What is Integrated Pest Management?

A dead cockroach in someon'es home after using the integrated pest management approach

Pest Management Technology has advanced, just like technology has brought positive outcomes in other sectors. There is no longer a one size fits all method to pest control. Integrated pest management combines effective techniques customized to your pest problem.

Experts can now eliminate pests economically with less risk to humans, property, and the environment with integrated pest management. Not only will you find peace of mind with integrated pest management, but the results will be long-term.

Environmental Pest Management uses integrated techniques to prevent pest activity and deal with pest problems when they occur. Our experts will assess your concerns and will implement specific, effective solutions based on their findings.

This article will explain what integrated pest management entails and why it is a resolution of choice.

What is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated pest management (IPM) uses techniques to control pests while minimizing the use of chemicals. Integrated pest management emphasizes the use of low toxicity methods to reduce harm to humans and the environment.

What are pests? Pests are organisms that may cause damage or interfere with our property or livelihood. They include organisms that may impact the health of humans or animals.

Pests are capable of transmitting disease but often are just an inconvenience. Pests are not only animals or insects; they may also be plants or pathogens that harm any part of the ecosystem.

IPM practices are considered ecosystem-based solutions for pest control. IPM uses a combination of techniques:

Biological control
Habitat manipulation
Modification of cultural practices
Use of pesticides only if indicated
Treatment goals of removing only the targeted pests

There is a five-step process for integrated pest management: inspection, identification, monitoring, action, and evaluation.

How Does Integrated Pest Management Work?

Integrated pest management is customized to the situation to minimize pest damage. Thus there is no single pest control method used. IPM programs use a four-tiered approach:

Set Action Thresholds

Before experts take action, IPM experts set a threshold to when and how they will intervene to control pest infestations. If not met, intervention is not considered necessary. Often economic threat is a consideration in action thresholds.

Monitor and Identify Pests

Pests do not always be controlled or eliminated. Many are required to keep our ecosystem healthy and vibrant. IPM programs monitor and identify pests accurately so experts can implement proper control methods.

Monitoring involves evaluating the environment to identify which pests are present, how many they are, and what damage they have caused. Proper identification is essential to determine likely damage and pick the best management plan.

It is harmful to use pesticides when they are unnecessary. Proper monitoring and identification of pest control concerns minimize the use of toxic chemicals and the risk of using the wrong chemicals to control the situation.

Prevention

Prevention is the most important step in pest control management. Integrated pest management works to manage indoor and outdoor spaces to keep pests from becoming a threat. The techniques used are effective and economically efficient, presenting a low risk to humans or the environment.

Control

Once action thresholds, monitoring, and identification indicate a pest problem, control methods are implemented. Both risk and effectiveness are weighted to determine the right control method to use.

The first choice is often highly targeted chemicals such as pheromones to stop pest mating or mechanical control such as trapping. If these methods are ineffective, then other techniques may be considered, such as pesticides.

Pesticides used when necessary and in combination with other interventions for effective, long-term control. Pesticides are selected so they are minimally harmful to humans and the environment.

The best chemicals will do the job but are safe for other organisms, the air, soil, and property.

Determining the right intervention is part of assessing, implementing, and monitoring for integrated pest management.

Assessment, Implementation, and Monitoring for Integrated Pest Management

Woven into the process are proper assessment, implementation, and monitoring of the pest concern. You will find innovative and creative techniques through each step of management.

Assessment

Assessment includes a comprehensive evaluation of the situation. Experts look at why:

Why you have ants in one area and not another?
Why you hear rodents on a certain side of the house?
Where are the pests entering?

Experts discover the road to a solution through investigation. Building structure, geography, climate, soil properties, and other conditions can contribute to pest control issues.

Implementation

Using the same method for pest elimination will not be effective for everyone. A customized approach leads to the best solution.

The four-tiered approaches of integrative pest management: action thresholds, monitoring and identifying, prevention, and control are all part of the implementation process.

Experts will also advise on eliminating pest “hot spots.” Proper cleaning, maintenance efforts, and sometimes ongoing chemical treatment are included in the plan. If chemicals are necessary, experts will recommend the least toxic and harmful options.

Monitoring

After intervention and treatment, know you will not be left alone. Pest management specialists are accessible year-round to ensure interventions continue to be effective.

Pest control experts evaluate new signs of pest activity and conditions at follow-ups that may invite further intrusion. Pest control is dependent upon collaboration for long-term results. It is necessary to have a trusting relationship between you and the experts to work together for the best possible outcome.

Environmental Pest Management Can Provide a Solution For You

The experts at Environmental Pest Management use Integrated Pest Management to address your pest concerns. This practical, environmentally sensitive approach is common sense because it is safe and effective.

By using comprehensive information on pest life-cycles and how they interact with the environment, we can address virtually all pest control concerns, regardless of the challenge. Importantly, we can do this ethically and economically.

