Pest Control and Pest Management. What’s the difference, and why it matters.
You see the trucks and technicians running the service at your neighbors home. Your spouse asks you who is parked out on the street. Your answer is passive and natural: “It’s the pest control guy.”
What Is the Difference Between Pest Control and Pest Management?
Pest Control is the term that has been widely accepted. It means very simply to control by way of prevention or elimination any insect, rodent, or wildlife that causes harm or damage to persons, property, or agriculture. This definition is not incorrect in its definition or its application. But it does have some limitations.
Pest Management solves these limitations. With pest management, the approach emphasizes a science based approach to pest issues rather than a broad elimination of pests. Without a science based approach we step into more of an exterminator role which can have a negative connotation and does not describe the process accurately.
The science based approach allows the technician to consider all factors into answering the biggest question a client asks: “Why?”. These factors include: biology, chemistry, behavior, and ecology of the pest in question. With a science based approach, the solution is more precise, safe, and effective.
While it is true that many pest problems can be fixed quickly and simply. These issues don’t go away forever with one simple fix. Pest management involves long term planning and consistent effort to keep the issues to a minimum or non-existent. Pest Control implies that the pest issue will be dealt with, yes. But pest management implies that the pest issue will be studied, changed, and monitored to fit the best possible solution.
This approach is vital and is in fact often required for a pest technician to be licensed and able to legally take care of a pest problem. This is called IPM or Integrated Pest Management. It means a science based approach combining multiple strategies such as prevention, monitoring, and informed decision making. This eliminates the need to rely solely on pesticides and quick fix solutions that are found in pest control.
With a management approach to pest related issues, clients can expect to be better served. IPM maintains pest populations at acceptable levels while reducing the environmental impacts on non target organisms, providing safer, effective, and long-term solutions.
Looking for a Smarter Approach to Pest Control?
At Montana Pest Solutions, we believe effective pest control starts with understanding the problem, not just treating what you see.
Our team uses a science-based approach to identify pest activity, address the conditions attracting pests, and develop solutions that help prevent future problems.
Whether you're dealing with rodents, insects, or wildlife, we're here to help protect your home or business.
Need professional pest management in Missoula or Western Montana?
Call 406-830-8752 or
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