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10Jul

About School of IPM@UPM

School of IPM @ UPM is one and only institute of its own kind established in 2018 to offer qualitative learning bytop-class qualified professionals under one roof for genuine and unbiased pest managementsolutions through IPM. As it is a source of pride to lead Pakistan’s most luminous institution whichshines as an example of excellence in the sphere of higher learning about IPM.

We foresee our institute as a leading light in pest management industry in Pakistan by setting

courses and training in collaboration with research institutes administering eco-friendly practices

into force to fulfill the need of increasing mouths. We believe that a professionally dressed

community is mandatory to let people educate how things are titled as pests, how necessary to

save them and keeping them away from our confines side by side by embracing modern though

simple cultural and mechanical ways.School of IPM @ UPM is dignified to play a vital role to drive the country into a knowledge through trainings,seminars, workshops, for the betterment of society.

We are emerging leaders who have always helped in shaping tomorrow. We look forward towelcoming you to the School of IPM @ UPM!

MISSION

Our mission is to provide professionals to the society capable of thinking in a

creative and critical way to manage pest and make them equipped with knowledge

and expertise to develop their leadership potential and make a positive contribution

to public life. School of IPM @ UPM aspires to achieve excellence and national leadership through

unparalleled training and education on pest management while serving critical

needs of the society.

VISION

To be a nationally acclaimed research-based training institute that serves the society

through excellence in professional pest management education & advice for

strengthening our identity at National and International level as pest specialist.

INSTITUTION

The School of IPM @ UPM is Pakistan’s first institute that is entirely grounded on sharing awareness about modern pest management tactics. Our main focus of delivering instructions is based on neglected fields with a vision to bring improvement for pest management.

School of IPM @ UPM is all set to sustain the essentials of society in terms of food & shelter which is boosting up with every passing day, but many pests keep bugging around to hinder the quality of life one or another way. Pests can be categorized as organisms that interfere with human dealings directly or indirectly leading towards severe losses even in death sometimes. Direct damage could be seen as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Leprosy, Plague, Typhoid, Elephantitis, Filariasis, Asthma, Allergies, food damage, etc. According to a rough estimate, 280 million people could be feed on that food which is damaged only by rodents annually. Only flies can capable of transmitting 65 diseases to humans. While, structure breakdown, nuisance, attracting other pests through contaminated food, and droppings could be the possibilities of indirect damage.

At all times, Chemicals have been enjoying chief priority to control pests, but this priority level must come down because pests become wiser to overcome these chemicals also their massive residual effects could not be swallowed any more. That is why PIPM has to emerge with its all strength in collaboration with Research Institutes, High- profile Entomologist, Zoologist, and Ecologist to teach how one can create equilibrium between humans and pest’s life to enjoy the blessings of Allah.

The School of IPM @ UPM follows the principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It is the integration of all possible and compatible pest control measures. IPM basically follows the saying:

Prevention is better than Cure

Prevention includes cultural and sanitation practices.

Cure includes the treatment with more degradable and less persistent pesticides only when there would be a high infestation level and all other measures are not enough to maintain the threshold level.

School of IPM @ UPM ensures to support professionals to continue their intellectual development related to the field of IPM principles in any way.

School of IPM @ UPM Chapters:

We are working as an institute slanted towards excellence in IPM through Research, Awareness Seminars, Trainings, Workshops, and Certification.

Trainings:

Trainings deliver information by highly qualified Entomologists and Zoologists about basic entomology and zoology, pest identification, its biology, and Pest specific IPM rules to manage them. Because every pest needs different effective control measures according to its biology and life stage. Trainings could be of one or two days.

 

Awareness seminars:

Seminars are being organized nationwide to aware of what actually pests are? Research-based awareness about injudicious and misuse of pesticides is the main agenda of seminars which is eating our environment slowly. And how pests are managed by less hazardous ways technically? Last but not least is to highlight the research and extension gap between academia, industries, and folks.

 

Research & Development:

Research & Development department of School of IPM @ UPM is dedicated to explore and develop best pest-specific control measures according to our environment considering pest biology and behavior in different circumstances.

 

Workshops:

Workshops are being arranged countrywide by the School of IPM @ UPM to demonstrate IPM workings practically like how, when, and how many Preventive measures could be implemented to block the activities of pest management inside our premises? How and when pesticide application should do? What safety measures should adopt to do pesticide spray? Workshops could be of 15 days comprising lessons, practicals and exams evaluation.

 

IPM School-Live Streaming:

To extend our school to those partners where we cannot reach physically due to uncertain times, we have the opportunity to facilitate them with web-based trainings and technical knowledge to be updated technically.

Certification:

Certificates are being provided as a license that witnesses a qualified pest control operator technician after passing through a complete exam system.

