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.
How do PMPs and their clients know that their IPM programme works? The answer lies in post-programme evaluation through collection of monitoring data through out the IPM programme implementation.
Just as how monitoring and assessing pest numbers and damages give an overview of infestation level, monitoring and assessing throughout IPM programme tells PMPs and clients how the pests respond to preventive measures and selected management tools. Understanding this key information helps PMPs and clients to adapt and adjust their IPM programme in response to the evaluation to achieve better results. In addition, this information is very useful for PMPs in the Outcome-Based Contracting (OBC) model for service buyers.