IPM – what’s that?

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a process we use to solve pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment. IPM can be used to manage all kinds of pests anywhere—in urban, agricultural, and wildland or natural areas.

IPM focuses on managing the ecosystem to prevent pests and the damage they can cause. Examples of this would be caulking around windows to prevent insect entry into your home or business. Using IPM methods means taking a look at the pest’s environment and creating unfavorable conditions to the pest.

IPM focuses on inspection and identification of pests to discover if a pest might become a problem. The most effective method of managing pests is to combine methods that work better together than separately.

These approaches include:

Biological control involves the use of natural enemies, like parasites, pathogens, predators to control pests.

Cultural controls include methods to reduce pest populations, and reproduction.

Mechanical and physical controls kill pests directly or make the environment unsuitable for their survival and reproduction. Traps for rodents other pests are examples of mechanical control.

Chemical control involves the use of pesticides. In IPM, we use products only when needed and in combination with other methods. We select and apply pesticides in a way that minimizes their harm to people and the environment. With IPM, we’ll use pest control products that provide the best control and are also the safest for the environment and non-target organisms.

Call DA Exterminating today to find out more about our IPM programs. 800-650-PEST.