Continuing the Black Pest Blog series on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), I thought I’d list a few easily-addressed “conducive conditions” that favor high pest populations and other problems in and around homes. These are conditions that should be corrected in a good IPM program. Understanding pest biology and habits, and using that knowledge to make homes less attractive places for pests to live and breed can reduce pesticide use and extend the effective life of pesticide applications. Whenever possible, homeowners should be aware of conducive conditions and take steps to correct them. Here are just a few:
- Shrubs and other landscape plants touching the home. When plantings around homes are not cut back 6-12 inches from the home exterior, they offer an easy avenue for pests – especially ants – to enter homes, avoiding insecticide applications. Root systems of overgrown shrubs can crack sidewalks and foundations, and shrubs against the home create a moist environment that can be ideal for some pests.
- Clutter or firewood stored against foundation wall. While insects are alien to us in almost every way, they share the need for food, water, and shelter. Proving shelter for insects near homes increases the population density that the area is capable of supporting, and interferes with judicious pesticide use. Stacks of boards, bricks, and other building materials are prime habitat for some common pest ants, earwigs, millipedes, and other pests. Firewood against the home can serve as food for termites that may eventually find their way into the structure. It is a good idea to deny pests excess food and hiding places by keeping the area adjacent to the home clear of such materials.
- Pet food left out. Cockroaches raised in laboratories for experimentation are fed dog food, and thrive on it. Pet food that is left outdoors for extended periods of time is attractive to a multitude of pests. If possible, pets should be fed on a schedule, and their food dishes retrieved and washed between feedings.
There are many other small steps that homeowners can take to make their homes less attractive to pests. A quick internet search for “Integrated Pest Management” will return many websites filled with helpful suggestions. Taking steps to pest-proof homes not only helps reduce pest populations over the long term – it also results in fewer, more effective pesticide applications.
Next time, we’ll take a look at specialized insecticide application designed to take the insecticide to the pest and reduce overall pesticide use.