ISEC Home Pest
Management
What is ISEC?
ISEC stands for the 4 steps in getting
rid of pests in your home:
•
I is for Identify
• S is for Sanitize
• E is for Exclude
• C is for Control
What are ISEC’s Goals?
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Prevent most household pest problems
without using pesticides
Increase awareness of IPM
Reduce exposure & risks of pesticides used
in the home
The Pest Triangle
Water
To avoid pest problems
break the pest triangle
Pest
Problems
Food
Harborag
e
What’s This Thing Called IPM?
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IPM is code for Integrated Pest Management
It’s a way of thinking and acting about pest problems- a
strategy or plan that takes advantages of the weaknesses
of the pest
IPM is designed to prevent pest problems rather than
to control them once they occur
It uses methods that reduce risks to human health and the
environment
IPM uses pesticides only when necessary, then chooses
those least-toxic
Why Use IPM?

Provides long term results

Environmentally friendly

Protects human health

Reduces unnecessary pesticide use
This Sounds to Good to Be TrueDoes IPM have any Downsides?

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Requires more knowledge &
skill than reaching for a can
of pesticide
Requires attention to details
Results not always
immediate
Let’s Check Out ISEC’s WeaponsThe Four Basic Concepts
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Identify
 Properly identify the pest
Sanitize
 Remove what attracts pests
Exclude
 Keep pests from entering the home
Control
 Use non-chemical methods first, and least-toxic
pesticides only when necessary
Identify? Tell Me More

Now that you have found a pest- what is it?
 It’s important to know. Even similar pests
may require very different control methods

So, if you don’t know, capture it and get help!

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Most insect specimens can be preserved in the freezer
Preserve soft bodied insects in rubbing alcohol
ISEC- Identify
What if I can’t or don’t want to
capture it?
 Collect sample of it’s damage,
droppings or other evidence

Take a photograph or digital
image of the pest, damage or
droppings
ISEC- Identify
What should I do with it now?
• Use a field guide, book or bulletin to
identify the pest yourself
• Take the sample or e-mail the image to
local Extension office, pest control
company or nursery
ISEC Weapon No. 2- Sanitize
What Does That Mean?

Eliminate food & water sources
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Keep food (including pet food) in pest-proof
containers
Tightly re-seal opened food packages
Do not leave food out overnight
Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink
Clean kitchen counters, tables & floors often
Clean up spilled food & drink immediately
Tell Me More- Sanitize

Encourage eating at the table

Sweep & vacuum regularly

Caulk cracks around pantry
shelves so that food does not
accumulate

Inspect & discard any
infested food products
ISEC- Sanitize

Take out garbage several times a week
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Use a closed container lined with a plastic
bag
Clean garbage can inside & out on a regular
basis
Rinse items for recycling before storing
in a container with a tight lid
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Clean containers inside & out
Keep recycling containers outside
ISEC- Sanitize

Eliminate pest breeding
sites
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Clean drains with a stiff brush,
flush with boiling water
Do not allow debris to build up
on grout of tile floors
Do not allow old newspapers,
magazines, plastic bags to
accumulate
Weapon #3- Exclude
That Means Keep ‘em Out!
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Seal openings around pipes & electrical
wiring with caulk, steel wool or foam

If you can see daylight around doors,
replace weather stripping or threshold

Keep window and door screens in good
repair

Place screen wire over vents and other
points where pests could enter
ISEC- Exclude

Store food items in air-tight
containers
• Do not buy damaged goods or
infested products
• Store dried food products in the
refrigerator or freezer if leaving
home for an extended time
ISEC- Exclude

Use garbage containers with closed
lids

Stuff weep holes with steel wool or
copper mesh
ISEC- Exclude

Do not store firewood or other items
against the home

Prune vegetation that touches the home
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Inspect items that you bring into the home
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Feed outdoor pets away from entry doors
And the Final Weapon- Control
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Non-chemical
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Trapping devices such as fly paper,
mouse traps or roach prisons
Use vacuum cleaner to help control
pests such as fleas, moths or beetles
and remove food sources
ISEC- Control
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Chemical
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Try baits first- they are safe & effective
Use gel formulations along cracks & crevices
Insecticide sprays may be used in specific
locations
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Cracks & crevices
Along baseboards
If You Have to Use the Big GunsDo it Safely!
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Buy only pesticides labeled for the pest and
area you are treating

Read & follow all label instructions, use only
amount listed- more is not better
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Keep children & pets out of treated area until
the product is dry
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Never apply pesticides to food
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Wash hands with soap and water
Pesticide Signal Words“The Code Words”
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Caution
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Warning
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Least harmful to humans, handle carefully
More dangerous than “caution” labeled
products
Danger

Very dangerous and/ or irritating; use with
extreme care
Pesticide Storage & Disposal

Store pesticides only in original container
where children and pets cannot get to
them

Follow disposal procedures on the label

Never reuse a pesticide container

Never, never pour a pesticide down a
drain or toilet!
Still Have Problems?
Better Hire an IPM Professional!
Here’s How You’ll Know
 Must be licensed- ask to see state
license and check references
 Does the person and equipment
appear professional?
 Does the person know about IPM?
 Get several quotes, lowest price is
not always most economical