Pest Control Tips
Inspection and Documentation: Integral Parts of IPM
Effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involves more than relying on product-based solutions. IPM is a process that starts with inspection of an infested site and includes documentation throughout the entire process.
Inspection of a site goes beyond locating the harborages of pests. To effectively solve a problem, pest control operators need to correctly determine the degree of pest infestation and the type of pest. Noting structural and environmental conditions helps in identifying pests. PMPs can better treat a problem if they know the type of pest they are targeting and keep its behavior in mind.
Identification influences pest control.
For example, a trait of cockroaches is the preference to have the sides or tops of their bodies touching another object, so they are more likely to walk along walls and close to furniture. This means a cockroach could completely miss a trap set even a few inches away from a wall.
Proper inspection includes checking all the cracks and crevices in which pests can hide. Special tools are needed to reach the out-of-the-way places pests prefer. A flashlight helps PMPs see in dark places, while a mirror helps to see underneath, behind and on top of objects. A flushing agent helps inspect small cracks where a flashlight won't provide adequate visibility. Screwdrivers and pliers are needed to open equipment panels and gain access to difficult-to-reach areas.
Sitting or crawling on the floor is not unusual for a proper inspection. Areas need to be examined from a pest's perspective, which means getting close to the ground. Nighttime inspections can also be productive, because many pests are active at night.
Detailed records organize the IPM process.
For complex situations, it might be helpful to draw diagrams noting harborages. This leads to documentation, a key element of IPM. Records should be kept throughout the process, listing the pests, the extent of the infestation, the tools and products used, discussions with clients and structural deficiencies.
In some states, documentation is necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements, but it also protects the PMP and the customer. Documentation helps organize and implement an effective program. Making detailed notes is critical for follow-up when initial methods don't work. If another method is necessary, it's important to know which methods were already attempted.
