Integrated pest management (IPM) is a decision-making approach to managing pests, focusing on achieving long-term management or suppression with minimal impact on human health, property, or the environment.

An IPM program incorporates education, proper waste management, structural repair and maintenance, mechanical control techniques and pesticide application. When a pesticide application is determined necessary, the selection and application of the intervention shall be performed in a manner that minimizes risk to people, property, the environment and non-target organisms, while providing effective pest management.

Questions and Answers

What does "integrated" mean?

"Integrated" refers to the use of two or more pest management techniques (inspection, identification, sanitation, cultural, mechanical, biological and/or chemical) to achieve the established pest management objectives.

What does an IPM service involve?

An IPM service requires time and effort spent to inspect and monitor pest activity, employ the necessary pest management procedures, make suggestions regarding the elimination of the pests' points of entry and resting areas, deter potential pest infestations, and reduce any existing infestations.

What is habitat modification?

A building contains different microhabitats which provide food, water, and shelter for pests. Habitat modification involves decreasing the availability of suitable pest habitats and denying pests access to the building, which may control infestations.

Does IPM eliminate the use of pesticides?

An effective IPM program may include the use of pesticides; however, it is likely that the amount of pesticide needed to control the pests will be reduced.

IPM Steps

• Inspection
• Identify Pests and Conclusive Conditions
• Prevention
• Customer Consultation
• Sanitation, Exclusion and, if necessary, Pesticide Application
• Evaluation
• Monitoring

IPM Benefits

• Pest Prevention
• Customer Awareness
• Less Reliance on Pesticides
• Improved Home Maintenance
• Long-term Solutions
• Precise Pesticide Application
• Effective and Environmentally Sensitive Protection

IPM Practices for the Homeowner

There is nothing more enjoyable than spending time outdoors eating and playing, or watching your favourite program on the television. But these pursuits can be made much less pleasurable if you are constantly bothered by insect or rodent pests that have decided they enjoy your living space as much as you do. Thankfully, you can control insect and rodent pests by following a some very simple steps, most of which involve little or no use of pesticides:

• Use caulk around the house to seal cracks where pests are most likely to enter. Oftentimes insects will manage to get inside your house through cracks in walls, floors, and the backs of cabinets. Make sure these areas are sealed off.
• Install screens and weather stripping on all doors and windows, and ensure that all exterior doors remain closed.
• Pests are attracted to food. Store foods such as cereal, flour, bread, raisins, etc. in tightly closed containers, and ensure your kitchen is always clean and free of such items as cooking grease, crumbs, and other spills.
• Many insects breed in water. Repair any leaky plumbing, and frequently dump accumulated water from trays under your refrigerator or indoor plants. Also, throw away any damp rags or similar materials that may attract pests.
• Dispose of your garbage often, especially when you throw away food scraps When you take the trash outside, always put it in tightly closed containers so as not to encourage mice or insects to attempt to gain access to it.
• Do not leave pet food in bowls for long periods of time.  Wash pet bowls with soap and water daily.
• Avoid storing newspapers, paper bags, or empty boxes in your home. Check all bags and packages for pests before you bring them inside your house.
• Regularly sweep your floors and vacuum your carpets and rugs, especially under furniture where food many have accumulated.

Outdoor Pest Control Strategies

It is often true that what you do outside your home will determine if pests are likely to make it inside your home.  Here are some simple IPM measures you can follow to minimize the likelihood of insects and other pests finding their way indoors:

• Ensure your garden has adequate drainage. If the ground is too hard, it can lead to water accumulating after a rainstorm, which can turn your garden into a breeding ground for insects. Properly till your garden to allow air and water to be absorbed into the soil.
• Ensure drain pipes and other water sources drain away from your home. Use downspout extensions to keep water away from the foundation of your house.
• Remove pet droppings and animal feces from outside your property every few days. These can attract flies and other insects.
• Don't allow trash to accumulate outside your home for long periods of time. Trash not only attracts insects, but also mice and rats that may find refuge in your home.
• To avoid termites, ants - particularly carpenter ants - mice, and rats, do not store wood under or around your house. Keep wood piles as far away from the house as possible.
• Avoid planting gardens, shrubs, and other plants touching the house. If possible keep the area directly surrounding your home free of all vegetation.
• Clear away dead plants and fallen branches where pests are most likely to breed. Also check under large rocks and stones to make sure insect colonies are not developing beneath them.

Office Hours:
Mon thru Fri: 9am to 5pm

We are a Member of the
Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario

Website Maintained by Clover Creations
Web Design and Graphics by  Clover Creations