Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management = Pest Control Best Practices

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management. It treats the causes of pest infestations by correcting persistent conditions conducive to pest activity (access to food, water, and shelter). Chemical control measures are used as a last resort. By correcting building deficiencies that provide breeding grounds for pests, you will be better equipped to deal with pest infestations if and when they occur.

IPM focuses on pest prevention and pest management over the long term, avoiding quick-fix solutions to pest infestations that do not provide lasting results. IPM has also been included in LEED Green Building Certification and the certification of San Francisco Green Businesses.

We believe that pest management technologies and strategies must be shared openly and transparently to increase the adoption of pest control practices that protect biodiversity through the maintenance of healthy human habitats. It is with this desire for transparency that we have partnered with two non-profit IPM certification programs, one nationally, Green Shield, and the other locally, EcoWise, to certify 100% of our services as IPM.

Precautionary Principle

Pestec has adopted the precautionary principle as the central tenet of our mission. The Precautionary Principle is a “caution in advance” approach to decision-making that seeks to prevent adverse effects on human health and the environment by avoiding practices that can potentially cause harm. New information is compiled every day indicating that not enough has been done to avert the dangers of pesticide chemical exposure associated with the pest control industry and the recombination of pesticides in the environment.

By opting to eliminate pesticide sprays that can and do “run-off” into our waterways, and rodenticides that pose a risk of secondary-poisoning, Pestec has reduced the risk to our clients who demand it and the Bay Area at large. As a company-wide certified IPM provider, our clients can rest assured that a contract with Pestec is a contract that promotes the mutual interests of the community and environment where we work.

Please visit the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program and the IPM Institute of North America to learn more about Integrated Pest Management.