At my request, we had a “pest control” company come and talk to us about IPM yesterday. In my last Green Challenge post, I defined IPM as Integrated Pest Management. But what does that really mean in a very practical sense?
According to 50simplethings.com, IPM “is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.”
To give a historical perspective, issues surrounding pesticide use have been debated since the book “Silent Spring,” written by Rachel Carsen, was published in 1962. At the center of this continuing debate is a concern that pesticide users are not adequately protecting the food supply, the environment, and farm workers from unintended adverse effects. My family and I saw cause for concern first-hand during our trip to California. Even though the workers who sprayed were covered, was that protection really adequate? And what about the workers picking the fruit? They appeared to have no protection from what had been previously sprayed.
Other issues with pesticide use include the increasing pest resistance to pesticides, the loss of economical pest control products due to regulatory actions and market forces, and higher costs of new reduced risk pesticides. Safe and effective IPM systems can increase farm profitability, reduce environmental and human health risks, and protect natural resources.
So what does all this have to do with me as a homeowner? Well, I believe IPM systems should be used in our homes. Think about the various ways we each may be using chemicals and pesticides in and around our homes, gardens and lawns in order to keep them beautiful and pest-free. We may not think that our little home has an impact on the environment, but don’t forget that everything that runs off your yard or that goes through your home’s plumbing ultimately ends up in the sewer system which eventually makes its way to our waterways. And most importantly, IPM systems can help us keep our home environment as toxic-free as possible. I want to make sure that when my children or pets are indoors or in our yard, they are not being exposed to harmful toxins.
As my husband and I look for the right company, I want to hear how they propose to manage the pests. We want to prevent pest occurrences (e.g., how do we make sure the field mice don’t re-enter our home?) and we want to control any infestations (when they do get in what do we do about it?). I want a service that will take into account the behavior patterns and life cycles of pests, will use non-toxic treatment methods in most instances, and will only consider and discuss with us the use of pesticides and chemicals as a last resort. When a chemical treatment seems warranted, I want to know that we are using the least harmful for ourselves and our environment.
There are companies willing to work with customers to create an IPM plan, but you’ll usually have to ask about IPM to find that out. Most companies don’t offer IPM as their first option because IPM is more time-consuming and the products and methods may be more expensive. But don’t give up–the company I’m currently talking to apparently cares more about having our business for the long haul and has become willing to really make an IPM plan with us that works for all of us. I’ll keep you posted!
DID YOU KNOW…
In 1962 Rachael Carson’s book Silent Spring exposed the hazards of pesticides and motivated research into Integrated Pest Management.
An IPM method called “adaptive pesticides” uses beneficial insects to prey on pest insects. This approach helps reduce or eliminate the need for toxic pesticides by providing natural pest control for your garden. Doing this also avoids the issue of pests developing resistance to pesticides since the beneficial insects evolve right along with the garden pests.
FOR TODAY…I will continue to dialogue with the pest control company we have identified to create an IPM plan that I feel comfortable implementing, taking into account my family and the environment.
