All posts in “Integrated Pest Management”

Did you know about School IPM programs?

 

There are a lot of friends and industry members that read and follow my home seal (thank you), so I wanted to be sure to update you on a fellow site that is full of resources. IPM Institute

“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a prevention-based, highly effective approach proven to reduce pest complaints and pesticide use by up to 90% in schools and other public buildings.  IPM practices such as sanitation and exclusion also improve food safety, fire safety and energy conservation.”

Every day, 49 million children attend school in the United States, served by nearly seven million teachers and staff.   But they’re not alone.  Schools are also frequented by a number of pests including cockroaches, mice, dust mites and more.  Asthma is epidemic among children, impacting nearly 6% of school children nationally with rates as high as 25% in urban centers.  Cockroaches are potent asthma triggers.

I have said numerous times that it is absolutely important to use care in the delivery of pesticides. I believe so much in that principle – that we hardly ever treat inside homes any longer. With that said I still think there is a place and a necessity for the use of pesticides. Here are a few examples when it might be necessary:

  1. Africanized Honeybees inside the school
  2. Invasion of German roaches (probably from boxes delivered the night before)
  3. Rodent/wildlife loose in school
  4. Bed Bugs

QualityProSchoolLogo     QualityProFoodProt     greenpro-logo

New pesticide training manual released.

 

Every day ProBest Pest Management uses its best efforts to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) best management standards to prevent pests from gaining access into homes. There are some great sites to help every homeowner prevent bugs from getting into your family retreats. Recently Western Farm Press did an article on the great information http://westernfarmpress.com/management/western-ipm-center-releases-pesticide-training-material

probestpestmanagementDSC06302  This picture is from a tenant who decided that the weeds and termites could be treated with used motor oil, it is illegal and could be dangerous. Before we did the termite treatment we removed the oil and disposed of it properly.

PLEASE — USE COMMON SENSE! If that oil seeped into our water system we all suffer.

How to get ready for the Spring bug season?

How to get ready for the Spring bug season?

  1. The more feeder bugs could equal more scorpions or spiders on your property and eventually inside your home, pest control is important.
  2. Check your home for cracks and crevices where bugs and rodents try to get in.
  3. Don’t store stuff around the foundation of your home.
  4. If you do have firewood, store it on something and away from the house.
  5. Check your storage areas for pests.
  6. Don’t over water things, to much water may kill plants and encourage more bug activity.

As always if you become overwhelmed don’t let it go and hope for the best. Call a Pest Management Professional who can either give you advice or give you a hand. A great site for information on seeking a Professional is http://www.pestworld.org

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Is your building pest-proof? San Francisco sets standards.

Is your building pest-proof? San Francisco sets standards.

 

First-ever national guidelines published on designing buildings to prevent pests.

“The standard definition of ‘green building’ has mostly included considerations around location, energy use and recycling materials,” said Melanie Nutter, Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment. “

The Pest Industry has over the years recommended  (IPM) Integrated Pest Management now the City of San Francisco steps up to do the right thing.  United States Green Building Council (USGBC) updates LEEDS Standards 2/29/2012 home seal and What’s all the fuss about pest control and IPM? 5/16/2012 PESP

 Good job and kudo’s to the City of San Francisco…

Boom, goes another house!

    

Boom, goes another house!

 

‘Bug bomb’ burns house – Henry County, GA

Read that last line from the Fire Captain and the entire story to see what happens when people don’t read or follow label and use directions.

 

The fire captain suggested a few simple tips, to prevent the devastation of losing a home to fire, and/or an explosion in an attempt to rid the home of bugs.

#• Carefully read the product label first. Product labels provide information on how to use the product safely. Ask for help if you have trouble understanding the instructions.

#• Turn off all possible ignition sources when using bug bombs. This includes stoves, heaters, and water heaters that have pilot lights. Be sure to turn off all electrical appliances that may generate heat or sparks.

#• Use only the number of foggers you need for the area you want to treat. You will find that information in the directions. Using more than the recommended number does not eliminate pests faster.

#• Reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to keep pests away (cover garbage, keep food in plastic containers, keep house clean, etc.).

#• Contact a commercial applicator to control the presence of pests if you are experiencing a severe infestation.

Unwelcome visitor in my driveway on Saturday .

Unwelcome visitor in my driveway on Saturday.

I absolutely love when our customers take photo’s and send them our way. Always on guard in Arizona, when the temperatures get HOT out come some of our friends including rattlesnakes. The Fire Department responded on Saturday and gently removed the snake and relocated it to the wash area.

Not everything needs to be killed, the snake was just out wondering and looking for food.

Thanks AJ for the picture and we will start the use of Snake Away immediately!!

Here is another picture of what can hide and where?

Pets versus Pests…

     Pets versus Pests…

I think I speak for many of us with our fondness of our pets, Americans love their pets and cats have recently overtaken dogs in popularity. I have two dogs Lilly my Beagle and Gracie my Beagle Corgie mix (I think).

What kind of pests can attack our pets? Fleas, ticks are just a few, so what can we do to protect our beloved pets? Many people use those products that are put onto the pets, the pests bite and die from the pesticide. I prefer the ones with an IGR or Insect Growth Regulator which inhibits the growth of the flea or tick.

 Remember that on any trips to the desert or even to the dog park, your pets can pick up ticks or fleas. The other way the pests may get at your pets is from traveling critters such as squirrels, raccoons or skunks or maybe feral cats getting into your yards.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools a good thing?

Is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools a good thing?

Texas mandates IPM for their schoolsSchool Integrated Pest Management

The days of spraying every home is gone it’s all about less = more, what do I mean? Pesticides have been changing for a long time.  They have become better in mode of action against the bugs. IPM Institute We now have baits and specific control products for specific insect pests. Isn’t it better to localize treatment rather than spray areas where no bug have ever been seen. Some people may be allergic to insect skins or fecal material while another may be allergic to a certain type of pesticide. Caution should be the power word in dealing with anyone that may be sensitive to a certain chemical pesticide.   A recent home seal here at ProBest talks about The days of power spraying every house is coming to a close…

My theory is less pesticide in the home is better!

Integrated Pest Management

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