Integrated Pest Management

Cockroaches, mice, bedbugs and rats are problems because they damage homes, transmit diseases, and cause allergic and asthmatic symptoms. However, many pest control methods depend too much on poisons, which can be hazardous to people, pets, and the environment. Furthermore, poisons treat just the symptoms not the sources of pest infestation and are often larger contributors to asthmatic and allergic reactions. 

Pest prevention is one of the most effective means of creating a healthier home. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a safe and effective method of pest prevention and control that reduces and eliminates pests while protecting the health of people, pets, and the environment.  

The core principles of IPM focus on the underlying causes of pest infestations and works to prevent future pest harborage.  Pests, like any living creatures, need access to water, food, shelter and means of moving to these things.  If you can block access to these things, pests won’t feel so welcome, and the need for invasive poisonous treatments may not be necessary.

More information

FAQ – Bedbugs
http://www.bphc.org/health/atoz.asp?id=133 English, Spanish, Chinese & Russian
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vector/vector-faq1.shtml

EPA
http://epa.gov/pesticides/health/safely.htm
http://www.epa.gov/OPPTpubs/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf

NYS Attorney General
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2003/dec/bmp.pdf