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When pest control and pest management are put side to side, it is common to not fully comprehend the difference between them. A quick way to explain the difference is that pest control focuses on eliminating infestations that already occurred. While integrated pest management focuses on preventative methods to limit the survival and reproduction of pests. The main difference between pest control and pest management is in their approach.

Pest Control

Pest control is usually performed now and then when treatment is needed due to the increased pest population. The goal of pest control is to eliminate specific pest infestations right away. For that reason, pest control experts usually won’t conduct a thorough inspection. The traditional system of pest control usually relies on one method which is pesticides. It puts little or no attention on prevention, potential property damage, and its effects on its surrounding. Their goal is solely to reduce the pest population instantly and control its population. The approach adopted by pest control is reactive because service is only provided when pest encounter occurs.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management (IPM) is professional care that focuses on providing preventative care against future pest problems. According to EPA, IPM is not a single pest control method. It is a series of pest management evaluations, decisions, and controls. IPM follows the proactive approach and is founded by the four-tiered approach based on EPA.

The first tier is the action threshold. A point where pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that pest control action must be taken. The second tier is monitor and identify the pest. IPM generally provides a complete internal and external inspection to provide detailed analysis of building entrances and possible pest nests. IPM also focuses on the ecosystem and its environment. Some pest does not need to be eliminated as long pest does not reach the action threshold or plays an important role in the ecosystem. Most IPM companies have laboratories and biologists to identify pests accurately and therefore provide the best preventative course.

The third tier is prevention. This is where the control methods suggested are made to be effective, cost-efficient, and present little to no risk to people and the environment. The fourth tier is control. When all prior tiers indicate that pest control is required, effective and less risky pest control methods are always chosen first like the use of pheromones to disrupt pest mating and trapping.

Conclusion

If you are looking to eliminate pests quickly with pesticides, pest control is what you are looking for. If you are looking for a pest preventative program that focuses on environmental, cost-effective, and last long-term, pest management is what you are looking for. There are so many benefits to a proactive approach such as bypassing costly pest control treatments, massive property damages, and reduced property value. Learn more about our services and contact us to get an effective pest management program for you through our free inspection.