Integrated Pest Management Services in London

The idea of Integrated Pest Management was first developed in Agricultural Pest Control in order to reduce the levels of sometimes harmful insecticides used in the protection of arable crops.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to pest management that relies on a combination of practices. IPM programs use information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction within their environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

In other words instead of just looking at the most effective method of killing a particular species of pest, IPM looks at managing the environment surrounding the pest in order to minimise activity and the negative effect of it’s presence.

We believe that the successful use of IPM should start with a risk assessment. We begin by (a) assessing what type of pest are likely to be a factor, (b) their behaviour and how this may affect the location, and (C) the potential extent of the activity or infestation.

Using this information we are able to implement a measured and preventative response which has an element of control over future activity levels, not just a reaction to them. This can dramatically reduce the level of control required as a response to the problem can often be introduced before the particular pest has been allowed to increase in numbers.

By assessing the breeding habits of the relevant pest species we are able to implement measures aimed at reducing normal breeding cycles in order to prevent population explosions. This reduces the need for intensive treatment programs and minimises the disruption caused by outbreaks of pest activity.

We also look at what is required in order for those pests to thrive. Once this has been established it often relatively easy to introduce engineering controls designed to minimise these elements. This can involve the removal of access to potential food sources or the restriction of movement throughout a site by proofing or the removal of harbourage.

Recent changes in legislation affecting the use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides are making this type of approach to rodent management essential.

No longer will pest control providers or individuals be allowed to rely on baiting alone. Only those companies which are willing to look at the bigger picture and have an understanding of Integrated Pest Managements will succeed.

Van Vynck Environmental Services has pioneered the use of programs aimed at managing nuisance bird populations for over 25 years. We discovered early on that eradication of certain species is not a viable long terms solution. Only by managing population numbers and behavioural patterns through a combination of joint up techniques are we able to provide viable long term results.

This is a philosophy which now runs throughout our organisation and can be seen in all aspect of pest control programs.