What Sets IPM Apart From Classic Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM), in its simplest form, is a modern, more environmentally friendly approach to pest control. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, IPM is defined by two main ideas. One: IPM focuses on pest prevention, instead of just elimination. Two: IPM only uses pesticides when they’re needed, instead of using them as a catch-all solution.

IPM can, and does, use pesticides – but only when absolutely necessary. In fact, IPM uses many of the same techniques that classic pest control does The difference is, IPM combines them with integrated inspection, monitoring, and reporting efforts that work long term. That holistic, integrated approach makes all the difference. Differences like these. Here are three huge reasons why you want an IPM company for all your pest prevention needs. IPM provides…

…A much stronger focus on environmental protection and sustainability.

IPM focuses on using the lowest risk options that are still effective when it comes to pest removal and prevention. The risks to the applicator, the people in the afflicted building, and the environment are all considered before choosing a method of removal. Before pesticides are considered, options like trapping, heat and cold treatment, and physical removal are considered.

…Lower costs in the long run.

When you first look at IPM, it’s easy to think that there is no way it won’t cost more than classic pest control. Technically, you’re right. IPM involves more education, monitoring, and preventative work, so it has a higher upfront cost. Over time, however, pest control service costs for the consumer are significantly reduced.

How? There are a couple big reasons. First: IPM addresses the underlying cause behind the pests, not just the immediate problem. That means you don’t pay to address the same problem over and over again. Two: the prevention tools you receive equip you to make sure other pest problems don’t happen again. In other words, instead of paying for short-term solutions several times, you pay once for a permanent solution.

…A more thorough focus on public health.

By only using pesticides when it’s absolutely necessary, IPM greatly reduces the health risks sometimes associated with traditional pest control. All pesticides that are used are strictly monitored, and considerations are made for people who are especially sensitive. Since IPM works to avoid pesticide use unless totally necessary, it mitigates a lot of potential risks.

To learn more about the benefits of integrated pest management and the difference it can make, it’s always good to talk to a professional.

Give us a call at Assured Environments any time and we’d be happy to walk you through how we practice IPM as part of our environmentally friendly everyday practice.