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By Tim Husen, Ph.D., technical services manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Managing structural-infesting nuisance ants is a multi-step process. Ants have complex and diverse nesting biology and foraging behaviors, so identifying the type of ant you are dealing with should always be the first step in any ant service treatment. Pest management professionals (PMPs) must use ID-based management strategies along with what they know about the pests’ habitat to help guide their services.
All service treatments, whether physical/mechanical, cultural/sanitation or chemical control options, should be guided by inspection results to help determine proper treatment strategies. When inspecting, keep the following in mind:
- Focus exterior structural inspections on ant trailing and nesting sites when the ant is actively foraging
- Remember that not all ants forage at the same time
- Search for foraging or harborage areas under and around
Understanding the Challenge
German cockroach infestations are a persistent challenge for Pest Management Professionals. German cockroaches mature fast, typically taking around 100 days to complete the entire life cycle. With a short life cycle and high reproductive capacity, they are resilient pests that can adapt quickly, leading to the development of resistance to both the active ingredient and food matrix in baits. Having a rotational plan in place is essential for successful treatments.
The Rotational Advantage
Rotating cockroach gel baits helps to combat resistance and enhance treatment efficacy. The principle is simple yet powerful – by alternating between different active ingredients and food matrices, you are constantly changing the mode of action and food source roaches are eating. Your rotational plan will vary based on your company's policies and logistics. While quarterly rotation is common,
When an account does not have recent signs of rodent activity, they may think about putting their rodent control service on hold. Customers don’t want to pay a service for something that no longer seems necessary, and having visible rodent control devices out at their business can be perceived negatively by the public. Having rodent control measures in place at accounts in high-traffic areas can be misleading to the average person, as uneducated viewers may assume there is a current rodent problem at hand. Weekly onsite visits where PMPs must manually service each station around the facility is very noticeable to the public as well. A rumor could arise and spread about a rodent infestation, which would damage a business’ reputation and revenue. Preventive rodent control is necessary to keep clients safe, and ideally services should be conducted as discreetly as possible.
Ideally, rodent control should be conducted using a preventive approach, rather than reactive. Catching these
Cockroach infestations are one of the most difficult challenges you can face as a PMP. Their resilience and rapid reproduction can quickly turn a minor issue into a major crisis. A comprehensive cockroach protocol is critical for gaining long-term control over German cockroach populations.
Assessment-based Pest Management (APM): A Crucial Approach
Utilizing an APM strategy is critical for success. The cornerstone of APM is a thorough inspection and monitoring of the infested area. Categorizing infestations into high-, medium or low-levels allows for a customized treatment approach. Regular reassessment before follow-ups ensures the effectiveness of your treatment.
Inspection: During your inspection, focus on areas with high humidity/water, darkness, and limited air movement, including looking under sinks, refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves, around toilets, near trash containers, and inside cabinets. Availability of water, food, and harborage areas can
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