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16May

Fears Grow Over New Asian Giant Hornet Outbreak!

 

Let’s peak Inside!

There is no doubt that they are larger of all known hornet species around world as name indicates originated from Asia.

So no offence to call them “The Mighty Giant Hornet”

A queen’s body length can exceed 5 cm, with a wingspan that can exceed 7.6 cm with a unique characteristic orange head and black-banded orange body.

Fact with Fact is that…

Like any other social wasp, they will defend their nest and aggressive if the colony is disrupted then, they won’t see who was in or out in plan. Moreover, they are multiple stingers and to humans these multiple stings can cause fatalities.

To mention here is that they are not predators of human but to honeybees. They are also voracious predators capable of massacring entire honey bee hives in a matter of hours— decapitating thousands of the hive’s adult bees and absconding with the helpless larvae to feed the hornets’ own brood.

Globally, from these hornets 60 to 80 people die from allergic reactions to honey bee stings in the U.S. only about 40 people die per year, in Asia, mostly in Japan, from reactions to the giant hornet sting. 

Like other creatures honey bees know their natural enemy and have a plot to defend him-they wait for a hornet to enter their nest, then mob it by surrounding it completely with their bodies.

Each honeybee vibrates its wings, and the combined warming of honey bee bodies raises the temperature in the center of the cluster to 122 degrees F (50 degrees C), killing the hornet. Carbon dioxide levels in the nest also increase during this process, which contributes to the hornet’s death.

Comprehensively, It would be great to compile that they are stingers and predators of honeybee hives by nature that nobody can alter. So it is better to call a professional if you have witnessed any hornet around your hive rather of putting your own science and got defeated by hornets at the end and being claimed of a murder! 

 

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29Oct

Brown Planthoppers Turns Lahore City into Dark!

Humidity in air, precipitation, almost hot days, moderate nights and frequent rainfall call many pests to invade urban areas. Swarmer’s, mosquitoes, flies, moths, centipedes and hoppers are some most alarming pests now a days in Lahore, Pakistan. Brown planthoppers are being on top irritating pests and have set the records to raid every type of living style from home to streetlamps, parks, restaurants, malls, shops and other public buildings turning them into complete dark as they are not behind human beings like all other pests instead they face urban areas forcefully in the lust of artificial light. They usually do not bite but their presence create nuisance, irritation and pose a big threat to food safety and hygiene in food preparation, processing and storage areas and turning them into complete darkness.

Brown planthoppers are brown in color, wings are transparent with very conspicuous veins. Young nymphs are white in color but on later instars they turn into brown color. They remain active throughout the year.

They are basically agricultural pest of rice resulting almost 60% yield losses through sucking the cell sap annually and also responsible for transmitting viruses to rice crop.

Smartness of their survival:

Brown plant hoppers usually exhibits dimorphism i.e. long winged and short winged adults termed as macropterous and brachypterous respectively. Macropterous adult formation (that type which we face in urban environment around lights) is a way to stop, migrate or reduce their population as they are not able to reproduce and survive as long and as much as brachypterous. That’s why we find many of them dead around light floor in the morning.

Mystery behind exposure of hoppers in urban environment:

We see our lightbulbs covered with brown plant hoppers are basically migrants from rice fields. This migration could be of two reasons:

  • Over population of hoppers in rice field.
  • When rice is on its harvesting stage, they feel low precipitation content and food and water scarcity there and start to migrate towards relatively higher conditions as now a day in urban areas of Lahore.

Management:

  • First and foremost, it is responsibility of agriculture sector to manage their population under tolerable number through use of efficient resistant rice cultivars, timely monitor their population and pesticide resistant and apply controls accordingly. So that, they could less interfere human being lives.
  • Exterior light management could be effective in urban environment to minimize their activity. Use of sodium halogen bulbs and yellow light instead of white is very effective as they do not respond towards yellow light.
  • Use of sticky tapes around light also provide control.
  • Proper weed and plant management around buildings is also be useful because they might be providing them habitat as enriched with moisture.
  • Installation of air curtains, laser gates and strip curtains on all loading, entrance doors and in partitions of compartment would also hinder their entrance into our premises.
  • Installation and keeping active of EFK and ILT’s on recommended places would attract and trap them and giving some control.
  • Pesticide application won’t be effective and recommended as space treatment could not be implemented due to pesticide hazards towards urban environment as it would be agriculture and they will surely come back again whenever you turned on light yet prevention can control them somehow.

