I. Principles of Intregated Pest Management (IPM)

A. Reduction of Pesticide Exposure

1. Application Techniques
2. Applying to only active harborages
3. Cease regular insecticide treatments
4. Educate the customer

B. What Is IPM?

1. A system of controlling pests that does not depend on automatic application of pesticides.
2. Aspects of IPM include careful inspections; regular monitoring; identifying conditions contributing to pest problems; priority given to non-chemical techniques; record keeping to track problems, prevent re-occurrences and evaluating existing pest management actions.

C. A Typical IPM Visit

1. Review the log book or sighting log to see if any reported pest problems exist since the last service visit.
2. Check-in with the staff members in charge of handling the service to discuss special problems or conditions.
3. Conduct walk-through visual inspections. This should include every area both inside and out, checking for pest activity and evidence of problems. Be sure to look at sticky traps and monitoring devices. Communicate with individuals working in these areas by asking questions and discussing pest problems.
4. Identify any pest that is found and decide if its numbers are above the action threshold level which requires some method of control. NOTE: Action thresholds are usually pre-determined at the time of sale and are included in the scope of service.
5. For each individual pest problem, a decision must be made as to what control tactics to use given the following:
   • Identity of the pest
   • Extent of the problem
   • Sensitivity of the site
6. Non-chemical recommendations in addition to non-chemical pest management should be implemented whenever possible.
7. If a pesticide application is necessary then you would choose a product that poses the least hazard to people and environment (minimal risks).
8. Evaluate the work since the previous visit to determine its success or if further action is needed.
9. Lastly, document the service, make entries in the log book, prepare any notices to the customer and complete any other record keeping requirements.

II. Monitoring Pests

A. Action Thresholds

1. The point at which action (control) must be taken.
2. Site and pest dependent
   • a. Different levels dictate the control actions
   • b. Utilize common sense and evaluate the location and severity.
   • c. These levels can be revised based on continued sightings of lack thereof.

B. Monitoring Devices

1. Sticky Traps
2. Pheromone Traps
3. Spider Webs
4. Light Traps
5. Baits (Acceptance Rates)
6. Actual Sightings (Log Book)
7. Flying Insects Traps

C. How to Use and Evaluate Monitoring Devices

1. Sticky Traps
   • Primarily used for crawling insects, but can capture flyers as well (fungus gnats, etc.)
   • Fasten them to help indicate direction of travel
   • Observe life stages i.e. nymphs, adults, and sex (male/female)
   • Replace them regularly when they become dirty or contaminated
   • Use in high and low risk areas
   • Initial and date traps - map their locations. Record any captures and be sure to include the pest and location.
   • Try to check the traps on a regular schedule so that you can use the information for comparison purposes
   • Be consistent - Use the same type of trap if at all possible
   • Think like an insect! Act like an insect!
2. Pheromone Traps - NOTE: Monitors particular pests - Pheromone is host specific
   • Useful in monitoring cockroaches (German, American, and oriental)
     • Victor M330 and M331
   • Indian meal moth
   • warehouse/khapra beetle
   • red and confused flour beetle
   • cigarette beetle
   • saw-toothed grain beetle
   • drugstore beetle
   • Angoumois grain moth
   • grain borers (larger and lesser)
   • Drosophila and house flies
   • webbing clothes moth
3. Spider Webs
   • Although not always available, they are invaluable because spiders construct webbing where know insect activity occurs.
   • Webs will contain most insects and various insect carcasses can be observed to detect activity.
4. Light Traps
   • Utilize ultraviolet lights to attract flying insects
   • Placement is critical
   • Can cause other insect problems, i.e. dermestid beetles
   • Bulb replacement is crucial to continue effectiveness of the trap
5. Baits
   • Pre-baiting ex. Census (Rodent Monitor)
   • Bait acceptance rates
6. Log Book
   • Trends relating to captures and sightings
7. Flying Insect Traps
   • yellowjackets (outdoors)
   • fruit flies (indoors or outdoors)
   • flies (outdoors)

III. Non-Chemical Pest Management

A. Sanitation

1. Vacuuming
2. Steam Cleaning or Power-washing
3. Containers which are insect- and vermin-proof
4. Proper Rotation of Stock
5. Proper Storage
   • Off floor
   • Out of boxes
   • Away from walls
     • Inspection Stripe
6. Proper Waste Disposal
7. Planting which discourage insect and rodent harborage

B. Exclusion

1. Physical or mechanical alterations which prevent pest entry or otherwise reduce the attractiveness of the area
   • Kick plates
   • Weather-stripping
   • Screening and hardware cloth
   • Caulking
   • Mortar and/or concrete sealing
   • Eliminating moisture sources
   • Changing mulching materials

C. Trapping

1. Insect
2. Rodent

IV. Using Pesticide in IPM

A. Pesticide Hazards

1. Labels
2. MSDS

B. Choosing the Right Pesticide

1. Utilize the signal words
2. Formulations
3. Volatility

C. Application Tactics

1. Baits
2. Gels and Pastes
3. Cracks and Crevice
4. Voids (Insider)
5. Spot Treatment
6. Perimeter
7. Space Sprays
   • Time of Treatments
   • Sensitive Areas
   • Out of Sight - - Out of Mind
8. IGR's

V. Record Keeping

A. Floor Plan

B. Log Book

1. Activity and Sightings
2. Monitoring Data
3. Service Tickets

C. Quarterly Reports or Evaluation of the Program

1. Determine whether or not goals are being achieved, corrections need to be made, or other implementations are necessary.

Prepared by: Jerry Bukovsky, Pesident, Maryland Pest Control Association

Provided by: Edward A. Crow, crowea@mda.state.md.us
Entomologist, Certification and Training
Pesticide Regulation Section
Maryland Department of Agriculture