Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a practical approach to pest management that relies on a combination of reasonable practices. IPM programs utilize up-to-date information on pests’ life cycles and environmental interaction. This knowledge, along with available pest control methods, is used to minimize pest damage in the most economical way possible while minimizing risks to people, property, and the environment.
How do IPM programs work?
IPM is not a single method but a series of pest management evaluations, decisions, and controls. Growers who employ IPM follow a four-step approach:
1. Set Action Thresholds:
IPM establishes a threshold that indicates when pest control measures must be taken before taking any pest control action. The presence of a single pest does not always necessitate control. Determining the level at which problems become an economic threat is crucial in guiding future control decisions.
2. Monitor and Identify Pests:
Not all pests require control; many are harmless or beneficial. IPM programs focus on monitoring and accurately identifying problems to make appropriate control decisions based on the established thresholds. This ensures that pesticides are not used unnecessarily or inappropriately.
3. Prevention:
As the primary pest control strategy, IPM programs aim to manage crops, lawns, or indoor spaces to prevent pests from becoming a significant threat. Cultural methods are employed, such as crop rotation, selecting pest-resistant varieties, and planting pest-free rootstock. These methods are highly effective, cost-efficient, and pose minimal risks to people and the environment.
4. Control:
When monitoring, identification, and established thresholds indicate the need for pest control and preventive methods are no longer effective, IPM programs assess the most suitable control method regarding effectiveness and risk. Less risky pest controls, such as targeted chemicals or mechanical control methods like trapping or weeding, are prioritized. Further pest control measures, such as targeted pesticide spraying, may be used if these methods fail. Indiscriminate pesticide spraying is the last resort.
Do most growers use IPM?
IPM is best described as a continuum, with many agricultural growers identifying pests before resorting to spraying. Some growers use less risky pesticides, like pheromones. These growers are all part of the IPM continuum. The goal is to encourage growers to advance along the continuum and adopt all appropriate IPM techniques.
How do you know if the food you buy is grown using IPM?
Generally, food produced using IPM practices is not labeled or identified in the marketplace like organic food. Unlike organic certification, there is no national certification for IPM growers established by the United States Department of Agriculture. Since IPM is a multifaceted pest control process rather than a set of specific practices, it is challenging to have a single IPM definition applicable to all foods and regions. However, many individual commodity growers, such as potato and strawberry growers, are working towards defining IPM practices for their specific crops and regions.
In limited areas, you may find foods labeled as IPM-grown. Explaining IPM practices would enable growers to market more of their products as IPM-grown, providing consumers with additional choices when purchasing food.
Why Choose Four Seasons Exterminating
We’re passionate about helping people just like you get rid of unwanted pest problems. As such, we are proud to be the only pest control company in the local area to be Quality Pro Certified promising excellence in value, service, and trust.
Value
After your pest inspection, we’ll provide you with a quote that makes sense for your budget and unique needs.
Service
We’re not happy unless you are. So if you’re not satisfied with your most recent service, we’ll make it right.
Trust
We know you are putting a lot of trust in our hands. So we promise to treat you and your home with respect.
Current Customer Savings
Bundle and save when you add backyard pest control to your existing package!
For more information about IPM, call 989-465-2921 today!
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY
Mitchell, our technician, was very prompt, kind, and professional. We’ve had Randy in the past, who was also great to work with. This is our third year with four seasons, and I wish I’d started sooner! Many fewer bugs and spiders since they’ve started spraying!😃– Susan T. in Grand Rapids, MI.
Excellent service. The quarterly or seasonal re-occurring pest control plans are extremely important for property maintenance and keeping my kids and myself free of Bee stings and deathly allergic reactions. they now offer flea and ticks as well as Mosquitos control!!!– Jessica H. in Grand Rapids, MI.
Ed came out to my house and did an incredible job. He was patient with me, answered all of my questions, and got rid of the problem. He was knowledgeable, clearly, with over 30 years of experience, and very professional. Obviously, none of us hope for future issues, but if I have anything in the future, Four Seasons will be my first call!– Matthew P. in Grand Rapids, MI.
I have used Four Seasons Exterminating for over 20 years. They are very reliable. If you have an urgent need, they make room in the schedule for it. Technicians are always very pleasant to interact with. I’d say they are one of the best services out there!– Sue H. in Lakeview, MI.
Ed was always outfitted with all the right tools for his job. We had been trying to get rid of these bugs for at least 3 years. We called Four Seasons Week 1. He killed at least 75 percent of them. This is week 6, and we have hardly seen a bug. Thank You for the great service.– Greg C. in Lakeview, MI.
Kay Winter is our exterminator, and she does an excellent job! We have used them for 6 years now, and we never have any bugs. We live in the woods, and the bugs aren’t even bad outside around the house! Great business and great people to work with! We would and do recommend them to people all the time!!!– Marcia B. in Lakeview, MI.
Our Rep Hannah is awesome. She is always checking in on us and comes extra whenever needed. She is a great communicator and we appreciate her so much. Thank you for all you do!– Taylor R. in Ada, MI
They did a fantastic job, were super quick, and did a great job getting rid of the pests.– Brook G. in Ada, MI
I have used Four Seasons Exterminating for years at my home and cottage. Always dependable and responsive. Keeps the bugs and other creepy things away. Very Happy with their service!– Tarri O. in Ada, MI
I have been using this company for 4+ years for preventative insect control and had great results. We live on a lake where spiders are rampant, and they have eliminated the problem and general pesky insects. The people who spray are very professional.– Carla in Newaygo, MI
I am more excited it wasn’t termites! However, it was a great service. The tech was knowledgeable and very friendly. Great communication about the inspection date and time. I would recommend them!– Matthew P. in Newaygo, MI
I’m very happy with how well Four Seasons Exterminating keeps unwanted insects out of the yard. It’s very nice to be able to sit on the patio and not get chased in the house by mosquitoes. My dog has not had any fleas or ticks at all. Definitely makes your backyard a more enjoyable experience. Give them a try. I’m sure you will be very happy with the results.– Pete B. in Newaygo, MI
Ed and his coworkers are very kind and knowledgeable. I’ve been getting their service for a couple of months now, and I can see a big difference in our home. It works. We highly recommend it. We trust them, leaving them in our home without any concerns. The pricing is very affordable as well. Is well worth it.– Daisy G. in Big Rapids, MI.
Randy is professional, friendly, dependable, and always willing to take time to share his knowledge. He does a fantastic job of keeping our home free of pests, and most importantly, he considers the quality of his service to be personal as well as professional.– Diane C. in Big Rapids, MI.
We cannot begin to express the absolutely amazing service, attentiveness, and immediate attention to our needs. Josh is clearly dedicated to customers and to ensuring the best outcomes. It’s rare to find such amazing traits in an individual and a company.– Kelly M. in Big Rapids, MI.
