I.P.M., in combination with regular pest control service is used to manage pests. The I.P.M. approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace.
An I.P.M. system is designed around six basic components:
- Acceptable pest levels
- Preventive cultural practices
- Monitoring
- Mechanical controls
- Biological controls
- Chemical controls
Integrated Pest Management suggestions for the average San Diego homeowner:
- Vegetation, shrubs, trees, debris and wood mulch should be kept at least one foot away from structures.
- Cracks and crevices in walls, floors and pavement and vent openings are either sealed or eliminated.
- Cabinets, shelves (including garage storage) are thoroughly cleaned at least twice yearly.
- Food contaminated dishes, utensils and preparation surfaces are cleaned by the end of each day.
- Garbage cans and dumpsters are cleaned regularly.
- Litter is collected and disposed of at least once a week.
As mentioned previously, Integrated Pest Management is only part of the battle in controlling the pest population. Regularly scheduled pest control services will help to further eliminate pests from your establishment.
Organic Pest Control
"Organic pest control" is a recent trend in the pest industry. Since it is now illegal in the state of California for a pest control company to advertise pest control products as EPA registered or "safe" for humans, children or pets - the term "organic" became popular because people associate safety with the term organic. However, the definition of organic as it applies to pest control is:
"Organic - noting or pertaining to a class of chemical compounds that formerly comprised only those existing in or derived from plants or animals, but that now includes all other compounds of carbon."
Thus, any product that contains a carbon molecule can be advertised as "organic." We think that's a little misleading to the public and want to show you some of the less mentioned aspects of organic pest control.
Garden grade diatomaceous earth is a dehydrating powder made of fossilized crustaceans which kills and irritates insects on contact, and will deter ants from an area if thoroughly covered. However, use inside is to be avoided as inhaling the dust is hazardous to the lungs. We don't advise using it in places where you plan on disturbing the soil in close contact scenarios such as gardening for the same reason.
Boric acid is used in the control of insects as well. While a non corrosive powder, it is considered toxic and should not be swallowed. Boric acid is especially discouraged for people with children and pets.
Baits are a low toxicity control method that is especially useful for ants, where the goal is to kill the queen and other ants in the nest, not just the ants that reach the bait. Control is not immediate but can have a dampening effect in the long run.
Pesticide for Pets
You may not have realized this, but most flea control methods for pets are actually transdermal pesticides. Permethrin, mesoprene, imidacloprid, fipronil and several other compounds common to the pest control industry have made the cross over to flea control for the San Diego homeowner. Advantage contains imidacloprid, a synthetic nicotine with lower toxicity to mammals than nicotine itself. The Environmental Health Coalition found no reports of adverse health effects to humans or pet from imidacloprid products. Available over the counter, applied topically. Frontline which contains fipronil, is an over-the-counter, topically applied liquid. The Environmental Health Coalition found no reports of adverse health effects to humans or animals. Revolution contains selamectin, is a topically applied product, available by prescription only. Product information at the Pfizer website indicates side effects occurred in about 0.5% of the cats and dogs tested.
Non Toxic Pest Control
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as truly safe, non toxic pest control. Integrated pest management is the closest thing we have today. As the saying goes "cleanliness is next to godliness" and in the pest prevention world IPM has spawned an impressive following. However, occasionally pests will enter even the cleanest home and this is why we explain to our clients that continuing pest control is the best solution to your pest problems.
Call us today for a low toxicity pest control solution!
San Diego (858) 780 - 9905