Contact us today to book your free pest inspection. You will soon understand how integrated pest management can work for you!

October 30, 2020January 23, 2024

What To Expect with a Pest Inspection

Bugs got you down? Are you in need of a pest inspection? Maybe you are buying or selling a home and need to make sure it is free of infestation. Perhaps you have seen those tell-tale signs of unwanted guests.

Whatever the reason, Environmental Pest Management is there to address your concerns. We have been in the pest control industry since 1986. You can trust us to solve the problem safely, effectively, and for the long-term.

We will walk you through step by step on what to expect with a pest inspection, so you are free of the unexpected.

What is a Pre-Purchased Versus Routine Pest Inspection?

There are two types of pest inspections, pre-purchased and routine. Pre-purchased are usually done with the sale or purchase of a new home. The state sometimes requires them; however, it is dependent upon where you live.

With a pre-purchased inspection, professionals usually inspect before an offer is made on a home. Repairs from pests can be expensive, so a check can identify any issues and give a bargaining tool if necessary. It also eliminates any surprises before moving as no one wants to find out about a termite infestation after it’s too late.

Routine inspections are completed at regular intervals, often annually. Having a routine inspection identifies issues before they cause expensive damage. Routine inspections can also identify construction faults, drainage, and environmental conditions that put you at risk for pests.

What Does a Technician Do During an Inspection?

A master technician will have the knowledge and experience to do a proper pest inspection. The inspection will include a strategic evaluation of the home, inside and out, to identify areas of concern. Technicians will look for evidence of an infestation, wood decay, fungi, and mold.

The technician is going to look for evidence of past pest activity and risks for future infestations. Special tools such as moisture meters, motion detectors, and thermal imaging are used to identify areas of concern.

Using the tools and their eye, technicians will evaluate the following:

Rooms of the home
Subfloors
Roof Voids
Outbuildings such as sheds
Fences
Stumps
Retaining Walls

The pest inspection will likely take two hours or more depending on the home and land size. Detailed notes and photographs finalize a report before any steps of action.

What Do I Need to Know About Pest Inspection Tools?

The technician will use high-tech equipment to assess the pest activity within and around the home.

Experts include the following tools in a pest inspection:

Thermal imaging cameras to locate nests and activity
Moisture meters to assess moisture levels in the walls as pests love moisture and humidity
Termatrac microwave radar detection units that can track termites in the wall and find nests
Heinemann boroscopes which help find live ants and any damage they may have caused

However, the best tool technicians have is their own eyes. Experienced technicians know what to look for and can often find subtle signs of pest activity. They may identify:

Dirt or mud in corners of rooms or along baseboards
Electrical issues and faulty plugs caused by pest activity
Damage to wood or plaster

They may also ask for help for damage or concern areas you have identified. It is your home, and you know it best.

Should I Be Present for the Pest Inspection?

It is best if you are present for the pest inspection. Technicians appreciate your presence as you can point out concerns, and they can explain problems to you on the spot.

If you cannot be present during the inspection, it is essential to make sure the technician provides you with a detailed report identifying current and potential concerns.

What Should I Look For in a Pest Report?

Pest reports should identify concerns and list recommendations to fix problems. Reports may identify areas that need further investigation, such as spots they could not access.

Technicians include pictures in the report. Photographs help to give evidence to the issue. You’ll have a better understanding of the treatment plan.

The report should identify concerns such as building faults, drainage problems, or environmental issues that make you vulnerable to pests. The information will also include recommended treatment and cost.

The report should be available to you promptly, usually within 24 hours. Technicians will be accessible to address any questions or concerns.

You must understand the report; ask questions if you do not. It should give you a better understanding of the home, property, and pest infestation damage.

How Are Pests Exterminated?

Usually, the home will not be tented. Many of the products used now for extermination are effective without tenting. The chemicals used are less harmful than in the past.

Why was tenting used in the past? It used to be the only way to get rid of pests. Tenting was sufficient, but the chemicals used were toxic and unsafe.

Additionally, the exterminator will remove decaying wood. Removal may involve tearing out overhangs, part of roof extensions, window sills, support beams, flooring, or siding.

Sometimes only a piece of the wood is removed. Communicate with the experts as to what they are removing or replacing.

Make Sure You Use a Reliable Company With Experience in the Industry

Experience is the crucial factor of a reliable pest inspection. The technicians at Environmental Pest Management will solve the problem by identifying the source of the issue. By addressing the what, why, how, and when, we can find a solution for your pest concerns.

The experts at Environmental Pest Management use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a practical and environmentally sensitive approach that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current and comprehensive information on pests’ life cycles and how they interact with their environment.

Using IPM, we can manage pest damage ethically and economically.

