What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a systematic approach to pest management, focusing more on prevention then control in order to provide commercial properties such as food processing and food retail facilities with a pest-free environment.

IPM provides a solid pest management solution by employing a combination of practices to eliminate the root causes of pest infestations. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests, their behaviour, biology and interactions with the environment.

At Rentokil, this information is combined with our latest pest control methods and digital pest control solutions to effectively manage pest infestations through the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

How does integrated pest management work?

By utilising the latest in pest control technology mixed with a proactive approach to pest prevention, Rentokil’s integrated pest management programme supports global businesses to protect themselves against pest infestations by applying the following 4 protocols.

1. Setting action thresholds

Rentokil works with customers to understand when pests are a problem for their particular business requirements — each customer segment is different. We help pinpoint the level at which pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken. A single pest doesn’t always mean control is needed, but in sectors such as food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, zero tolerance is expected.

Our technician will make recommendations based on a variety of factors, such as:

• The pest species involved and its appearance
• Individual tolerance
• The environment
• The type of business or structure.

2. Monitoring and identifying pests

Highly trained pest control technicians are key in comprehensive pest inspections, expert tools and technology are used to help identify and evaluate what makes your business unique, risk areas and any conditions which may be conducive to pest activity. At Rentokil, we provide commercial accounts with recommendations, staff training and supporting resources to help customers look out for:

• Pest evidence
• Pest-conducive conditions
• Areas with moisture, heat, humidity
• Food or water that pests can access
• Pest harborage (interior/exterior, trash areas, drains, building perimeter-weeds and debris)
• Pest entry points (doors, loading docks)

3. Pest prevention

There are many procedures from sanitation practices to the laying of mechanical trapping devices that help prevent pests and mitigates risk of infestations. Practising good sanitation eliminates food, water, harbourage and concealed routes of movement for pests. Sanitation is assessed at every inspection — in both the interior and exterior of the facility.

Any deficiencies in sanitation are documented and followed up with personalised advice and recommendations.

Another integral part of integrated pest management is exclusion, which limits pest access to the inside of a facility. As the majority of pests enter buildings from the outside, general maintenance measures such as sealing holes and gaps, replacing screens and repairing defects around entryways, pipes, drains and other structures will be recommended to help exclude pests.

4. Pest control methods

Based on inspection findings, Rentokil will work with you to develop a custom integrated pest management program, evaluating the proper control methods both for effectiveness and risk:

• Physical methods: This is the manipulation of an environmental condition to make it unfavourable for a pest to thrive. Pest control solutions such as heat treatments manipulate humidity, light and temperature as a non-toxic method to control insect pests.
• Mechanical methods: This includes the use of our innovative digital pest control solutions which focuses around using IoT-enabled devices as well as commercial fly control products to help control and prevent pests infestations on your property.
• Chemical methods: If applicable, pesticides can be used in the form of spot treatment or fumigation services to ensure pest infestations are controlled effectively. However, the goal of an integrated pest management solution is to reduce the use of pesticides and alternative non-toxic options usually come into play, particularly when food safety and other regulations are involved.