As partner of pest management professionals (PMPs), we understand how important Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is to PMPs in their duty to safeguard public health and property from vector-borne diseases and pests.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and holistic approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM-based programmes utilise knowledge on the biology of pests and their behaviour. This information, in combination with available pest management methods and conditions of treatment area, is used to manage pest damage by the most effective and economical means, while minimising possible hazard to people, property and environment.
IPM approach can be applied to various settings, such as residential, kitchen, workplace and agriculture. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of biological, physical/mechanical and chemical management tools.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process consists of six components.
A well-thought IPM programme calls to consider a variety of pest management tools available in the market. Selection of pest management tools should be tailored in consideration to desired effectiveness, infestation level, premise limitation, client resources, PMP resources, environment consideration and time.
A good PMP knows that there is no silver bullet when it comes to pest management tools. As an IPM programme progresses in a premise, circumstances can happen over time that warrant revision of tools and strategies to adapt to the new developments of a target premise.