Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a new approach in the pest control industry.  In the past, pest control exterminators would constantly put down pesticides over and over again trying to control the pests.  These exterminators would end up killing the unwanted pests and unintentionally often the beneficial pests and often did a lot more harm than good.

IPM utilizes some basic principles for pest control management.  These consist of Setting Action Thresholds, Monitoring, Identification, Prevention and Control.  Setting Action Thresholds consists of knowing what an infestation is and not just spraying everything based on finding only one insect.  Monitoring is the cornerstone of IPM.  This involves regular observations of pest activity and keeping a record of it.  Prevention and Control involves knowing the pests habits and harborages.  For example, If a customer cuts down a tree limb touching the house it will prevent an ant from using that limb to enter the home.  Or if a homeowner puts the proper weather stripping on their garage, mice will not be able to come in.