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F&W Pest Control practices integrated pest management (IPM). Government
regulatory agencies and consumers alike favor the Integrated Pest Management or
IPM paradigm because of its reduced risk to non-target organisms, minimal
intrusiveness and improved long-term results. Integrated pest management or IPM
combines intelligent decision-making with a variety of preventive and corrective
measures to reduce pests. IPM does not rely exclusively on the use of
conventional insecticide sprays.
What to Expect From Integrated Pest Management - IPM
Insects such as cockroaches and ants often cannot be eliminated quickly due
to population size, biological characteristics and instinctive behavior for
self-preservation. Integrated Pest Management or IPM methods may or may not
eliminate pests quickly, however, IPM can yield more enduring results in the
long run than non-targeted, copious pesticide applications. Using repellent
residual insecticides will give a false impression that the pest problem is
being solved. Often insect survivors escape the treatment zone and either remain
concealed until pesticide residues break down or they invade new areas of the
building.
How you can Help with Integrated Pest Management - IPM
The desired results of Integrated Pest Management - IPM will be realized only
if we all cooperate and each do our part:
- You can help IPM by keeping your living and work space clean and
uncluttered
- Noting and reporting exact locations of where insect pests are seen
- Refraining from using over-the-counter insecticides
- Examining used appliances, entertainment systems, furniture and storage
boxes for evidence of pests before bringing such items indoors
Basic Components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Inspect and interview to determine the source and harborage of pests.
- Identify the pest species to decide the appropriate course of action.
- Establish cooperation of customers and residents to ensure optimal
results of IPM.
- Avoid bringing pest-infested items such as used furniture and
appliances, electronic entertainment systems and boxed produce from
questionable sources, into the area.
- Enhance bait acceptance by removing the pests' source of food.
- Remove food waste and empty beverage containers daily.
- Remove as many pests as possible through trapping using food lure sticky
traps, vacuuming using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
vacuum cleaner.
- Use insecticides with ability to target the insect's physiology without
posing a threat to people, companion animals or beneficial wildlife.
- Strategically place insecticide baits that cause nearby pests to feed
and die.
- Recognize that repellent insecticides alarm pests, which then escape and
hide in structural voids.
- Administer insect growth regulators (IGR) to interfere with the pest's
ability to mature and reproduce.
- Seal-off cracks and crevices repeatedly used by pests for harborage.
- Monitor over time using baited sticky monitors, pheromone traps, insect
light traps.
- Inspect and interview to determine if pest situation is improving.
- Adjust IPM methods as necessary.
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