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.2. IPM Definition and Guiding Principles

An important part of EcoWise Certified is the Program Definition and Guiding Principles. These can be found in the EcoWise Certified Handbook but are also reproduced here. A copy of the Guiding Principles must be signed and included with your Company’s application.

Program Definition of IPM

IPM is a science-based strategy and decision-making process that provides effective, long-term pest control while emphasizing pest prevention and the use of non-chemical pest management practices. At its core, IPM includes the following activities:


• Inspection, monitoring and record-keeping are used to determine if thresholds for acceptable pest levels have been exceeded and to select the location, timing, and type of management strategies needed to successfully manage pests.

• A partnership is formed with the customer to facilitate management of pests.

• Appropriate and site-specific treatments are selected from educational, cultural, manual, mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical strategies. They are used within an integrated program to achieve long-term solutions that minimize hazards to human health and the environment.

• Reduced-risk chemical controls are included in the treatment program when non-chemical methods are insufficient to solve the pest problem in an effective and affordable manner.


IPM Guiding Principles

Knowledge. IPM practitioners understand IPM principles and practices. They can identify important pests and describe life cycles, habits, and conditions that affect populations of those pests.

Communication and outreach. IPM practitioners communicate the IPM approach to their customers and others. Because they recognize that customer cooperation is essential for long-term pest management, IPM practitioners form a partnership with their customers to solve pest problems.
Monitoring and inspection. IPM practitioners use monitoring and inspection to stay fully informed about pest populations and conditions that can lead to pest problems.

Documented performance. IPM practitioners record monitoring and inspection results. They document their performance to justify pest management decisions.

Least-hazardous, effective options. IPM practitioners address issues of pest prevention, sanitation, and pest access, as appropriate, for the first line of defense against pests. IPM practitioners evaluate all pest management options for short- and long-term effectiveness, and for risks to health, the environment, and beneficial or other non-target organisms
.
Pesticide applications are made according to need and not by calendar schedule.

Evaluation of performance. IPM practitioners evaluate treatment activities for effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

Continuous improvement. IPM practitioners prepare for changes in pests and pest management techniques, recognizing that improvement involves staying abreast of new technologies and concepts.

Adapted from IPM Star Evaluation for Structural Pest Management Service Providers and Services, IPM Institute of North America, Inc., January 2005.

 

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PartC. EcoWise Certified IPM Service Provider Company or Branch

1. Advantages of a
Certifed IPM Service

2. EcoWise IPM
Definition and Guid-
Principles

3. How to get
Certified


4. IPM Protocols

5. Field Audit Forms
IPM Toolbox

6. Service Forms

7. EcoWise Standards

8. IPM Resources

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