Our consciousness of the environmental impact of the products we purchase and consume has trickled into our preferences for the services we seek. Apart from buying organic and sustainable items, there has been a constantly growing demand for services that utilize eco-friendly practices, which include pest control.
Exterminators and pest control specialists have adopted ecologically sound practices not just for the environment but also for the health of our families and communities. Let’s explore what this method and practice mean and how they work.
The Definition
Green pest management is the process of eliminating pests with the safest plan of action and making the lowest possible impact on the environment. It is also called integrated pest management (IPM).
The objective is to resolve pest issues by minimizing the use of pesticides and combining various methods, such as monitoring, exclusion, and mechanical control techniques. To reduce environmental waste and pollution and protect our surroundings, pest control products that are the least toxic are applied in effective and limited doses only when necessary.
The System: How It Keeps Pests Under Control
This comprehensive system requires a thorough knowledge of pests, the different species, life cycles, and feeding and breeding habits, which reduces the need for pesticides, especially synthetic ones. In severe cases of infestation where pesticides are needed, careful and precise application techniques are employed to ensure that only the targeted pests are exposed to the chemicals.
The Process: Some IPM Components
- Monitoring – This is the consistent inspection and monitoring of pests. The information or data collected from this step is used as the basis for developing an accurate and appropriate action plan or resolution.
- Exclusion – This is the use of physical barriers to prevent pests from infiltrating a particular area. Examples of exclusion methods are using screens to keep insects out and sealing cracks, crevices, and other openings in homes and establishments to keep rodents and cockroaches from entering.
- Mechanical Control – This involves using devices or traps to make an environment unsuitable for pests or directly eliminate them. Examples include rodent traps and steam soil sterilization for soil-borne microorganisms.
- Cultural Control – This includes practices that deprive pests of a comfortable habitat and prevent them from spreading. For example, sanitation routines, such as regular garbage disposal, help eliminate the food sources of cockroaches, rodents, flies, and wasps.
- Chemical Control – This is the minimal application (as opposed to a conventional spray program) of pesticides if deemed necessary. Odorless and vapor-less baits and non-repellant baits are used, which are safer and last longer.
The Features and Benefits of IPM
- Cost-effective – Addressing the root causes of the pest problem helps prevent future infestations.
- Customized pest management – The approach to solving pest issues is carefully planned based on the nature of the problem and/or level of infestation in a specific location.
- No indoor air pollution and health risks – You can have peace of mind that it will not lead to the inhalation of chemical contaminants or vapors or affect any individual, including pregnant women and those with allergies.
- Safe to use around devices and high-tech equipment – Solid baits used by many companies do not have any harmful effects on computers, lab equipment, telephones, microwaves, and other gadgets.
- Reduced need for pesticide use – Due to the comprehensive approach to keeping pests away from living and commercial spaces, pesticides are considered a last resort, and only the least hazardous ones are used.
Green Pest Management vs Traditional Pest Control
Traditional pest control typically relies on chemical pesticides to reduce or eliminate pest populations. Its focus is on the short-term and immediate extermination of unwanted insects and critters. Green pest management, however, has a broader scope and aims for long-term and sustainable solutions. Apart from elimination, it looks at the root cause to prevent reinfestations.
Always Choose a Green Pest Control Company
For an effective, safe, economical, and efficient approach to eliminating pests from your property, choose a service that utilizes green solutions. A reputable company will listen to your issues and work closely with you in putting together the best plan to get rid of all the unwanted critters. Reach out to a green pest control company near you to ask any questions or request an appointment.