When bugs try to claim your space as their own, you definitely want to stop them. The principles of IPM are a great way to stop bugs in their tracks. You may be questioning what IPM is and how it will help you with your pest invasion. We’ve got you covered. We’ve broken down IPM and why it is a great solution for your pest problems.
IPM Basics
IPM stands for integrated pest management. It is a more environmentally and people-friendly approach to pest control. IPM focuses on understanding pest biology and all factors pertaining to their presence. This information is then used to find the best solution to a pest problem. The hope of IPM is to find an effective, long-term solution that is less harmful to the environment and people. Maggie’s Farm products and solutions are aligned with IPM principles.
How Does IPM Work?
IPM may sound a bit complicated, but its principles can be broken into four main categories. The EPA outlines these as setting an action threshold, monitoring and identifying pests, prevention, and control. Check out the meaning of each of these categories and ideas for implementation.
Setting an Action Threshold
Though one spider may have you running from the room, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious pest problem. This is why it’s important to set an action threshold. Integrated pest management looks at establishing criteria for when action is needed. If you see one ant walking through your kitchen, it would be wise to make sure they can’t find a good food source, but you probably don’t need to be too concerned. However, if an army of ants has decided to move in it’s time to take action. Establishing these boundaries keeps your home safe without taking unnecessary measures.
Identifying Pests
To keep pests from staying in your home, you have to know who you’re facing. Pest control isn’t a one size fits all solution. That’s why it’s important to correctly identify the insect in your house. Bugs react differently to insecticides based on their genetic makeup. It’s important to use a product that will effectively fight the problem pest. Maggie’s Farm spray products are formulated with essential oils and natural ingredients that are known to kill on contact and to provide repellency to control specific pests. Each product has its own unique formula designed for the target insect. Maggie’s Farm bait products are another great option when dealing with a cockroach, ant, or silverfish problem and are specifically formulated to control these pests. This helps you to achieve effective, long-term results.
Prevention
IPM focuses on eliminating the need for excessive pesticides. One of the best ways to do this is to take preventative measures against pests. There are a few ways you can protect your home before the bugs invade. Pests come into your house looking for food, water, and shelter. If they find these things they won’t want to leave. Make sure your home is free of clutter, crumbs, and moisture. Check for any cracks or torn screens that provide easy access to your house. You can also fight bugs from the outside. We use essential oils from plants because plants can naturally repel bugs for protection. Try your hand at gardening. Marigolds are great for repelling aphids and mosquitoes. Peppermint deters flies, ants, and spiders from visiting.
Control
Even if you’ve taken steps to prevent pests, bug armies can still invade. When this happens, further action is needed. IPM emphasizes using green products that are more environmentally and people-friendly. Products containing natural ingredients, like plant essential oils, or borax/boric acid, pose less threat to the environment and your family when used as directed. Though effective, the toxicity levels are lower, and the natural plant oil products don’t linger in the environment for as long as synthetic chemicals. Choosing products that are designed for the target insect is also important. Some bugs are actually helpful. They pollinate plants, feed on harmful pests, and work to decompose decaying material. These bugs are considered beneficial insects. Bees, ladybugs, and even some spiders are considered beneficial. They are important to the environment and we don’t want their populations to decline. That’s why Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products are a great choice since they don’t leave behind any toxic residues that are harmful to beneficial insects.
We know a pest infestation isn’t fun and you’ll want quick and effective results. That’s why Maggie’s Farm follows IPM principles. It provides a solution that’s more environmentally and family friendly as well as effective. If bugs are giving you a fit, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.