isec home pest management
DESCRIPTION
ISEC Home Pest Management. What is ISEC?. ISEC stands for the 4 steps in getting rid of pests in your home: I is for Identify S is for Sanitize E is for Exclude C is for Control. What are ISEC’s Goals?. Prevent most household pest problems without using pesticides - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
ISEC Home Pest Management
What is ISEC?
ISEC stands for the 4 steps in getting rid of pests in your home:
• I is for Identify
•S is for Sanitize
• E is for Exclude
•C is for Control
What are ISEC’s Goals?
Prevent most household pest problems without using pesticides
Increase awareness of IPM Reduce exposure & risks of pesticides used
in the home
The Pest Triangle
Pest Problems
Food
Water
Harborage
To avoid pest problemsbreak the pest triangle
What’s This Thing Called IPM?
IPM is code for Integrated Pest Management It’s a way of thinking and acting about pest problems- a
strategy or plan that takes advantages of the weaknesses of the pest
IPM is designed to prevent pest problems rather than to control them once they occur
It uses methods that reduce risks to human health and the environment
IPM uses pesticides only when necessary, then chooses those least-toxic
Why Use IPM?
Provides long term results
Environmentally friendly
Protects human health
Reduces unnecessary pesticide use
This Sounds to Good to Be True- Does IPM have any Downsides?
Requires more knowledge & skill than reaching for a can of pesticide
Requires attention to details Results not always
immediate
Let’s Check Out ISEC’s Weapons- The Four Basic Concepts
IdentifyProperly identify the pest
SanitizeRemove what attracts pests
ExcludeKeep pests from entering the home
ControlUse non-chemical methods first, and least-toxic
pesticides only when necessary
Identify? Tell Me More
Now that you have found a pest- what is it? It’s important to know. Even similar pests
may require very different control methods
So, if you don’t know, capture it and get help!Most insect specimens can be preserved in the freezer
Preserve soft bodied insects in rubbing alcohol
ISEC- Identify
What if I can’t or don’t want to capture it?
Collect sample of it’s damage, droppings or other evidence
Take a photograph or digital image of the pest, damage or droppings
ISEC- Identify
What should I do with it now?• Use a field guide, book or bulletin to
identify the pest yourself
• Take the sample or e-mail the image to local Extension office, pest control company or nursery
ISEC Weapon No. 2- SanitizeWhat Does That Mean?
Eliminate food & water sourcesKeep food (including pet food) in pest-proof
containers
Tightly re-seal opened food packages
Do not leave food out overnight
Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink
Clean kitchen counters, tables & floors often
Clean up spilled food & drink immediately
Tell Me More- Sanitize
Encourage eating at the table
Sweep & vacuum regularly
Caulk cracks around pantry shelves so that food does not accumulate
Inspect & discard any infested food products
ISEC- Sanitize
Take out garbage several times a weekUse a closed container lined with a plastic
bag
Clean garbage can inside & out on a regular basis
Rinse items for recycling before storing in a container with a tight lidClean containers inside & out
Keep recycling containers outside
ISEC- Sanitize
Eliminate pest breeding sitesClean drains with a stiff brush,
flush with boiling water
Do not allow debris to build up on grout of tile floors
Do not allow old newspapers, magazines, plastic bags to accumulate
Weapon #3- ExcludeThat Means Keep ‘em Out!
Seal openings around pipes & electrical wiring with caulk, steel wool or foam
If you can see daylight around doors, replace weather stripping or threshold
Keep window and door screens in good repair
Place screen wire over vents and other points where pests could enter
ISEC- Exclude
Store food items in air-tight containers
• Do not buy damaged goods or infested products
• Store dried food products in the refrigerator or freezer if leaving home for an extended time
ISEC- Exclude
Use garbage containers with closed lids
Stuff weep holes with steel wool or copper mesh
ISEC- Exclude Do not store firewood or other items
against the home
Prune vegetation that touches the home
Inspect items that you bring into the home
Feed outdoor pets away from entry doors
And the Final Weapon- Control
Non-chemicalTrapping devices such as fly paper,
mouse traps or roach prisons
Use vacuum cleaner to help control pests such as fleas, moths or beetles and remove food sources
ISEC- Control Chemical
Try baits first- they are safe & effective
Use gel formulations along cracks & crevices
Insecticide sprays may be used in specific locations
Cracks & crevices
Along baseboards
If You Have to Use the Big Guns-Do it Safely!
Buy only pesticides labeled for the pest and area you are treating
Read & follow all label instructions, use only amount listed- more is not better
Keep children & pets out of treated area until the product is dry
Never apply pesticides to food
Wash hands with soap and water
Pesticide Signal Words-“The Code Words”
CautionLeast harmful to humans, handle carefully
WarningMore dangerous than “caution” labeled
products
DangerVery dangerous and/ or irritating; use with
extreme care
Pesticide Storage & Disposal
Store pesticides only in original container where children and pets cannot get to them
Follow disposal procedures on the label
Never reuse a pesticide container
Never, never pour a pesticide down a drain or toilet!
Still Have Problems?Better Hire an IPM Professional!
Must be licensed- ask to see state license and check references
Does the person and equipment appear professional?
Does the person know about IPM? Get several quotes, lowest price is
not always most economical
Here’s How You’ll Know