At Earthwise Pest Management, we utilize our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. This 3-step process allows us to effectively and safely remove pests and keep them from returning to your Sacramento home. Unlike other pest control methods, we don’t rely solely on the use of pesticides. Our method also utilizes pest exclusion. We work with you to remove food sources, water sources, and entry points to your home so that pests are less likely to find your house a hospitable home. By doing this, we can minimize our use of pesticides and still effectively remove and prevent pests from entering your home.
[uxi_button link=”https://www.myearthwisepest.com/contact/” new_window=”0″ link_type=”” class=”button-block button-block-mobile button-32″ padding_x=”45″ padding_y=”15″ text=”Learn More About Our Integrated Pest Management Program” text_size=”18″ text_size_mobile=”” text_font=”header-font” sub_text=”” sub_text_size=”12″ sub_text_size_mobile=”” sub_text_font=”header-font” icon=”” icon_size=”12″ icon_size_mobile=”” icon_align=””]
Step 1: Detailed Inspection
The first step to our IPM program is a detailed inspection. During this step, we examine your property and the infestation, learning everything we need to know about both. We determine how the pests entered your property, where they are finding food and water, where they are breeding and nesting, and what attracted them to your home in the first place. We also inspect the location and size of the infestation. Understanding all of this information helps us to effectively treat the infestation and also provides insight into how it began, so we can work with you to prevent further pest problems.
Step 2: Pest Identification
After we have finished with our inspection, we begin with the second step: pest identification. This step allows us to identify the exact species of pest we are dealing with. Identification goes beyond understanding that you have an ant infestation or a rodent problem. We need to identify the exact species so we can create an effective plan of action. Species of the same pest can have different preferences. For example, one species of ant may prefer dry conditions while another may prefer moisture. When we identify the exact species, we will better understand how to make your home less desirable to that particular pest.
Step 3: Pest Treatment Plan
After we have collected all the information that we need in the first two steps, we create and implement a treatment plan. To those who are not familiar with IPM, our pest treatment plan may seem a bit unorthodox, but it is proven to be extremely effective. Of course, we use pest control products to treat the infestation, but we will also make suggestions to you to help deter pests from entering your home again. We may suggest fixing a torn screen, sealing a hole in the foundation, or even make suggestions about hygiene habits such as storing your food in tightly sealed containers rather than on the counter and emptying your trash can more frequently. We want to ensure that your house is not offering a comfortable, attractive home for pests.
Follow-Up Maintenance and Pest Management
After we have completed our IPM process, we always recommend follow-up maintenance and pest management. This allows us to ensure that pests do not come back to your home after an infestation is cleared. During these inspections, we will go through all three of our IPM steps again, as needed, to make sure that the pests do not return. We will also continue to keep a lookout for other pests and anything that may be attracting them to your home.
At Earthwise Pest Management, we have all of the tools and knowledge necessary to remove a pest infestation from your Sacramento home. However, we truly believe that the best way to handle pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. We have created this list to help you prevent a pest problem before one even starts. From keeping food off the counter to fixing broken window screens, there are plenty of small things that you can do around the house that can help prevent pests from making their home in your home. Read on to learn more about pest prevention.
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Keep Your Space Clutter-Free
Pests love to have dark places to hide. One of the simplest things that you can do to prevent pests in your home is to keep your space free from clutter. When you do this, you are removing the number of places that they can nest and breed, which means your house may no longer be their first choice for a home. Ensure that clutter is cleaned up and also that stacks of boxes are raised off of the ground. In addition, make sure to clean behind any larger items in garages, basements, and attics often to avoid pests from nesting.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Clean the Kitchen and Bathroom Often
The kitchen and bathroom both offer a water source for pests. They are the rooms in your home that are most likely to attract pests, so keeping them clean is essential. Make sure you wipe down counters, clean the floors, empty the trash cans, and clean up any standing water to prevent your kitchen and bathroom from attracting pests.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Fix Broken or Damaged Window Screens
In order for pests to make a home in your house, they need to have a way to enter your home. Oftentimes, pests find a way into your home through a broken or damaged window screen. Pests like fruit flies, wasps, rodents, mosquitos, spiders, moths, ants, and cockroaches can all enter your home through a broken or damaged window screen. Once a year when the weather begins to warm, go around and inspect your screens and replace or repair any that are damaged or broken.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Seal Cracks Around the Foundation
Cracks and holes in your foundation are another way that pests can enter your home. Most pests are relatively small in size, so they don’t need a large space in order to enter your home. Rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and termites can all crawl through small cracks and holes. Try inspecting your home’s foundation once a year and have any holes and cracks repaired immediately.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Keep Food in Tightly Sealed Containers
Food left out on the counter in loosely rolled-up bags or poorly closed cardboard boxes can all become a food source for pests. Just because you rolled up that bag of potato chips doesn’t mean that an ant or cockroach can’t crawl through the opening for a snack. Whenever you open a new product, transfer it to a container that has a lid with a tight seal. This will take away an easy food source for pests.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Empty Your Trash Often
Trash is a smorgasbord for pests. It can provide food, water, and even a breeding ground for some pests. Trash cans in your home that have food waste should be emptied and taken outside often. And, your outside trash cans should be kept a distance away from your home so you don’t attract pests there as well.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Check for Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Another easy way for pests to enter your home is through gaps around your windows and doors. Again, these spaces don’t have to be particularly large. Consider the size of a small ant or termite. These pests can fit through spaces that are so small, you may not have even noticed them. Try checking around the windows and doors in your home and filling in any cracks with silicone or caulking.
[grid_col_close]
[grid_row_close]
[grid_row_open class=””]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”25%” desktop=”25%” center=”palm”]
[grid_col_close]
[grid_col_open class=”” palm=”100%” tablet=”75%” desktop=”75%” center=”palm”]
Ensure there Is No Standing Water In or Around Your Home
Standing water in or outside of your home is an easy way to attract pests. Make sure that your sprinkler system is in working order, you don’t have any leaking pipes, and you could even try to get into the habit of wiping down your sinks and tub after use. This will eliminate an obvious water source for pests.
Why Is IPM the Best Method of Pest Control?
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an extremely effective form of pest control that allows us to minimize our use of pesticides. Taking preventative measures like fixing openings around windows, keeping your trash can away from your house, and keeping all of your food in tightly sealed containers can help keep pests at bay. And, when we combine these measures with pest control products, we create a safe and efficient form of pest control. IPM is ideal for eradicating current pest problems as well as preventing any future infestations. At Earthwise Pest Management, we utilize IPM because we know it works.