 

 

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22Oct

Fall invites rodent inside

Get an advance hand on these invaders

Fall is the transition of summer into winter season; evident of leave color changeover and rushing inside every creature of earth Including humans, animals, insects and rodents to seek warm and cozy clothes, shelter, storage of food and nuts as temperature starts to drop. Most alarmingly, urban people had to face the dramatic expansion of urban sprawl into natural habitats
of rodents.
Rodents are gnawing mammal of an order “Rodentia” that consists of rats, mice, squirrels, hamsters, porcupines and their relatives which are distinguished by strong constantly growing incisors with no canine teeth.
Among rodent rats and house mice are most invading and smart pests in urban areas. Following are common urban inhabiting rodent species with some general points that must be known to everyone:

Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus Color: Brown or grey Body: Heavy and fat body Snout: Blunt snout
Tail: Shorter than head and body
Diet: Protein-based food, Meat, fish, insects, nuts and grain
Hole: About 2 inches.
Habitat: prefer to live in drains and sewers. Nest in underground burrows, ground floor of buildings, storage rooms, and cluttered areas.

Roof Rat
Rattus rattus Color: Black or brown Body: Sleeker body Snout: Pointed snout
Tail: longer than head and body
Diet: fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, vegetables
Hole: Need minimum ½ inch hole
Habitat: Nest in elevated areas, roofs, ceilings, attics etc.

Color: Light brown to grey
Body: Covered in short hair

House mouse
Mus musculus

Tail: 3 times longer than body
Diet: feed on variety of foods, preferably cereals. Will drink water if available
Hole: Need minimum ¼ inch hole to get entry
Habitat: nest in dark, protected environment, grassy and woody areas.

Why they are threat to us??
Importance of rats in ecosystem and food chain could not be overlooked, however, they could be a big threat to property and public health when come in urban areas like:
Contaminate food:
Contaminate food with their saliva, dirty claws and body.
Food Damage:
They eat less food and damage more by gnawing always remain half portion and shift to next one.
Spread Diseases:
They carry many germs, parasites and pathogens that are being transferred with direct contact or indirectly through food and their products and transmits more than 40 diseases among humans like:
Management:
They are very quick learner, smart and hard to remove form building once get established, so we at Urban Pest Management adopt proper rodent-proofing by following this IPM Pyramid.

IPM:
IPM is integration of all possible and economical practices in combination to suppress the rodent infestation aimed at environment safety.
Exclusion:
Exclusion is first and foremost step of IPM pyramid meant to exclude all entryways or set barrier around all of your infrastructure to stop them get entrance in our premises like:
• Seal all electric penetrations.
• Seal all plumbing penetrations approaching to building.
• Seal all AC and heat penetrations entering into the building.
• Caulk and Seal all door and window gaps.
• Caulk and block holes coming to premises.
• Install weather-stripping below doors.
• Make sure all exterior doors are properly covered and have no cracked sides.
• Trim vegetation and weeds especially climbing plants and those who have direct contact with building.
• Make sure dumpsters and waste collecting containers in and around your building are completed sealed, covered, not damaged and on pest-proof pavement.
Habitat Alteration:
It is second step followed by exclusion and change in rat beloved habitat; where they tend to live to make the environment unfavorable for their breeding and reproduction by following mentioned methods:

• Remove clutter such as extra payers and boxes.
• Good housekeeping.
• Make sure dust bins have lids and liners and are covered when not in use.
• Don’t keep them over-filled.
• Make sure all washrooms, sinks and floor drains are properly screened.
• False ceiling is properly fitted, not missed, wet or stained.
• Elevated Places and attics walls and corners are properly sealed.
• All walls and wall floor junctions should be hole free.
• Make sure all artifacts standings and shelves should not be in direct contact with walls and floor.
• Stoves hoods and fryers are properly sealed.
• Good maintenance of lawns.
Sanitation:
It is third step accompanied by earlier two aimed to stop or prohibit their food and water.
• Store food items in tightly fitted containers.
• Remove food spillage immediately.
• Remove water spillage immediately.
• Remove food grains and scattered food grains around garbage bins.
• Keep clean wall floor junctions.
Physical Control:
It is fourth step in which rats and mice are being trapped using non-chemical or poisonous traps or devices. Below are listed devices and traps used for rats as physical control. They are mores monitoring devices than control.

Glue Traps:
• Glue traps are made up of sheets, fiberboard, cardboard coated with strong adhesive sticky material placed in runways of rats.
• They are non-poisonous and eco-friendly yet are controversial to use.
Live Traps:
• It is a devise designed to trap or catch live rat sometimes lured with some attractant food in it.
Chemical Control:
• EPA recommended rodenticides are being used against rodents in eco-friendly bait stations as chemical control. Bait Stations are specialized devices specifically designed considering environment safety and specific to target.
Only chemical use is not answer to all pest solution, complete pest proofing should be practiced as above explained or call a professional pest company as it is not that easy and safe task to handle.

