At Venning Pest Control we follow an Integrated Pest Management approach to achieving a pest-free environment. That means decreasing the dependence on chemicals by using a variety of methods for eliminating pests.

IPM represents a balance between prevention, sanitation and maintenance. It’s a common-sense set of measures that allows for a variety of strategies to control pests, including the use of pesticides when necessary.

For example, sealing openings around your home will help prevent rodents from entering your home or premises. We may use baits, carefully placed out of reach of children and pets, to eliminate roach populations. To get rid of ants we focus on finding and eliminating their colonies, not just spraying the ant trails you can see.

Our goal is to protect your family and business from unwanted pests and pest-related illnesses by using the best strategy or combination of strategies in each situation. While all pesticides are EPA regulated and are recommended for use around people, plants and pets if used in accordance with directions, we try to minimize their use when possible and accommodate specific health concerns.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for treating and controlling pests. These solutions incorporate three basic steps: 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment. Treatment options vary from sealing cracks and removing food and water sources to pesticide treatments as necessary.

Most importantly, IPM requires a partnership between you and your Venning Pest Control professional. In working together, you can have the peace of mind that your family and home will be protected against pest-related health and property threats. Ask your Venning Pest Control professional for suggestions on how you can help with the pest-proofing process!

IPM Treatment and Inspection Techniques

When it comes to IPM, there are very few standard operating protocols. Instead, your Venning Pest Control professional will assess YOUR unique situation to develop a comprehensive program to eliminate your pest problem, which could include any of the following techniques:

• Applying materials
• Using various trapping devices
• Emptying trash containers frequently
• Keeping trash containers clean both inside and out
• Keeping full trash bags tied securely and placed in outdoor garbage storage areas
• Cleaning outdoor garbage areas to remove debris
• Using tight fitting lids and/or closed dumpsters to store garbage outdoors.
• Emptying sink strainers and running the garbage disposal frequently to prevent food build up in the drain area
• Washing dishes immediately after meals to prevent pests from consuming food residue on dishes
• Cleaning food particles and grease from kitchen appliances (toasters, ovens, microwaves, ovens, stoves, and refrigerators)
• Storing pet food in re-sealable containers
• Limiting the amount of time that pet food and water dishes are left out
• Storing food products in plastic snap-lid containers or kept in the refrigerator
• Vacuuming and sweeping floors and furniture regularly, especially around eating areas such as kitchens and living rooms
• Cleaning food storage areas and shelves regularly, where pests may be harboring
• Sealing gaps around plumbing, wall outlets and switch plates to prevent pests from migrating from infested units to others
• Screening windows and doors
• Caulking cracks and gaps in and around the property to keep pests from invading from outdoors
• Running water frequently in spare bathrooms, utility tubs and toilets to keep pests from entering through dry drainage areas
• Scanning grocery items, produce and other packaged food products, which may have been stored in infested locations prior to being purchased, before bringing them indoors or storing them
• Inspecting children’s book bags and lunch pails on a regular basis to prevent transporting pests from school to home
• Keeping branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from structures
• Removing old tires or other open containers around the property that can fill up with water and provide a breeding ground for pests
• Stacking firewood and lumber away from the house and off the ground to eliminate harborage for rodents, spiders, roaches and termites
• Pulling soil or mulch back from the foundation of the property to prevent termites
• Channeling water from downspouts away from the property’s foundation
• Paying particular attention to the maintenance and upkeep of the property’s foundation

IPM in Business

If you own a business, you know how critical it is to protect this investment — essentially your livelihood! From building a positive reputation to increasing your revenue, your clients and customers are at the heart of what you do. The incidence of pests and rodents in your businesses can affect the way your customers view you and your company. Additionally, pests and rodents can pose serious risks to the health of your employees and the safety of your property. Even though pests and rodents are small in stature, their affect on your business bottom line can be enormous.

IPM (Integrated Pest Management) is a common sense way for businesses to address pest and rodent problems. This method of pest control offers sound solutions, which focus on three key techniques: 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment by IPM pest professionals.

A more complete approach to pest control, IPM bases its recommendations on your business’s unique needs. Venning Pest Control does not use a one size fits all approach – whether sealing cracks, removing a food or water source or, as required, employing pesticide treatments. IPM is about finding the best and most comprehensive treatment of pest problems.

Pest Proofing in Businesses

• Be vigilant of maintenance needs and common-sense pest prevention.
• Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
• Keep attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Look for rodent droppings in undisturbed areas, including closets, attics, and along floorboards, which indicate a pest problem.
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your business, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the building.
• Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the building’s foundation and windows.
• Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation; install gutters or diverts, which will channel water away from the building.
• Be sure your employees keep food sealed and stored properly.
• Clean high-volume areas daily, such as public eating areas and kitchens, where crumbs and trash are more likely to build up.