Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
In recent years the pest control and prevention industry has become acutely aware of the risks that harsh chemicals pose to our health and the environment. That’s why it’s important to provide natural solutions to pest problems.
When it comes to taking care of your home, you need to strike a balance between eliminating the problem and maintaining a healthy environment for you and your family. One of the reasons pest control can be unpopular with a few is the mistaken belief that noxious chemicals will be used in and around the home when, in fact, most modern-day products used for pest prevention and removal are derived from nature itself. There are many other non-chemical control methods that a pest control professional can use as a part of the integrated pest management (IPM) process.
Prevent Infestations Before They Begin
One of the most effective methods of natural pest control is to identify and eliminate the conditions that breed pests so that you can prevent infestations before they occur. This strategy can include the following:
- Removing sources of food and water.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Removing standing water and fixing leaky plumbing.
- Getting rid of clutter.
- Closing off places where pests can enter or hide.
- Sealing off points of entry.
Biological Control
Although we tend to not think about pests until they are in our environment, they are part of a larger ecosystem. They have their own predators and natural enemies. Growers and greenhouse operators have used biological controls for years. Once a pest has been identified, scientists will attempt to identify its natural predators. Once proven to be safe, those predators can be introduced into the environment where pests are presenting a problem.
For example, before knocking down spider webs, a properly trained pest control technician will inform the client of the positive benefits that spiders provide by catching and eating pests that are vectors of disease—such as flies and mosquitoes—and come up with a plan that both can agree on.
Focused Application
One downside to using organic or all-natural pest control methods is that they take a fair amount of time to deliver results. In many cases, this is time that we don’t have. For example, if you are being attacked by bed bugs, you’ll want results immediately.
As a result, the use of pesticides is often times necessary. However, a properly trained, integrated pest management expert will use products only as necessary and in ways that focus directly on the problem at hand. Once an exterminator has studied your situation, he or she can target areas where the pests are breeding or feeding in order to snuff out the problem at its root. This way, they won’t be using more chemicals than they need to.
Burns Pest Elimination is excited to be part of the green revolution. We use environmentally-sound methods of pest control and know that the best defense against the pests that try to invade our homes is not necessarily a chemical; it’s a knowledgeable pest professional.
For families in the Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas areas, Burns is here to help. If you have a current pest issue, want to prevent infestations before they occur, or need more information about the natural pest control revolution, contact Burns Pest Elimination or request a free pest control quote today!