St. George, Utah
When it comes to treating pests, getting sprayed is not the only option nor can it always work on it own. Sometimes, pesticides can cause allergic reactions or asthma. Here at Bybee Pest Control, we encourage all to follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Having a security system at home is a great way to protect your family from intruders. The same can be said for our IPM and pest control programs.
What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. It helps protect animals, insects, and your family. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the use of pesticides when appropriate.
How do IPM programs work?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is not a single pest control method but, rather, a series of pest management evaluations, decisions and controls. To follow IPM, experts recommend following four basic steps:
- Set Action Thresholds
- Before taking any pest control action, IPM first sets an action threshold, a point at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken. Sighting a single pest does not always mean control is needed. The level at which pests will either become an economic threat is critical to guide future pest control decisions.
- Monitor and Identify Pests
- Not all insects, weeds, and other living organisms require control. Many organisms are harmless, and some are even beneficial. IPM programs work to monitor for pests and identify them accurately, so that appropriate control decisions can be made in conjunction with action thresholds. This monitoring and identification remove the possibility that pesticides will be used when they are not really needed.
- Prevention
- As a first line of pest control, IPM programs work to manage the crop, lawn, or indoor space to prevent pests from becoming a threat. In an agricultural crop, this may mean using cultural methods, such as rotating between different crops, selecting pest-resistant varieties, and planting pest-free rootstock. These control methods can be very effective and cost-efficient and present little to no risk to people or the environment.
- 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 proper control method both for effectiveness and risk. Effective, less risky pest controls are chosen first, including highly targeted chemicals, such as pheromones to disrupt pest mating, or mechanical control, such as trapping or weeding. If further monitoring, identifications and action thresholds indicate that less risky controls are not working, then additional pest control methods would be employed, such as targeted spraying of pesticides.
If you are experience issues with insects and animals around or in your home, we encourage you to employ IPM. It helps keep your family and home safe, while still protecting the lives of animals and insects. If you are experiencing issues, need help controlling, or just need advice, give us a call. We serve families around Utah, including Saint George, Cedar City, Washington, Dammeron Valley, Diamond Valley, Parowan, Hurricane, La Verkin, Toquerville, Enoch, Santa Clara, Ivins, and Salt Lake City
