The theory of

IPM is to reduce the use of pesticides in and around the home in the process of controlling pests.

This is done by managing the environment directly around the home to prevent food, harborage and access for insects and rodents. By doing this and understanding the biology of the insects that are common pests in the home in the Seacoast area we are able to reduce our treatments to only two exterior services a year.

What you as a home owner can do to help with the IPM process.

  1. Trim all vegetation 12 inches away from your home. Branches from bushes and trees become ladders and highways for insects and rodents to enter the home.
  2. Create a crushed stone barrier 18” wide around the foundation of the home and under any low deck areas. This will prevent insects from living directly against the foundation and help keep the vegetation away as well. Also creating an area that rodents will feel uncomfortable in so they spend less time around the foundation area looking for access points into the home.
  3. Keep ground areas around bird feeders clean so as not to attract Rodents.
  4. Fill any access points for rodents and insects. Using steel wool, caulking or foam in a can.

Some examples.

  1. Garage doors need to seal properly when they close and have the additional weather stripping along the cracks on both sides of the door to have a complete seal.
  2. Basement bulked do not seal tight enough to keep rodents out. A door should be installed at the bottom of the steps and the framing sealed to keep out rodents. This will help a lot with heating also.
  3. Pipe holes for oil and air conditioning should be sealed. This is a great place for Bumble bees, wasps and rodents to enter.
  4. Outside Corners. Place your finger under the trim boards of each corner and feel around for holes if there is one big enough for your finger it is big enough for a mouse. This is a direct highway into the attic of your home.

Each home and property is different and more methods may be needed depending on the layout of the property and design of the home. When we inspect a property we will give further suggestions to help with this process.