Pest Management Practices

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.