October 21, 2020January 23, 2024

Why the Pest Company You Choose Matters

Male Pest Control Worker Shaking Hands With Happy Woman In Kitchen

You might not think of putting so much intention into hiring a pest control company; however, it’s crucial to make your selection carefully.

Think about it. Pests in your home represent an invasion of your safe, comfortable, valuable space. Trusting just anyone to eradicate the invaders and restore your area to serenity and security is a careful undertaking.

Our professional team at Environmental Pest Management takes their job seriously. We provide you with trustworthy, reliable pest control services that meet your unique needs with timely, thorough attention.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll return your home to a pest-free, clean, and safe environment quickly and efficiently, with warm and welcoming customer service at heart.

Hire a pest control company that does the job right

Partnering with your region’s best pest control company should mean you’ll get great results, clear expectations, and honest service with a fantastic attitude.

Take care to read customer reviews and other reputation markers on any companies you consider for pest removal services. It’s smart to ask around with neighbors, friends, and family members about their experiences with local pest control companies.

A local referral from someone you trust is the gold-standard for a good business reputation. (Psst: at EPM, we continue to be honored that our customers recommend our services widely across our Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota service areas!)

After all, your pest control company can access your most valuable assets: your home or business. Doing a little pre-treatment digging can help ensure you’ll be pleased with the results.

Do your (pest control) homework

Choosing the right pest control company starts with a little research. There are several selection criteria you must verify before inviting a pest control company into your home.

Trust: Before allowing any service professional into your house, make sure they are licensed (if applicable) and bonded. These credentials mean that the company takes your privacy and security seriously. They are willing to stand by their team members’ honesty and integrity while delivering services in your valuable space.
Membership and local and national professional organizations: When companies join their industry orgs, they have a substantial commitment to quality and oversight.
Environmental concern: Pest companies especially have a duty to be gentle on the environment with chemicals and practices that do not cause harm to people, pets, or plants, in and out of the house. It’s wise to ask questions about the chemicals used in pest control and how they work to eliminate the intruders in question.
Free inspections: Before a pest control company asks for your money, they should be willing to explore the problem thoroughly and provide an array of solutions from which you can choose the best option.
Safety protocols: How will the pest control company keep chemicals on the pests and not on your counters, floors, clothing, and other surfaces? How will they clean up after themselves? Do they have detailed safety procedures for their staff and customers?
Non-chemical pest solutions: Chemicals are only a piece of the pest control pie. Mechanical measures like crevice-sealing, physical traps, and cleaning practices should be part of the pest control solution mosaic.
Professional appearance: All pest control staff should wear a uniform with their name clearly displayed, as well as provide contact information for questions or concerns.
A “we can solve it” attitude: Even for the most challenging pest infestations, your pest control company should partner with you in their detective work. Rather than settling for “good enough,” your pest company should take the time to be diligent until all pests clear out.
Price clarity and guarantee: Once you’ve agreed to pest control services, the company should honor their quote. Stating clearly the elements of service and noting the cost of add-ons before service begins is paramount to a trust-based relationship.
Commitment to customer satisfaction: If you’re not satisfied with your service, your pest company should work diligently with you to hold up their promises. The job isn’t finished until your pests are gone for good.

What about the cost?

A worthy pest control company will give you a menu of service options that fit your budget and get the job done. Depending on the type and severity of an infestation, your pest control company should give you a realistic outlook on what it will take to keep your property pest-free year-round.

Rather than being concerned with locking you into a subscription, the company you choose should give you plenty of flexibility, while setting up realistic expectations.

For example, if you notice that carpenter ants return seasonally, your pest control partner should offer one-time pest control visits as well as a preventative maintenance option. You retain the choice to obtain regularly scheduled visits or single treatments, depending on your budget and goals.

Your pest control company should make you aware of the possible outcomes of all your choices, as your unique pest problem may dictate. Plus, your service provider should deliver uniform excellence in service, regardless of the frequency of their visits to your property.

What else should I know about protecting my home or business from pests?

Choosing a versatile pest control company with plenty of commercial and residential experience is paramount.

Environmental Pest Management handles a large number of clientele in small businesses, single-family neighborhoods, and multi-family apartment complexes. There’s no infestation too big or too small for us to handle. We know you simply want relief, no matter where your pests show up.

Environmental Pest Management: your Minnesota pest-buster

We are proud to have built a business that serves massive buildings to the coziest houses. We have big-company resources, experience, and expertise combined with community values that count.

When pests disrupt your business, home, or comfort, we come to the rescue. Trust our deep Minnesota roots, environmental stewardship, great rates, and variety of service options to keep your space pest and worry-free.

Visit our website today to learn more and schedule a free quote. We’ll have you pest-free in a flash with the best comprehensive service in the region.

October 16, 2020January 23, 2024

How to Avoid Uninvited Pests This Holiday Season

Holidays are full of all things good: gifts, food, visitors. But occasionally, we find ourselves with visitors that were not invited and definitely aren’t wanted. Let’s discuss holiday pest control.

