When Pests Bug You...Get (NAPSA)—If you find that pests are bugging you and your family, there may be good news. Pests can pose serious threats to human health and property. According to experts, cockroach and rodent allergens can trigger asthmain children; mosquitos can carry West Nile Virus, and ticks can transmit Lyme Disease. In addition, it is now estimated that termites cause more than $1.5 billion in structural damage annually in the U.S. Fortunately, a growing number of home ownersare finding they can turn to pest control professionals for help. You Can Play An Active Role In Controlling Pests Today, many professionals are using integrated pest manage- ment or IPM to control pests (and the diseases they transmit) and that requires that the homeowner becomea vital part of the solution. Whenyoucall your local pest control professional, be prepared to play an active role in helping to evaluate and control your pest problems. What Is IPM? IPM is a “reduced risk” technique that uses a variety of methods to control pests by getting rid of the three things they need for survival: food, shelter and water. “The IPM approach requires more homeowner participation to achieve long-term pest control,” says Cindy Mannes, director of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “This solution-based strategy includes five basic steps: inspection, identification, deter- Integrated Pest Management focuses on getting rid of the three things pests need to survive: food, shelter and water. mining your tolerance for living with pests, the employment of two or more control measures and the evaluation of effectiveness.” Control measures can include mechanical methods such as caulking or sealing a crack (some rodents can crawl through 1/8 inch crack) and sanitation; biological methods such as encouraging pesteating birds; cultural methods, such as sealing garbage cans or securing food sources; and, when warranted, chemical methods. Everyone is concerned about their health, safety and property. If you have a question about how to control pests, pest infestations or the diseases they can cause, consult a professional first. Ask about IPM and get ready to do yourpart. To learn more about protecting your home and family from pests or to find a pest control professional, visit www.pestworld.org.
