Facilities and Property Management Pest Control
Generally, pests are not a high priority for maintenance departments until a pest problem arises. Once occupants or visitors spot pests inside or outside facilities, managers and owners must take action. In many cases, implementing a pest management strategy is not considered ahead of time to address potential pest issues. Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. It means that property owners and facility managers can use this pest management strategy to prevent and control infestations because it uses a minimal amount of pesticides if any.
IPM has five basic principles that are applicable in most situations. First, facility inspection is essential to determine how pests enter, where they hide, and what they feed on. The next step is to identify the pest so that preventive and control measures will work. It is also best to ensure that occupants follow sanitation procedures and regularly conduct maintenance tasks such as installing weatherstripping and door sweeps and repairing cracks, as they are vital in deterring pests. The use of traps and baits is recommended to monitor and control pests, negating the need for pesticides. Finally, the use of liquid and aerosol pesticides can be considered but only as a last resort and when carefully selected for safety and effectiveness.
The development and management of a pest prevention and control strategy are as important as its implementation. A few things to keep in mind as a property owner or a facility manager are keeping records of all management activities, making them available to the public, and allowing only trained personnel to apply pesticides. It would be beneficial for all stakeholders if you consider the service of pest professionals. Their pest-proofing strategies are specific to the common pests found within or nearby the facility or property.