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07Nov

Pest Management Practices

Pest Management Practices

pest-control

In 1950’s Entomologists discovered that insects and pest were developing resistance to pesticides because of their excessive use and abuse. On the other hand Environmentalists were concerned about the destruction and risk of pesticides relating to the atmosphere. In 1960’s Rachel Carson‘s book named as Silent Spring warned people with the problems associated with pesticides.

Then a holistic solution to the problem of managing injurious insects and other pest was evolved named as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective environmentally sensitive approach to manage pest that is based on a combination of more than one appropriate practice. IPM programs use current and wide-ranging information on the life cycles of the pest, history of the pests and their interaction with the environment. This information is used to manage pest and damage caused by it with the least possible hazard to people, their assets, and the environment.

IPM is not a single pest control method but, rather a series or combination of different strategies to reduce and to manage pest at its minimum. For standard pest management practices following steps are being included:

Monitoring, Identification and setting a Threshold: Noticing a single pest does not always mean that control is needed. Firstly monitoring is done to take an idea of pest population if population is enough to cause economic loss (Threshold) then pest is identified to apply an appropriate pest control strategy.

Prevention: It includes Exclusion, Habitat Alteration and Sanitation. Sealing of cracks and crevices, penetration gaps or any other gap that allows a pest to access the building is the part of exclusion. Recommendations in regard to habitat modification or cultural behavior might include proper storage of food along with refuse and recyclable best practices, the importance of addressing moisture issues, spillage and cleaning up of environment are sanitation practices. These practices play the best role in IPM.

Control: Control regarding to pest are of two types.

Physical Control that is incorporation of nonchemical devices to monitor and assist in controlling pest populations. These items include snap traps, multiple catch traps, various insect monitors, animal cadge, rodent adhesion pads and insect light traps.

Chemical Control is least recommended in IPM strategies. Pesticides are used only when all other tactics fail to control pest population. Pesticide that is to be used should be biodegradable and environmental friendly.

Training: It is also an important part of pest management practices. Train staff and clients as well to make them aware of pest, its hazards, identification and about use of pesticides. Person who is to apply pesticides must have PPE’s, must read label and must be aware of its handling, storage and its disposal. Training of client is important to make them engage with your practices of pest control and it will make this job easy to do. Documentation of each and every activity is necessary in the field and it must be communicated with Client.

 

 

 

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07Nov

IPM in Food Industry

IPM in Food Industry

pest

Pests are intrinsically drawn towards food following 20% food production losses during post-harvest practices, broadcast deadly diseases, nuisance, contamination of food and structural damage, all these factors making the food industry more vulnerable leading towards proper pest management to meet increasing food demand day by day, international food quality and quantity standards, keeping a positive bottom line and rock-solid reputation for products.

A combo of preventive and treatment practices should run side by side under the umbrella of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to prevent pest infestation losses because food areas are enriched with pest loving accommodations, have ample of sweet and nutritious food stock, so, single treatment will not give enough control due to plenty of breeding and food sources.

  • IPM program enhances the long-term stability of the assets and protection against pests.
  • Provide a long-term solution to the pest problem
  • Decreased use of chemical application
  • Reduces risks to the health of staff members.
  • Result in financial savings.

IPM involves the following steps:

  1. Inspection
  2. Monitoring
  3. Preventive Action
  4. Treatment
  5. Documentation

Inspection:

Inspection is done to identify the:

  • Type and number of actual and potential pests
  • Locate the possible entryways and gaps of building
  • Detailed inspection of interior and exterior building and all incoming supplies provides the sources of infestation.

Monitoring:

Monitoring is done by using traps to identify the intensity and distribution of pests in and around the building.

Preventive Actions:

Exclusion, Sanitation and Habitat Alteration a includes in preventive action.

Exclusion:

  • Performing structural maintenance to close potential entry points revealed during an inspection.
  • Caulking and sealing of gaps, screening the vents and exhausts, apply nylon door strips, apply Metal sheet injunctions of walls, floors, and ceilings.
  • Installing air curtains, air doors and strip curtains to the dock doors.

Sanitation:

  • Sanitation and housekeeping will reduce the potential food and water sources, ultimately reducing the breeding rate that eventually lowers the pest population.

Habitat Alteration:

This approach leads towards the modification or eliminating the possible habitat or shelter of a pest.

Treatment:

In food areas chemical treatment should least be preferred, so use:

  • Physical and Mechanical means like Heat & Cold-Water Treatment, Vacuuming, Insect Light Traps, Live Traps, Sticky Traps, Lure Traps, Glue Boards, Roach Pheromone Traps etc. They are safe, environment-friendly bio-degradable and less hazardous.
  • If the infestation is so high and running out of hands, then move towards location-suitable, pest-Gap fit treatment like Non-volatile Gel Baiting, Bait applied in Temper resistant Bait Stations, IRS, Fogging and Misting. Chemicals used in these tactics must be environment-friendly, biodegradable and less hazardous chemical treatment. Application, Storing and Mixing methods should follow International standards.

