Despite our best efforts to coexist peacefully with nature, pests are both bothersome and destructive. However, resorting to chemicals that harm the ecosystem is not an answer either. What you need is an approach that combines pest control methods with sustainability.
The best way to begin is to identify pest prevention infestations and manage populations using non-toxic techniques. Doing so will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about harming the wildlife or disrupting natural habitats.
What is IPM?
You can control and prevent pests ecologically and effectively by using an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.
This comprehensive approach uses a combination of environmentally responsible methods to control pests. Prevention is always the best goal when it comes to IPM.
For example, you can begin by protecting your garden from pests. It’s best to start with barriers, like net row covers or traps. You can also try companion planting, using natural repellents to deter pests.
The EPA refers to insecticides as chemicals used to eliminate pests.. Because not all insects are harmful, you don’t want to apply a repellent or insecticide randomly. Some insecticides or pesticides, after all, can harm insects that are beneficial. This lack of care can affect the ecosystem of your garden.
Adopting an IPM program requires diligence and can often be planned out with the help of a pest control professional. This approach allows you to take measures that are both ecologically responsible and preventive.
IPM Protocols: A 4-Tiered Approach
IPM represents a series of pest management protocols. A four-tiered approach is followed, This four-step outline includes the following:
- Establish action thresholds – or indicators where pest control has to be taken. Just seeing one insect does not mean intervention is necessarily needed.
- Identify and monitor the pest – Identification is needed to ensure the right form of pest control is used.
- Prevention – Managing the outdoor and indoor spaces against pests may require crop rotation or sealing access points.
- Control – If prevention is no longer effective, control may be used by applying chemicals safely and effectively, depending on the extent of the pest problem.
The idea of IPM is to use the options that are the least harmful. For example, spot spraying or setting traps with baits may be used instead of applying a broadcast spray or opting for a more toxic method, such as laying out a poison that could harm children or pets.
Use Natural Predators for Outdoor Pest Management
An exceptionally eco-friendly method of pest control involves introducing natural predators into the outdoor environment.
These predatory species play a role in maintaining the balance of your yard and garden by preying on the pests that damage plants. Below are examples:
Ladybugs: Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles, consume aphids, spider mites and other insects that feed on plants. You can buy bags of ladybugs to release into your garden.
Praying Mantises: You can purchase praying mantis egg cases that will hatch in your garden as well. The insects can fight off aphids and mosquitoes. So, you might call these predators both “praying” and “preying” mantises.
Parasitic Wasps: Tiny wasps like aphid parasitoids, mealybug destroyers,s and scale predators lay their eggs inside pests like aphids, mealybugs and scale insects. The larvae then consume the pests from within. These beneficial wasps are available for purchase to release into your garden.
Stop Inviting Pests into Your Yard or Around Your Houses
One of the approaches for practicing eco-conscious pest control involves denying pests access to the three essential elements they need to survive: food, water, and shelter.
To mitigate food sources that attract pests, you’ll need to eliminate their access.
Clean Up Your Yard and House – Seal Foods in Containers and Compost Scraps
Clear your yard of debris such as wood piles, brush and leaf litter where pests tend to feed and breed. Store food in sealed containers. Promptly clean up any food waste or spills. When disposing of food scraps, consider composting them or using bags.
Get Rid of Standing Water
Standing water is also a magnet for pests. Repair any leaks and clear drains regularly to eliminate breeding spots. Change water bowls frequently and refresh the bird bath water regularly. For bodies of water, like ponds or pools, introduce fish or employ natural repellents that are specifically designed to devour insects like gnats or mosquitoes.
Trim Shrubbery and Trees and Seal Cracks and Gaps
Since pests require shelter or take refuge in dark places around a property, trim trees, shrubs and vines from buildings. This not only prevents access into homes but also eliminates potential hiding spots.
Make sure to fill in or seal any cracks or gaps that could serve as entry points into your home.
Store and Cover Yard and Garden Products and Firewood Off the Ground
It’s also a good idea to store items such as mulch, potting soil and firewood off the ground and keep it covered. Doing so will keep pests from burrowing or concealing their activities.
Block Openings
One of the best ways to prevent pests from infiltrating your home is by plugging up openings in your house’s exterior.
Where to Prevent Access
Take a look, at the following areas:
- Check the doors, paying attention to any gaps beneath them or where they meet the frame.
- Inspect windows for any cracks or holes in the walls surrounding them.
- Examine spaces where pipes or wires enter your building.
- Look for openings in your attic.
- Screen chimneys.
You’ll also want to repair and/or seal access points in your garage, sheds, or other outbuildings. Invest the time needed to block entry points inside and outside your home. Doing so will keep pests from becoming a nuisance or prevent their return.
In Summary
By taking the above measures, you’ll create an inhospitable environment for pests so you can rely on the use of pesticides less.
Louis started American Rat Control Inc. because he realized there were not very many options in the pest control industry for expert rodent control and removal. Durring his 37+ years in rodent control and construction he developed processes and techniques to quickly identify rodent entry points on a structure and how to seal them up to last and look good.
