Greg Baumann: Hi! I am Greg Baumann, senior scientist for the National Pest Management Association. Today, I am discussing integrated pest management and now I'll explain what IPM is and how to best implement this type of program.

Homeowners often consider pest just a common household problem, a problem to deal with on their own. But rarely do homeowners realize the health and property risks associated with these common pests. From potential disease to injury to illness to property damage, pests compose risks that make doing-it-yourself a less than safe and effective approach to pest management.

IPM however has offered a pest management approach that fully engages both the consumer and the pest professional in the process of pest control. Having proven to be a trend with staying power and often considered a greener approach to pest control, IPM has been defined through original NPMA research as a process involving common sense for treating and controlling pests.

The focus is upon finding the best treatment for a pest problem and not just the simplest. Within IPM pest professionals never employ a one-size-fits-all method, but rather utilize a 3-part practice of inspection, identification, and treatment by a pest-professional. When considering treatment within IPM these options can vary from sealing cracks to removing food and water-sources to employing pest products when necessary.

The top priority of IPM should always be the protection of health and property. An IPM program should be designed within such a holistic vision. One of the central reasons that IPM has proven to be a more popular approach to pest management is that it provides a multitude of proactive and reactive measures to protect your family's health and home form the potential risks associated with pest infestations.

So, just what is in a gravid about IPM? This term was coined because IPM was designed to reflect a joined commitment between consumers and pest professionals. Co-operation is critical as it sustains the individualized approach of IPM. When treatment is discussed with regard to IPM, it is not limited to the reactive measures necessitated by a major pest infestation. Rather treatment can and should include daily preventative measures such as disposing of garbage in a timely manner, long-term preventative measures such as cocking cracks and gaps and around your property, and if necessary reactive measures such as applying pest products.

Truly IPM is most effective when there is a partnership between you, the customer, and pest professionals. It takes conversation and co-operation to prevent and treat a pest problem. Remember the pests need the same exact things as humans, food, water and shelter. If human beings easily offer pests this, they'll and do take advantage. By working collaboratively with a pest professional you can effectively prevent pests from becoming an issue for your family and home, and effectively treat any pest problem that may arise. Next, I'll discuss just a few of the pests that IPM programs are off and successfully geared toward preventing.