Chemical pesticides are, by general definition, poisons that kill tiny living organisms. While they have their place, even small exposures can be bad for people—especially young children, and adults, over time.

 

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Integrated pest management (IPM) is a preventive method for controlling pests or "bugs" by removing their food supply and keeping them out of homes - or from traveling within or between homes - instead of relying on pesticides.

Here are 10 ways you can use IPM at home:

1. Store trash in covered containers inside and if outside, away from the house.
2. Caulk and seal plumbing, openings for electrical boxes and other "holes" to prevent pest entry, and use wire mesh on ventilation or exhaust vents open to the outside to keep birds and rodents out.
3. Seal cracks and crevices inside, including cracks where walls meet the floors and ceilings and places where pipes enter walls. This prevents cockroaches and other pests from moving from room to room indoors. Sealing around pipes under sinks is especially important because moisture attracts pests.
4. Enforce house rules for food storage and cleaning up after eating. Wash dishes right away after meals and do not allow eating in bedrooms.
5. Clean up clutter so pests have fewer places to hide.
6. Use pesticides only when other means of pest control aren’t effective enough.
7. Avoid broadcast spraying, dusting, fogging, or baseboard spraying.
8. When possible, use mechanical or glue traps to catch pests. These are preferable because they do not spray or spread poisons in your home.
9. Don’t use pesticides casually, “just in case” or to “prevent” pest infestation. 
10. Make sure children or animals aren’t in the home when pesticides are used, that your home is properly ventilated during and after use, and let everyone who uses the home know about the timing and use of pesticides.

Adapted from Clean and Healthy Schools For Dummies.

 

 

About IEHA

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,200-plus member organization for housekeeping management. Executive housekeepers are managers that direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities, including upscale hotels, hospitals, schools, and other public places. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.