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.
“Prevention is better than cure” is a very common adage, and it takes two hands to clap when it comes to preventing pest problems.
Successful pest preventive measures involve more than just understanding the target pest biology and behaviour to plan preventive measures, but very importantly, implementing the measures and engaging all stakeholders to participate in pest prevention. Management of critical points such as housekeeping, waste management and structural maintenance that can attract and harbour pests need to be co-shared among PMPs, clients, contractors and users of the target premise.
When critical points for preventive measures are neglected, no amount of pest management tools will be effective alone, and certainly without putting excessive stress on environment, resources and time.