Pests are a health hazard, an annoying presence, and sadly, all around us. If your establishment is ridden with pest problems, chances are you have crossed paths with pest control experts in your effort to control pest infestations. However, have you signed up for a pest control service with a provider but don’t know what to expect? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you the services that you should be receiving from a responsible pest control service provider after signing up. Read on to find out more about the steps that should be taken in an integrated pest management programme against pests.

Step 1: Pest Identification

Pest management professionals who embrace a sustainable approach to control pest populations practice integrated pest management (IPM). This practice does not abuse the use of chemicals in an attempt to wipe out pest populations. Instead, they take a scientifically proven approach to tackle our little enemies responsibly. The very first step of the war would be to know what we’re up against. Correct pest identification, down to the exact species of the pest, is important to choose the right strategy against the insects. You can expect your pest control service provider to request for samples of the insects that are infesting your establishment, or they might come knocking on your door themselves to catch some for identification. Don’t worry, this is a normal step that is vital to the rest of our pest control efforts.

Step 2: Monitoring

After we know what the insect we’re dealing with is exactly, pest management professionals will need to place traps around the compound to monitor the infestation level. This step is important as it will be used to gauge the level of treatment required. The initial infestation level will also be used as a ‘before’ to be compared with the pest presence after treatment.

Step 3: Choosing the best management strategies

After gathering information about the initial infestation level, a decision has to be made about the choice of treatment. The decision-making process needs to take into consideration many factors, such as the environment in question, equipment, budget given, and health hazards (such as presence of pets, children, or food). In this step, clear communication between pest management professionals and clients is highly encouraged to achieve a series of control methods that both sides are comfortable with. This step is strongly linked to the next step.

Step 4: Education and Sanitation

It is the pest management professionals’ duty to answer any pest-related questions you might have, just like how it’s your responsibility to ask what you can do to help in this war against these insects. Often times, pest infestation can be discouraged through proper sanitation. Food sources or pipe leaks that might serve as a watering hole for these insects can be eliminated if the clients do their part in eliminating the pests.

Step 5: Treatment

Finally, the step we’re waiting for- the administering of the agreed treatment. In order for the pest control efforts to be successful, the type of treatment and the do’s and don’ts that come with it must be adhered to. For example, if a residual spray has been applied to around the building, spraying the treated surfaces with water jets is highly discouraged. It might take time for results to be seen, but with the cooperation and joint effort of both pest control experts and clients, these pests wouldn’t have a chance!

Step 6: Follow-up

If you think that the job’s done after pest management professionals treated your establishment, you’re wrong! Monitoring the pest populations after treatment (maybe 6 months or even a year after treatment) is needed to ensure that the treatment works. If the results are not as good as expected, troubleshooting will be needed to determine what went wrong, and a better strategy can be deployed to treat the problem. If the results were excellent and not a trace of the pest can be found anymore, don’t let our guard down! It is important that we keep the pests out and ensure that they don’t return!

In the battle against pests, our relationship with our pest management provider is crucial for us to win. Proper communication is important for a long-term joint venture to eradicate pests responsibly. Here at Ikari Singapore, we believe in a sustainable approach for a cleaner, greener future. We’d be happy to be your ally in your fight against pests. Drop us a message today and we’ll send out our technicians to your doorsteps!