As fall turns into winter and the air outside gets chilly, most of us spend more time indoors.

We aren’t the only ones wanting to cozy up inside as temperatures drop. Spiders, insects, and rodents all gravitate toward heated spaces as it gets colder outside.

If you find yourself with unwanted guests, don’t be a gracious host. Contact Environmental Pest Management for a free quote today. We’ll provide a custom solution to evict those pests and make your season bright.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year…

Unless you have an infestation. Consider holiday pest control options to avoid a present you don’t want.

There’s nothing like getting a live tree for your home during the Christmas season. They smell amazing and make an unmatchable centerpiece for the holidays.

Many families make a tradition of trekking to the tree farm, choosing, and even chopping down their tree. Others might get a freshly-cut tree from a corner lot, placing their focus on decorating while sipping a hot mug of cider.

Whether you chopped it down yourself or purchased a tree from a parking lot store, use precautions to avoid holiday pests riding in on those branches.

The best time to inspect your tree is before it’s in your house. Take a close look between the branches. Shake it well before you bring it indoors. This will also release loose pine needles outside, leaving you with less cleanup.

Once your tree is up, you’ll probably reach for your decorations.

Where have you been storing those pretty baubles? If those boxes were in the basement or the garage, they might have become homes to insects or even mice.

Control unwanted holiday pests by opening the box and inspecting its contents before you move it out of the storage area.

If you do find spiders, centipedes, or other unwelcome bugs, empty the container in a place with easy cleanup, such as the garage. Clean the inside of the container with equal parts vinegar and water. Dry thoroughly and check each item as you put it back in the container.

Store your decorations in plastic totes instead of cardboard boxes to control holiday pests. It’s harder for spiders and other insects to get into them. They’re also easier to clean.

A Little Extra Work Will Make That Holiday Hearth More Relaxing.

Everyone loves a crackling fire and a cup of something hot on a winter night. It’s less appealing to trudge across the yard for more firewood.

It’s tempting to put your woodpile within arm’s reach, but it isn’t a good idea. Woodpiles can attract mice. If your firewood is right outside your door, you might find yourself with more than kindling when you reach out for a stick.

Avoid furry holiday pests by keeping your firewood at least twenty feet away from your door. Remove piles of leaves around your house for the same reason.

Don’t Give Pests A Free Ride Home.

Bed bugs have become more prevalent in recent years.

These little tick-like insects are drawn to the smell of carbon dioxide. They avoid light. These two traits make your suitcase full of dirty laundry irresistible.

Whether you’re traveling to get away from it all or traveling to be near loved ones, you’ll probably be spending some time in a hotel room. Follow these tips to make sure you don’t check out with more bodies than you started with.

Take these steps to control holiday pests. At the beginning of your stay, prevent bed bugs from riding home with you:

Check reviews of your hotel before staying. Any hotel can have bed bugs, but a good hotel will address them swiftly.
Consider where you put your luggage. Don’t put it on the bed or the luggage rack until you have inspected the room. Leave your luggage in the car or put it in the bathtub (you won’t be setting it on any bed bugs that way) while you check the room.
Bring a garbage bag or sealing vacuum bag for your used laundry. The smell of sweat that attracts the bugs will be contained.
Bring an oversized garbage bag for your suitcase. Put the whole suitcase in and seal or fasten it when you aren’t accessing it.
Inspect your room:
- Use the light on your phone to check over the bed. Look in the seam of the mattress for live bugs or dark spots that could indicate previous or current bugs.
- Check the seams of any upholstered chairs or couches in the room.
- If there is a headboard attached to the wall, use your light to check around the edges and as far behind it as you can see. Do the same with any pictures on the walls.
- Check the luggage rack if you intend to use it.

If you do find bugs in your room, tell management. They should offer you a different room – one that doesn’t share a wall with the buggy room.

Spray your luggage with rubbing alcohol before you head for home. 91% rubbing alcohol is easy to find at drug stores and will kill bugs and eggs on contact. Only do this in a well-ventilated area – you don’t want to breathe it in. Don’t soak the luggage or you may have discolored spots.

When you get home, toss your luggage in the bathtub. Take your laundry out and wash it right away. If you have clothes that aren’t dirty, you can skip the wash and run them through the dryer for 30 minutes on high. The heat will kill any hitchhiking bugs.

Spray your luggage down again with rubbing alcohol and let it air dry. Then vacuum the inside and outside of the suitcase before putting it away.

Enjoy The Holidays With The Ones You Love, And No One Else.

If you find yourself hosting unwanted pests, don’t accept them like a poorly chosen present. Contact Environmental Pest Management today for a free inspection. We’ll customize pest control services to evict those unwanted guests and make sure they stay out