What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
All too commonly, the bigger pest control companies will rely on the overuse of chemicals to control pest problems in your property. Not only can this create a potential hazard to the environment, it’s also an ineffective way of dealing with infestations. That’s why Summit Environmental Solutions utilizes Integrated Pest Management to keep properties in Virginia Beach, Hampton, Norfolk, and Newport News free of pests.
Integrated Pest Management involves a combination of several different pest control techniques focused on long-term management, instead of quick fixes. IPM is a safer, more sustainable, science-backed approach that can help keep your home or business free of pests in the long term.
The Core Principles of Integrated Pest Management
Prevention is the first core principle of integrated pest management. Sealing cracks in your property and controlling the level of moisture in the home can make your house less hospitable to common pests. Ensuring all your food is sealed in airtight, hard plastic containers will effectively keep pests from getting into your food supply. Cleaning up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen can also reduce the availability of food that pests need to survive.
Monitoring and Identification is another core principle of IPM. Identifying the type of pest on your property is crucial for treating the problem correctly, and monitoring the problem will ensure that your pest strategy can adapt quickly if anything changes.
Thresholds and Action Levels is another core principle of IPM. Action thresholds is a term used to determine when a pest problem requires action. A passing ant might not need a full treatment just yet, but the sight of a cockroach usually indicates a larger issue.
Control Strategies: some of the strategies implemented with IPM include habitat modification to make your home less habitable, installing barriers and traps, using predator insects and nematodes in outside environments, and minimal, targeted chemical treatments.
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The Benefits of Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management offers several benefits to homeowners and the environment. IPM reduces chemical use and environmental impact, which is safer for families and pets. IPM focuses on prevention, which can save you money over time, as less pests getting in means less expensive treatments. Sometimes, when using the same pesticides over and over again, insects can develop a resistance. IPM’s different approach to pest management can prevent that resistance. IPM’s de-emphasis on chemicals also makes it ideal for sensitive environments like schools, hospitals, and food businesses.
How Homeowners Can Use Integrated Pest Management
Homeowners can get started on IPM immediately, as just taking small steps like sealing cracks, cleaning up spills, and monitoring their home for pests are forms of integrated pest management. However, if you already have a pest problem inside the home, it might be time to call a professional pest management service like Summit Environmental Solutions.
IPM vs Traditional Pest Control: What’s the Difference?
Integrated pest management offers several benefits over traditional pest control methods.
Integrated Pest Management:
- Focuses on long-term prevention
- Chemicals are used rarely and effectively
- Treatments are based on the type of pest you are dealing with
Traditional Pest Control:
- Often focuses on short-term solutions
- Chemicals are used heavily
- Treatments are broad
Why Choose SES For Integrated Pest Management
If you need integrated pest management services in Virginia Beach, contact the experts at Summit Environmental Solutions. Our team of experts has years of experience dealing with pests in Hampton Roads, and you can rest assured that we will create a safe, healthy, pest-free environment for your home.
A Smarter Way To Stay Pest-Free
Integrated pest management is the future of pest management, as it provides a safer, more sustainable solution to pest problems that is also more effective in the long term. Summit Environmental Solutions can offer you customizable integrated pest management plans, tailored to your exact needs and budget. Call our team today to get started with safer, smarter pest control at 757-901-4455!