Documentation:

Installing of different devices, No. of each device installed, Trapping trend of pests, Replacement or adding of devices, Application, Frequency, Quantity, Time and form of application of Chemical against the specific pest, visits from pest management professionals should be documented as a record. It will help to pass Food Safety Audit also give a comprehensive data of pest visit trend and their control measures at a specific place.

 

                                                                                                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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29Mar

Dengue Control Through IPM

Dengue Control Through IPM

Dengue

Dengue fever has now become a life threat for the people of Pakistan. It was first reported in Pakistan in 1994 but it became a threat in year 2005 when this fever took lives of many people in Pakistan. According to an estimate dengue causes 257 deaths and 16 580 confirmed cases in Lahore whereas approximately 3,692 dengue fever cases have been reported in Sindh province, while 126 cases were confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Dengue fever has now become a life threat for the people of Pakistan. It was first reported in Pakistan in 1994 but it became a threat in year 2005 when this fever took lives of many people in Pakistan. According to an estimate dengue causes 257 deaths and 16 580 confirmed cases in Lahore whereas approximately 3,692 dengue fever cases have been reported in Sindh province, while 126 cases were confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three main provinces that are currently facing the dengue epidemic are Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. In this regard the office of World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan is also providing  technical, financial and moral support to government to fight against epidemic. The main areas in which WHO is providing support are control of vector, case management and community awareness.

Strategic measures adopted by the Government against dengue fever:

After the outbreak of epidemic government has made certain policies and took steps to control the situation. In 2005 the team of WHO entomologists studied the vector Aedes mosquito and used the information to make effective control measures. In 2008, WHO in collaboration with the federal government merge the malaria prevention program with the dengue control program. In 2010 when too many death cases were reported WHO provided the international professionals for the clinical assistant for hospitalized patients. There is need to adopt all the policies at provincial level for effective management against dengue fever.

Do preventing the mosquitoes to bite is enough as individual preventive measure?

One must have sufficient information about the epidemic to adopt preventive measures. The virus is transmitted from one person to another via mosquito bite. The mosquito multiplies and grows in fresh and stagnant water. The most cases of mosquito bite were observed during sunrise and sunset. The use of mosquito repellent and coils are not enough to fight against dengue, other control measures should also be adopted.

Individual preventive measures against dengue fever:

There are some suggested measures that everyone must adopt to prevent the dengue epidemic in the society.

  • As the virus can spread from one person to another so wear full sleeves shirt to prevent mosquito bite.
  • The dengue patients must be kept in net and away from healthy patients.
  • Keep your home free from standing water and close the windows after sunset.
  • Get your home sprayed against mosquitoes and preferably use mosquito repellents especially in morning and evening.

Integrated Pest Management against Dengue Fever:

Pesticide companies are also responsible for public health as they deal in the integrated management of insects and pests causing various diseases. Some of the major responsibilities of pest management companies are surveying, source identification and reduction, preventive measures, biological control, use of traps and repellents and lastly pesticide management.

  • Information about the Biological Control of Dengue vector:

Entomopathogenic Ascomycetes is an effective biological tool against dengue vector i.e. Aedes aegypti.the conidia of the fungi when grow it penetrated in the cuticle of adult mosquitoes and result in the production of certain organic compounds causing mechanical damage and death of the vector.

  • Information about the control of dengue vector with Larvicide:

When large numbers of adult mosquitoes are observed than larvicide application is preferred over biological control against dengue vector. Larvicide may cause damage to other aquatic life including vertebrates and arthropods.

  • Information about the control of dengue vector with Adulticide:

Adulticide must be used under heavy precipitation of mosquitoes, budget constraints, when human disease becomes epidemic and absence of employees and equipment.

The past period has seen a sharp rise in the people’s concern about the safe control of insects and pests. Urban Pest Management is a registered organization which deals with the integrated pest management and is well aware of risk-benefit analyses. We know about all pests and their control. You can visit our website or feel free to contact us for our services.

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29Mar

Get Rid of Mosquitoes & Flies by Growing Plants!

Get Rid of Mosquitoes & Flies by Growing Plants!

placeholder image

House flies and mosquitoes are recognized as carriers of easily communicable diseases. They collect different pathogens on their legs and mouths, females mostly lay eggs on decomposing organic matter, garbage, feces and animal corpses. Mosquitoes most breed in standing water.

