IPM practices for the homeowner

There's nothing more enjoyable than spending a warm evening on your porch or lounging in front of the television watching your favorite baseball team. But doing these things can be less pleasurable if you are constantly bothered by insect pests that decide they like your home just as much as you do.

However, you can control insect pests by following some very simple steps suggested by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, most of which involve very little or
no use of pesticides.

• Use caulk around the house to seal cracks where pests are most likely to enter. Many times, bugs will manage to get inside your house through cracks in walls,
  floors and the backs of cabinets. Make sure those areas are sealed off.

• Install screens and weather-stripping on all doors and windows, and see to it that all doors that lead to the outside are closed unless they are being used.

• Pests are easily attracted to food. Store foods such as cereal, flour, bread and raisins in tightly closed containers. Also, make sure your kitchen is always clean and free of such items as cooking grease and crumbs.

• Many insects breed in water. So be sure to fix all leaky plumbing and frequently dump water from trays under your refrigerator or indoor plants. Also, throw away
  any damp rags or similar materials that may attract pests.

• Dispose of your garbage often, especially when you throw away food scraps.
  When you take the trash outside, put it in a tightly closed container.

• Do not leave pet food in bowls for long periods of time.

• Avoid storing newspapers, paper bags and empty boxes in your home. Check all bags and packages for pests before you bring them inside your house.

• Constantly vacuum your rugs, especially under furniture where food may have accumulated.

Outdoor pest control strategies

Often, what you do outside your home will determine if pests are likely to make it inside your home. Here are some simple Integrated Pest Management measures you can follow to minimize the possibility of insects finding their way indoors:

• Make sure your garden has adequate drainage. If the ground is too hard, it can lead to water accumulating after a rainstorm and turn your garden into a breeding
  ground for insects. Properly till your garden to allow air and water to enter into the soil. For more information, contact your county Extension agent.

• See to it that drain pipes and other water sources drain away from your home.

• Remove pet droppings and animal feces from outside your property every few days. These can attract flies and other insects.

• Don't allow trash to accumulate outside your house for long periods of time. Trash not only attracts insects, but also mice and rats that may find refuge in your house.

• To avoid termites, ants and rats, do not store wood under or around your home. Keep wood piles as far away as possible.

• Avoid putting in shrubs and other plants that touch the house. If possible, keep the area around your home free of all vegetation.

• Clear away dead plants, and fallen fruit and branches where pests are most likely to breed. Also, check under large rocks and stones to make sure insects are not developing.

• If possible, hand weed your lawn and refrain from using pesticides. If you must use pesticides, carefully read the label. If you are not certain how to use them, contact your county Extension agent.

This article may be reproduced for noncommercial use. Please credit IPM Solutions, produced by GEMPLER'S, Inc., web site: http://www.ipmalmanac.com