ISEC Home Pest Management

What is ISEC?

ISEC stands for the 4 steps in getting rid of pests in your home:

• I is for Identify

•S is for Sanitize

• E is for Exclude

•C is for Control

What are ISEC’s Goals?

Prevent most household pest problems without using pesticides

Increase awareness of IPM Reduce exposure & risks of pesticides used

in the home

The Pest Triangle

Pest Problems

Food

Water

Harborage

To avoid pest problemsbreak the pest triangle

What’s This Thing Called IPM?

IPM is code for Integrated Pest Management It’s a way of thinking and acting about pest problems- a

strategy or plan that takes advantages of the weaknesses of the pest

IPM is designed to prevent pest problems rather than to control them once they occur

It uses methods that reduce risks to human health and the environment

IPM uses pesticides only when necessary, then chooses those least-toxic

Why Use IPM?

Provides long term results

Environmentally friendly

Protects human health

Reduces unnecessary pesticide use

This Sounds to Good to Be True- Does IPM have any Downsides?

Requires more knowledge & skill than reaching for a can of pesticide

Requires attention to details Results not always

immediate

Let’s Check Out ISEC’s Weapons- The Four Basic Concepts

IdentifyProperly identify the pest

SanitizeRemove what attracts pests

ExcludeKeep pests from entering the home

ControlUse non-chemical methods first, and least-toxic

pesticides only when necessary

Identify? Tell Me More

Now that you have found a pest- what is it? It’s important to know. Even similar pests

may require very different control methods

So, if you don’t know, capture it and get help!Most insect specimens can be preserved in the freezer

Preserve soft bodied insects in rubbing alcohol

ISEC- Identify

What if I can’t or don’t want to capture it?

Collect sample of it’s damage, droppings or other evidence

Take a photograph or digital image of the pest, damage or droppings

ISEC- Identify

What should I do with it now?• Use a field guide, book or bulletin to

identify the pest yourself

• Take the sample or e-mail the image to local Extension office, pest control company or nursery

ISEC Weapon No. 2- SanitizeWhat Does That Mean?

Eliminate food & water sourcesKeep food (including pet food) in pest-proof

containers

Tightly re-seal opened food packages

Do not leave food out overnight

Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink

Clean kitchen counters, tables & floors often

Clean up spilled food & drink immediately

Tell Me More- Sanitize

Encourage eating at the table

Sweep & vacuum regularly

Caulk cracks around pantry shelves so that food does not accumulate

Inspect & discard any infested food products

ISEC- Sanitize

Take out garbage several times a weekUse a closed container lined with a plastic

bag

Clean garbage can inside & out on a regular basis

Rinse items for recycling before storing in a container with a tight lidClean containers inside & out

Keep recycling containers outside

ISEC- Sanitize

Eliminate pest breeding sitesClean drains with a stiff brush,

flush with boiling water

Do not allow debris to build up on grout of tile floors

Do not allow old newspapers, magazines, plastic bags to accumulate

Weapon #3- ExcludeThat Means Keep ‘em Out!

Seal openings around pipes & electrical wiring with caulk, steel wool or foam

If you can see daylight around doors, replace weather stripping or threshold

Keep window and door screens in good repair

Place screen wire over vents and other points where pests could enter

ISEC- Exclude

Store food items in air-tight containers

• Do not buy damaged goods or infested products

• Store dried food products in the refrigerator or freezer if leaving home for an extended time

ISEC- Exclude

Use garbage containers with closed lids

Stuff weep holes with steel wool or copper mesh

ISEC- Exclude Do not store firewood or other items

against the home

Prune vegetation that touches the home

Inspect items that you bring into the home

Feed outdoor pets away from entry doors

And the Final Weapon- Control

Non-chemicalTrapping devices such as fly paper,

mouse traps or roach prisons

Use vacuum cleaner to help control pests such as fleas, moths or beetles and remove food sources

ISEC- Control Chemical

Try baits first- they are safe & effective

Use gel formulations along cracks & crevices

Insecticide sprays may be used in specific locations

Cracks & crevices

Along baseboards

If You Have to Use the Big Guns-Do it Safely!

Buy only pesticides labeled for the pest and area you are treating

Read & follow all label instructions, use only amount listed- more is not better

Keep children & pets out of treated area until the product is dry

Never apply pesticides to food

Wash hands with soap and water

Pesticide Signal Words-“The Code Words”

CautionLeast harmful to humans, handle carefully

WarningMore dangerous than “caution” labeled

products

DangerVery dangerous and/ or irritating; use with

extreme care

Pesticide Storage & Disposal

Store pesticides only in original container where children and pets cannot get to them

Follow disposal procedures on the label

Never reuse a pesticide container

Never, never pour a pesticide down a drain or toilet!

Still Have Problems?Better Hire an IPM Professional!

Must be licensed- ask to see state license and check references

Does the person and equipment appear professional?

Does the person know about IPM? Get several quotes, lowest price is

not always most economical

Here’s How You’ll Know