House flies and mosquitoes are recognized as carriers of easily communicable diseases. They collect different pathogens on their legs and mouths, females mostly lay eggs on decomposing organic matter, garbage, feces and animal corpses. Mosquitoes most breed in standing water. So, it is highly recommended to keep the surroundings clean and remove standing water sources. Diseases carried by house flies and mosquitoes include typhoid, cholera, malaria, dengue and dysentery.

100 million persons worldwide get infected with dengue annually, a resurging viral infection spread by the female mosquito.

There are two main methods have been employed to control house fly and mosquitoes: natural and chemical. Chemical pest control employs potent chemical pesticides to eliminate pests, while natural pest control employs organic or biological method to reduce infestation. Both of these methods have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural/biological pest control methods

The main benefit of biological pest control methods is that it does not harm the environment. It will also not emit harmful toxins which could damage the ozone layer as compared to chemical pesticides. They continue to be effective for a long time once they introduced to the environment, making them sufficient and cost-effective. Biological control is self-regulating and as they don’t require any management. Biological control is just near to free of cost as it charges you very low. Biological control gives a long term control of harmful organisms. No side effects of biological control on human health while chemical control has many side effects and dangerous effects on the health of humans.

Advantages and disadvantages of chemical pest control methods

Chemical pesticides are very easy to use. Apart from that, chemical pesticides also deliver results instantly right after the application. Mostly this fast result is what a lot of homeowners need. Chemical treatment also harms the environment as they release harmful toxins to the surroundings, although human exposure to these pesticides can be very dangerous. They are even more detrimental and toxic to the health of children and older people as they have weaker immune systems instead of elders. You may have probably read in the spray’s inscription or may be heard about the insect repellent DEET (N,N Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide).  This chemical is not present in all the products but it is widely used chemical, because of its easiness. Just spray and it works for 12 hours repelling. But it’s also having toxic, irritating effects on your skin. So, definitely, not really something you want to spray over your soft skin.

So we suggest you to find natural ways to repel insects and the best way is to use Houseplants in your backyard, front lawn and outside the gate that Repel Mosquitos and Fly.

Plants Easily available in Pakistan which we can use to repel insects especially flies and mosquitoes:

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum L.)

Chrysanthemums are often called “mums” and they are widely used for their flowering beauty all around the world. Aromatic subspecies of Chrysanthemum are excellent mosquito repellents. Their blossoms have natural amazing compounds named as pyrethrum which inhibit female mosquitoes from biting.

You can easily prepare Homemade topical repellent from mums’ flowers. Take dozen of blossoms, chop them finely and then just put this mash in a small cotton bag (a sock will do as well). Now soak the bag in half glass of olive or sunflower oil in a bowl. Lid the bowl and now you have to wait for 2 weeks after keeping it in in dark cool place.

Now filter the resulting oil (press and squeeze the remaining oil inside the mash) and keep in small vial. Now it is ready massage your pulse points with a drop of this oil and enjoy its repelling qualities on you while outside.

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria L.)

An interesting and amazing compound Nepetalactone extracted by steam distillation from Catnip a natural insect repellent which is claimed to be 10 times stronger than DEET, Mostly used as Commercial Repellent against.

  • Mosquitoes,
  • House flies,
  • Cockroaches and

It is easy growing perennial plant with pleasant minty aroma. Its fragrance reduces stress and promotes good sleep. But unfortunately, the process of steam distillation is not as easy to done at home, so oil can only be purchased from market.

Marigold:

It is a bright, annual plant, are a great choice for repelling mosquitoes. Marigolds also contain Pyrethrum and they have a unique aroma which bugs find repulsive. Marigold flowers themselves are beautiful and add colors beauty and can even make a great border or addition to any flower bed! So you can try placing them around borders of your home, and then mosquitoes definitely not want to cross over!

Lavender

Many of readers probably know that lavender a gorgeous purple flowering plant which also has a soothing, calming scent. But, did anyone know that we can use it as a natural mosquito repellent? We can grow it outside in our garden or flower bed or indoors near a sunny window and doors, to keep the bugs away. Use lavender to add colour and calming aroma in your home.

Peppermint

Most of the bugs hate the smell and taste of peppermint and try to avoid this plant, so it is good choice to planting it in different areas of home where you want a repellent and plus, if ever you do happen to get bitten, just rub peppermint leaves directly onto the skin and it make a great relief our bite, with all of this it provides you a wonderful minty smell which makes a delicious addition to food and beverages!

Rosemary

A beautiful flowering plant often used to flavor lamb or fish dishes, but might be you did not noticed that it is also a natural mosquito repellent? So, it’s perfect choice to add herb garden or flowerbed to keep bugs away instead of using pesticides, and it even attracts butterflies and creates beauty in your plants area.

