees, and the public while saving businesses money. An IPM also:
- Lessens the likelihood of children and adults contracting diseases from biting insects.
- Reduces the chances of people having allergies triggered due to exposure to insects, rodents, and other pests.
- Lowers exposure of children and adults to potentially harmful pesticides.
An important aspect of IPM for businesses is the cost savings that result from addressing the underlying causes of pest infestation. It costs more to remove pests that have taken up residence on your premises than to keep them out in the first place. Also, by sealing cracks and other breaches in buildings, your heating and cooling costs will be reduced, and you’re less likely to experience problems related to moisture.
What is Integrated Pest Management: A Comprehensive Strategy
When choosing a pest management service, a primary consideration is ensuring that the company is Green Shield certified and its technicians are all Quality Pro Certified by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Nozzle Nolen is the only locally owned and operated pest control service in South Florida that qualifies on both counts.
Nozzle Nolen’s services are specially timed to match seasonal changes in South Florida. We offer custom treatment plans that match the region’s climate and landscape to prevent and eliminate a range of pests, including:
- Drywood and Subterranean termites
- Bed bugs
- Mice, rats, and other rodents
- Mosquitos
- Wasps and bees
- And disinfectants to protect against germs and bacteria
Getting Started With Nozzle Nolen
We hope we have answered your “What is integrated pest management?” question and have learned that the most effective approach to pest control for a business is preventative measures that make your establishment inhospitable to unwanted pests. So whether you’re currently dealing with an infestation or want to take steps now to prevent one in the future, the experts at Nozzle Nolen should be your first call.
Nozzle Nolen’s 70 years of experience and integrated pest management approach make us a leader amongst South Florida pest control companies. If your business is facing a pest problem, no matter how big or small, give us a call at 800.226.6536 or Contact Us. Remember, if the pests return, so do we. We look forward to serving you.
