.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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