Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

With advancement in research, there is now increasing consumer concern over the use of toxic chemicals used in commercial pesticides. As consumers become more aware about the potential dangers ready to use sprays, there is now a need in the market for a more environmentally sustainable form of pest control. Advanced research has also enabled us to revise our method of pest control with IPM. In this blog post, we seek to understand what IPM is and how it is used in conjunction with traditional forms of pest control.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a more organic form of pest control.



To make it easier to understand we have to remember two things. Foremost, IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment as data collection. And second, they use this information to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

So why choose IPM?

Minimal use of harsh chemicals
Integrated Pest Management focuses on eliminating and controlling pests with a minimal use of harsh chemicals. Data collection enables us to properly identify the presence of the pests in question and allows formulation of a treatment plan that deters their reemergence. Chemicals in the form of pesticides and insecticides are used only if needed in due consideration of the client, environment and structure in question and is diluted so as to result in the least possible amount of damage.

• Environmentally friendly solution
The practice of IPM reduces the risk of disease that may be caused by the use of harsh chemicals used in insecticides and pesticides. The chemicals utilized can leave traces of their presence along everything they encounter and have been linked to an increase in cancer, impaired child neurodevelopment etc. The use of IPM provides a less harmful option to eliminate the presence of pests as well as an environmentally friendly option that may be beneficial in the long run.

• Super bugs
In spite of our best efforts to completely eliminate the presence of bugs with pesticides, we see that commercial sprays are a very short term solution. When these chemicals are used repeatedly, pests can develop a strong resistance to the pesticides via natural selection where the pests that survive the application of the chemicals will pass on their genes to their offspring. This can result in the formation of genetically superior bugs that are resistant to the use of pesticides. With IPM, this problem can be avoided as an environmentally friendly method of pest control is utilized that may eliminate the need for pesticides.

• A balanced ecosystem
While you may not be able to think of a single benefit that a lizard may possess, that pesky reptile is in fact essential to maintain a balanced eco system. Evolution has designated a role for every pest that we encounter and while conservation may not be your top priority, bugs are essential for a healthy environment. The use of toxic chemicals is detrimental not only to our own health but also towards the sustenance of the earth.

How do IPM programs work?
IPM is not a single pest control method but, rather, a series of pest management evaluations, decisions and controls. In practicing IPM, a four tiered approach is utilized. The four methods are:

1• Set action threshold
Before utilizing any form of pest control, a limit is set that determines the point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action will be required. The level at which pests become an economic threat is critical to guide future pest control decisions.

2• Identify & observe pests
Many organisms are innocuous, and may peacefully coexist in our environment. IPM programs observe the patterns of the pests so that an appropriate control decision may be made in conjunction with action thresholds. This step removes the possibility that pesticides will be used when they are not needed or that the wrong kind of pesticide will be used.

3• Prevention
Methods of prevention can altogether eliminate the need for pesticides. Knowing the potential pests that may intrude a certain space and effectively barricading their entry may be far more effective than setting up methods for pest control after an infestation. These control methods can be very effective and cost-efficient and present little to no risk to people or the environment.

4• Control
Once monitoring, identification, and action thresholds indicate that pest control is required, and preventive methods are no longer effective or available, IPM programs then evaluate the suitable control method in due consideration of effectiveness, requirement and risk. Effective and less risky methods of pest controls are selected as primary methods of control.

This includes the use of highly targeted chemicals, such as pheromones that works to disrupt pest mating, or using a more physical method of entrapment, such as trapping or weeding. If further action is deemed necessary, then additional pest control methods are employed, such as the targeted spraying of pesticides.

Who should use IPM?
IPM is a recommended choice for homeowners and those operating businesses. This is also a logical approach for older homes and buildings that may weaken under the use of harsh chemicals as well as schools, hospitals and restaurants that are required to uphold sanitary conditions. From decreasing the health and environmental effects of unnecessary pesticide usage to the providence of a financially smart alternative to conventional pest control methods, integrated pest management is the green alternative you never knew you needed.

We hope you liked this informative post. At American fumigation, IPM is one of the many services that we provide to our customers. Over the years the company has established a reputation and maintained a value as a provider of high quality service and has enjoyed a steady growth of its customer base. We are committed to providing a reliable, good quality and trouble free service ensuring complete client satisfaction.

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