Since infested areas provide harborage for Pests, changing or eliminating some of these favorable conditions will make the buildup of Pest populations less likely. Such changes commonly include moisture reduction, elimination of clutter, pallet management, and changes to lighting and landscaping which promote Pest problems.
Sanitation is a key component to the success of any IPM program. The structural Pest Control applicator must educate the client on the importance of maintaining a high level of cleanliness both inside and outside a structure. By maintaining a clean environment, Pests may be eliminated. Sanitation practices may include routine and “special” cleaning, review and improvement of waste management practices and management or packing materials such as cardboard boxes.
Exclusion techniques involve methods that maintain an environment free from Pests. The selection of exclusion methods depends on the site and its intended use. Exclusion can include approaches such as caulking, screening, weather stripping and installing barriers ( eg, porcupine wire) to reduce bird perching and loafing) to prevent Pests from entering or using structures.
Physical control includes setting traps, glue boards or using other mechanical devices to reduce Pest populations. In some situations, physical control also involves the use of heat and cold to manage Pests. Physical control can also include nest removal using high pressure streams of water or manual methods.
In order to control certain Pests, or in certain situations, the structural Pest control applicator must use a Pesticide. A structural Pest control applicator has more contact with the public than other types of applicators. It is of the utmost importance that the applicator conveys and demonstrates a high degree of competency when applying Pesticides. Failure to do so leaves the public with concerns about the risk of exposure to themselves, their family or coworkers, plus the possibility of damage to the surroundings.
• That the Pest has been correctly identified,
• That an appropriate Pesticide has been chosen to treat the Pest,
• That the Pesticide is registered to control the Pest, taking into account the variety of formulations available, the surface to be treated, level of Pest infestation, non-target exposure and odour sensitivity.
Application Techniques (or treatments) used in structural Pest control include the following:
• Broadcast or general
• Spot
• Crack and crevice
• Space
• Bait
Broadcast or general application refers to the application of a Pesticide to broad expanses of surfaces such as walls, floors, ceilings and foundations where Pests are present.
Spot applications refer to the limited application of a Pesticide to a localized or specific area where Pests congregate.
Crack and crevice applications refer to the application of small amounts of a Pesticide directly into cracks or crevices, which may harbor Pests.
Space treatment refers to the application of a non-residual contact Pesticide as a suspension of fine droplets in air within an enclosed space.
A bait formulation is an active ingredient mixed with food or another attractive substance. The bait either attracts the Pest or is placed where the Pest will find it. Baits are available as liquids or solids and are placed in cracks, voids or other inaccessible areas.
Follow-up practices can make the difference between the success or failure to control Pest problems. Follow up practices include detailed record keeping, supervisor oversight, a quality control program, and regularly scheduled client interviews and surveys.