What’s IPM?

Thanks for visiting Pest & Pollinator. We’re creating a new generation of eco-friendly pest control using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). That means we’ll look at your home habitat as a whole, and identify the root cause of your pest issue. Then, we create custom solutions for long term success.

Rat icon symbolizing rat control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Explained

In the 70’s and 80’s, after the heyday of DDT, farmers, food workers & pest control professionals needed a better way to manage pests. Overuse of early pesticides led to insects developing resistance and non-target exposure. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was developed in response. Scientists and pest managers determined that the 5-step process would consider tolerance levels, environmental conditions, physical removal options, and biological controls before resorting to pesticides.

IPM, Integrated Pest Management diagram, inverted. At the top is tolerance level, descending to food & habitat modification, mechanical removal, bio control & lastly chemical. Integrated Pest Management is how farmers, gardeners, homeowners, food handlers and many others get the best pest control naturally.

How Does IPM Work?

 

  • The 1st step of IPM is determining your tolerance level. When pests start damaging property or threatening your health, most folks call for help.
  • Removing habitat and food sources of rodents, ants, spiders and other pests is the 2nd step, and solves many common issues.
  • Manually removing pests with mechanical devices such as rat traps is the 3rd step. Some level of knowledge and skill is required.
  • 4th step – Some pests can be controlled with biological pesticides. The bacterium BT (bacillus thurengensis) is used to kill mosquitos.
  • Chemical pesticides are always reserved as a last resort if all other options fail.

Portland Pest Control– Safe for the Environment

We’re committed to protecting pollinators, beneficial insects & wildlife. That’s why we hold true to IPM to solve your issue with the least impact on the environment.

You can feel confident that if treatment does become necessary with EPA-registered products, that we have eliminated or significantly reduced all hazard to pollinators, beneficial insects & wildlife compared to other extermination services.

Camas lily icon with small bee icon to the side

How can we help you?

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About Me

Locally Owned & Operated. Portland Small Business. 

Keith Chaloux

Owner / IPM Specialist • Pest & Pollinator LLC

For nearly a decade, Keith has been managing habitat around Portland Oregon. First as an ecological restoration crew member for Ash Creek Forest Management LLC, he gained valuable hands-on experience with ecology, native plants, and botany.

In 2016, Keith was licensed for tree, turf & shrub care, wildlife control, and pest control for just about anything. Feeling mixed feelings about being an exterminator, he called on his experience with native habitats. When native species are restored, the ecosystem seems to function better and do it’s own pest control. Integrated Pest Management is the method to work with nature to create safe solutions for pest & invasive issues.

He started Pest & Pollinator in 2021 to promote habitat restoration in Portland backyards, provide safer, more eco-conscious pest control and to elevate IPM in the pest control industry.

In his free time Keith likes to look at bugs in his organic garden, explore the outdoors, and stand in the front at local Portland shows. Give him a call or email to learn more about integrated wildlife & pest management for Portland.

Check out more Insider IPM Tips on our Blog:

Find lots of great Portland pest control tips at Northwest Pest Digest, our blog. Learn about Integrated Pest Management for common pest & invasive species issues in the Northwest!

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