Geranium

The beautiful red color flowers are a great choice for mosquito repellent. Mostly planted in a hanging baskets and the colorful blooms will cascade over the side of the pot, provides you a beautiful visual piece with useful bug repellent nature!

Now you can see, there are many houseplants that naturally help to keep bugs away! So whenever you reach to buy a chemical bug spray, take your time and think again, and try to choose something more natural!

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Spreng.)

Lemongrass oil is used widely as insecticide and repellent, but the main issue with this  plant it attracts bees and may not be usable for your balcony.

So, this plant is very useful to plant in your garden because it attracts bees as they are useful pollinators for fruit or vegetable in garden.

Pennyroyal

The pennyroyal adorable flower is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes. So, we suggest you to plant it somewhere around your flowerbeds. Pennyroyal plants used to make great groundcovers, and they also attract a plethora of beautiful butterflies.

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum Mill.)

This plant contains a hepato-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, It works as a natural insecticide. So, be aware, that you should not consume this plant in no case and it should not enter your system.

This plant attracts insects with his scent, but the chemical compounds inside the blossoms are rendering the insects sterile.

Cadaga Tree – Eucalyptus torelliana

A beautiful plant repels mosquitoes simply by being planted. The scent from the tree acts as a barrier to repel mosquitoes.

Catmint – Nepeta faassenii

It is very effective in its way to keep mosquitoes away. It is even better than commercial bug sprays at keeping the pests away. You have to simply, cut off the flowers and boil them to make a spray.

Eucalyptus –

Natural oil which release from the eucalyptus tree repels insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, midges, stable flies, sandflies and more.

Mint – Mentha –

Mint is an exuberant aroma plant usually grown in gardens to flavor tea. Mint repels mosquitoes and even we can make our own repellent with mint! All wild and cultivated species of mint, contain aromatic properties repulsive to insects.

Pitcher Plant – Nepenthes alata

It is the most interesting carnivorous plant much similar to a Venus Fly Trap. This little beauty gobbles up mosquitoes and it just fun to see this plant work in your yard.

Sweet Fern – Comptonia peregrina

It is a natural green beauty herb that has many uses. Then main our priority purpose to fight against mosquitoes and you can also place some Sweet fern into a fire to keep the little bugs away from the fire and the surrounding area.

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29Mar

Termite Control in Pakistan

Termite Control in Pakistan

Termite-Control-in-pakistan

Destroyers of construction materials such as woods, garments and food items, “Termites” exist on the surface of Earth

Destroyers of construction materials such as woods, garments and food items, “Termites” exist on the surface of Earth even before the Jurassic era dominated by dinosaurs. They are the most common and dangerous structural pests in Pakistan as well as in the whole world.

Belonging to the infra order isoptera, “Termites” are social insects. They are called social because they raise their off-springs in groups. All termites make colonies and are divided into different castes on the basis of division of labor and fertility: the only fertile male is called “The King”, one or more fertile females are known as “Queens” while the rest of them are “workers” and “soldiers”.

Termites majorly live on dead plant materials and cellulose; sources of these are woods, leaf litter, soil and animal dung.

They reside in homes and other regions where wood is present. Termites are continuous feeders and can grow inside your homes on wood-wares and flooring even without your detection, that’s why they are known as “Silent destroyers”.

Termites cause a property damage of $5 billion annually.

It is the need of hour to take immediate preventive actions to control these pests that are involved in the destruction of more than 60% of our valuable wooden items, garments and edibles that are inclined to be eradicated at the hands of these pests.

In Pakistan, many innovative government and non-government programs have been initiated to completely eradicate and control pests.

Integrated pest management is secure, thrifty and productive way to control pests while protecting human and environment.

It is cost effective, highly targeted and much more effective than traditional methods of pest control and has less hazardous impact on humans and other organisms. Pesticides can be used by everyone but only an expert knows what are the correct amount and components of a pesticide applied inside a house or offices while maintaining the human damage at its minimum. The price to be paid may be high than those amateurs but it usually benefits people in the long run.

Urban pest management is an agency that is committed to eliminate pests from every building and wooden items in all the big cities of Pakistan in a rapid and efficient manner.

Nobody wants termites to grow in their valuable homes, offices and other items. But to save all these from destroying, the care must start at home even before the action of these termites starts. Some of preventive measures are to:

  • Store food in clean, lid tight containers inside the refrigerator and quickly eliminate the food that is no longer edible. Whenever crumbs remains there, clean as soon as possible.
  • Water leakage must be checked and completely recovered because leakage of water provides moist environment and humidity favorable for the growth of termites.
  • All the cracks and crevices inside the house must be sealed.
  • Trash must be removed on regular basis.
  • Counselling and understanding among your neighbours is necessary because pests do not remain confined to a particular place, as they grow, they tend to spread. So work together to get rid of termites!
The knowledge about the pest is necessary before you choose effective IPM tactics, and for this the guidance of UPM professional may help you.

