Principles of Australian Integrated Pest Management System

The Australian Integrated Pest Management system revolves around six basic components. 

Control and not eradication

According to Integrated Pest Management, wiping out the entire pest population is not possible. The attempt can rather be unsafe and expensive. The IPM program thus gives emphasis to control and not on eradication. They first work to set up acceptable pest levels known as action thresholds and then use means of control when those levels of thresholds are crossed.

Prevention

Choosing things that are best for local growing conditions as well as maintaining the healthy crops is the first thing that’s done. Cultural techniques and plant quarantine like crop sanitation is the next thing. Beneficial bacteria and fungi are added to potting media of the horticulture crops that are vulnerable to the root diseases, reducing the requirement for fungicides greatly. 

Monitoring

Regular observation is very important. It may be in the form of inspection as well as identification. Visual inspection is used for monitoring pest levels and identification is essential for treating them. IMP also gives importance to record-keeping.
 

Mechanical controls

When pest infestation reaches an unacceptable level, mechanical methods are used as the first option. These methods include traps, barriers, hand-picking, vacuuming as well as tillage. All these methods disrupt their breeding. 

Biological controls

Natural biological methods and materials generally offer control with acceptable environmental impact. The primary approach is to promote the beneficial insects which parasitize or eat target pests.

Responsible use of synthetic pesticides 

Synthetic pesticides are only used when needed and only a certain times. There are many pesticides which are obtained from naturally occurring substances or plants. The active component in those pesticides is altered to offer increased stability or biological activity. Matching the technique of application to the pest, crop and pesticide is important. Low volume of spray minimizes the overall use of pesticide.
 

Historically, the main emphasis of IMP was on the agricultural insect pests but nowadays the program of Integrated Pest Management in North Shore are extensively being used for encompassing weeds, diseases as well as the other pests, which interfere with the management objectives for the sites like commercial and residential structures, turf and lawn areas, community gardens, home etc.

Some Tips to Control and Eliminate Cockroaches

Previously cockroaches used to be found in older homes and apartments. But this unhealthy creature has spread their wings into luxury hotel kitchens, new homes and almost everywhere. There are modern methods as well as traditional ones to control and get rid of them.

Keep your home as clean as possible. Cleanliness is detrimental for the growth of the cockroaches.
 

If you see cockroaches don’t panic. As a first step of defense you need to cut the water and food supply for those creepy creatures.
 

Dining table is the place where we eat. If you do not clean the table then it will attract the cockroaches. Clean the dining table top neat and clean. Same formula applies for the pantry in the office. The staffs of offices are also advised to keep their desks clean without keeping any food particles.

Before going to the bed check make sure there are no soiled dishes left on the sink or on the dining table. Cover the foods if not in use. If you do not have the time for washing the plates, put soapy water in the sink and keep the plate in that.
 

Boric powder is poisonous for cockroaches. This has been the successful method for getting rid of cockroaches. Mix boric powder with flour pellets, spread them over the floor.

Cockroach repellents come in pump or spray. The solution in the repellent can kill the cockroaches instantly. This spray is toxic in nature and can cause hazards to children.
 

However, I would always advise you to hire a company that offers professional pest control in Northern Beaches. Look for someone offering Integrated Pest Management services. These services generally don’t kill the pests but applies techniques that will control cockroach infestation in home ultimately helping you get rid of them.

Signs of a House Mouse Infestation

House mice usually have short hair which is gray, black or brown in color. Weighing about 12-30 grams, their length is about 20 cm from nose to tail’s tip. Normally, they make their home in the grassy or wooden areas and in the farm fields and prefer staying in dark places close to the food source. Quite inquisitive in character, they spend their entire day roaming in their territory, looking around things that are unique or new. When temperature outside starts dropping house they start living in warmer places. They use openings like pipe openings, gaps under the doors and utility lines to enter a home.
 

If you ever find a house mouse into your living space, make sure to get rid of it. It can reproduce very fast and eats anything that is available. So, it can destroy a lot of things in your home. 

1. There are a few indications, which will help you to understand that there is an infestation of mouse in your house.
    
2. If you ever see these kinds of species scurrying along the walls or running from an undisturbed hiding place, you should know that there is an infestation. You may probably seem them in the evening as they become more active during those hours but you can also see them roaming in the home at the time of the day.
   
   
3. You may find droppings, which are small pallets. This is usually found in places where these creatures have traveled or visited. About 3-6 mm in length, the droppings are rod shaped and may have pointed ends. Normally, people confuse mouse droppings with the droppings of cockroach. Although the appearance and general size of both the droppings are same, the droppings of cockroach are also not pointed.
   
   
4. When a mouse explores its territory, it often leaves behind its footprint on the surfaces. The unique pattern of the footprint is an indication that the creature has passed through. You can even find gnaw and teeth marks along edges of their traveled routes on corners of the objects.
   
   
5. During evening hours when it’s quiet and dark, you may often hear these creatures scratching within walls and gnawing, running across ceiling and sometimes even squeaking. 

So, if you have found out that there are mice in your Sydney house, take proper actions as soon as possible. Get in touch with a pest exterminator in Northern Beaches to control their infestation and get rid of them.