Integrated Pest Management
(IPM)
IPM is a series of evaluations, decisions and control. What is the
level at which pests will either become an economic threat is a critical part of
the decision to control pests.

This can be accomplished in 4 easy
steps:

Inspection-Inspections of interior and exterior of the
home is necessary for proper control, most importantly the crawlspace. This is
key to a proper treatment and/or control. Depending on the threshold, a point at
which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control
action is to be taken.

Identify pest- Proper identification is
needed to accurately control the target pest.  Continual monitoring of these
areas and identification will make sure the proper treatment is to be
used.

Prevention- This the first line of defense. IPM programs
work to manage pests from becoming a threat. Locating conducive conditions is a
great method of control. Removing conducive condition can be very effective and
cost-efficient. This also presents the lowest risk to people and the
environment.

Control- Once you have completed the first three
steps. Then we evaluate for proper control methods. Such as pheromones to
disrupt pest mating, or mechanical control, such as trapping. If these controls
are not working or don't reach the scope of the infestation, then additional
pest control methods would be employed, such as targeted spraying of pesticides
or baiting.