ANT-EATER Pest control specialises in Integrated Pest management (IPM) which it believes can control the pest populations more cost effectively and be more responsible to the environment. The primary objective of IPM is to minimise any harmful effects that may result from the use of pesticides. A key component of all IPM programs is a thorough inspection and survey that may involve monitoring of pest populations. IPM programs first work to define acceptable pest levels – areas where pests are not acceptable and at what threshold action is necessary. For example ants inside the house may not be acceptable but they may be acceptable in the garden.

An IPM strategy incorporates cultural, mechanical, biological and responsible chemical use methods to achieve a pest control solution.
 
Preventive cultural practices:

Cultural practices can include improving sanitation (cleaning) to reduce an environment’s attraction to pests and prevent pest breeding by removing food sources.
 
Monitoring:

Regular observation is at the centre of IPM. Monitoring requires first an inspection and then correctly identifying the pest. This is critical to success. Record keeping is essential.
 
Mechanical controls:

Mechanical methods are among the first options to consider. They include erecting barriers or screens to prevent pest entry, sealing and closing pest harbourages to gaps in walls, behind splash backs in kitchens, using monitoring devices/traps and vacuuming.

Biological controls:

Natural biological processes and materials can provide control, with minimal environmental impact. The main focus here is on promoting beneficial insect and insect growth regulators or parasites that target specific pests. Biological insecticides, derived from naturally occurring microorganisms also fit in this category.
 
Responsible Pesticide Use:

Synthetic pesticides are generally only used as required and often only at specific times in a pest’s life cycle. Many of the newer pesticide groups are derived from plants or naturally occurring substances (examples include: nicotine, pyrethrum and insect growth regulators), but active components may be altered to provide increased biological activity or stability.