Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  IPM is a decision making process that anticipates and prevents pest activity and infestation by combining several strategies to achieve long term solutions.

The following steps can contribute to maintaining a pest free environment:

Cockroaches and other Indoor Pests:
--Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately.
--Keep food lids closed.
--Repair leaking faucets and drains.
--Keep appliances and counters clean of grease and food.
--Store grocery bags away from food preparation areas.

Ants, Occasional Invaders and other Outdoor Pests:
--Move garbage collection area away from house; be sure containers can be securely closed.
--Caulk around doors, windows and utility inlets.
--Store firewood away from the house, and keep it elevated to avoid wood to soil contact.
--Put a one-foot wide path of pea gravel around house to deter pest entry.
--Install or repair screens in doors and windows.
--Repair cracks in foundation walls, especially basements.
--Dehumidify a wet or damp basement; improve ventilation in crawl spaces.
--Clean gutters and downspouts; be sure water is drained away from the house.
--Remove leaf litter promptly.
--Trim shrubs and trees away from house.
--Install non attracting or yellow light bulbs for exterior lighting.

Fleas:
--Have your veterinarian treat your pet for fleas before returning it to your home.
--Wash pet bedding often in hot, soapy water.
--Vacuum thoroughly in areas where pets spend time.
--Inspect pets for fleas and ticks often, especially in summer.
 

Rodents:
--Cleaning up thoroughly and often any spilled food, garbage, pet food or grain that might attract rodents. Don't forget those Fall decorations hung on doors or walls.
--Keeping all garbage in tightly-closed, metal cans, and keeping the cans and area around them clean as well.
--Being sure all outside doors, windows and vents fit snugly, with no gaps, and are kept closed, especially at night. A mouse needs only a 3/8-inch crack or hole to get inside.
--Sealing up any holes or cracks in the outside of any building big enough for a rodent to enter. Pay special attention to places where wires, pipes, or other utility lines enter a building.
--Keeping plants and shrubs trimmed back at least 12 inches from the outer surface of any building. These can provide rodents food, shelter, and an easy way up to higher entry points.