Call Today for a Professional Termite Management Plan and Get A Free Inspection! 0321-8499000

To save homes, offices and other constructions, termite control was an obvious need of time which has been overcome to a great extent through integrated pest management but still there is need for development in this field and its appropriate use. This is why Urban Pest Management aims to provide professional, prudent Termite Management Plan tailored according to the needs of our clients in Pakistan.

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02Feb

IPM For Home Owners

IPM Methods Applying In Your Home & Landscape

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a best safe, effective and economical to control pest problems while using environmentally sound ways to keep pests from attacking your home, damaging your plants, or annoying humans.

Taking an IPM approach is more likely to be cost effective and it is long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques which includes biological control, modification of cultural practices, habitat manipulation, and use of resistant varieties. It is also less or minimum effects to x     human health. Pests enter homes and buildings looking for food, water, and shelter, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution available in market that will solve all pest problems.

Successful IPM combines several different methods to prevent and control pest problems without harming children’s and family, or the environment. In IPM, sometimes using pesticides may be an option, but only when nonchemical methods are used first, mostly the pesticides are often not needed. Pest control materials are selected and applied in such a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment.

Principles of IPM

Routine application of pesticide is involved in Traditional pest control of pesticide, while IPM, in contrast:

  • Focuses on pest prevention.
  • Uses pesticides only as needed.

IPM provides effective and environmentally sensitive approach.

-IPM programs use all strategies to control pest, including the judicious use of pesticides. Limited prevention of pesticide due to the risk of pesticide exposure may outweigh the benefits of control, especially where non-chemical methods provide the same results. IPM just not includes a single pest control method but rather it also involves integrating multiple control methods based on site information obtained through: Inspection, monitoring and reports.

If there is no effective non chemical methods are available then consider using pesticides.

Pesticides [Click Here]

Pesticides are also a part of IPM, but you should use them only as a last resort and only if you are tired to using all biological methods. But make sure first that your pest problem is serious to warrant a pesticide. Use the least toxic effective materials available in market and use them in such a ways which reduces the human and pet exposure and also protect the environment.

a. Technique of using combine pesticide treatments with preventive methods

Once when pests are controlled in an era then use preventive non-chemical methods to keep them from coming back.

Benefits of Integrated Pest Management

IPM benefits, It helps to:

  • Reduce the number of pests.
  • Reduce the number of pesticide applications.
  • Save money while protecting human health.

Health Benefits

Adopting the IPM reduces your exposure to both pests and pesticides. Two main health concerns faced by children and adults are:

Mites, Rodents, cockroaches, flies and mosquitoes are often present in buildings and can cause or inflame a serious allergic skin reactions or asthma attacks.

Basic preventative steps that can help us to stop a pest problem before it starts:

1. First of all eliminate food:

You should store food in hard, reusable containers with airtight, fitted lids; use a can to keep trash with a tight-fitting lid and take it out daily; vacuum up or clean or crumbs and spills when they occur; keep your fresh or stored food in the refrigerator when possible.

2.  Eliminate standing water:

 First of all fix all leaky and dripping pipes, try to reduce humidity in basements and moist areas of home, like bathrooms and kitchens; place metal screens to avoid cockroaches in drains where feasible.

3.  Talk with neighbors about pest management.

Pests mostly don’t stay only in one location, so it is necessary to work together to eliminate this pest issues in the community.

4.  Cultural controls

We can discourage pest invasion such as good sanitation, removing infested plant material and debris, proper watering and fertilizing to plants, growing competitive and insect repellent plants, or using pest resistant plants.

5.  Physical or mechanical controls

We can control pests with physical or mechanical methods such as by knocking pests off of plants with a spray of water, or we can use barriers and traps or by heat treatments.

Did you know that children in the Pakistan continue to face many serious risks arising from pests and the also the serious problems caused by pesticides in certain cases? 

Children’s may continue to contract with diseases carried by biting insects, respiratory attacks serious exposure to asthma triggers and allergens attributed to cockroach and rodent infestations and children may be exposed unnecessarily to pesticides that have been over-applied or misused at exposure places such as schools.

A school IPM program prescribes common sense strategies to reduce sources of food, water and shelter for pests in school buildings and grounds. Put simply, IPM is a safer and usually less costly option for effective pest management in the school community.

Keywords:

Integrated pest management, IPM, Integrated pest management approaches,
Integrated pest management methods, IPM approaches, IPM stands for, IPM in Pakistan, IPM vs pesticides, Benefits of Integrated pest management, Principles of IPM

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