At OFS Services, we care about animal welfare and the environment. That is why we keep the use of poison to a minimum and ensure that pests suffer as little as possible during control. In this way, we contribute to a healthier environment so that future generations can continue to enjoy our earth.
Our pest controllers are all in possession of the professional certificate “Bestrijdingstechnicus”, including a specialization in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This guarantees that your pest problem is dealt with professionally, sustainably and in a way that is kind to animals.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
Anyone suffering from mice in the kitchen, ants in the bathroom or silverfish in the attic quickly thinks of chemical agents. But did you know that there is an environmentally friendly and at least as effective approach? Integrated Pest Management – or IPM for short – is a smart method to control pests without having to resort to poison.
IPM combines several techniques: from prevention and monitoring to the use of natural enemies and smart trapping methods. The goal? Tackling pests in a safe, ecologically responsible and structural way. That makes IPM suitable not only for agricultural companies, but also for individuals who want to keep their homes poison-free.
Why IPM is better than traditional control with poison
For years, poison was the weapon of choice against pests. But chemical control has significant drawbacks. For example, mice and rats can become resistant to certain substances over time, making the pesticide ineffective. Pesticides also often leave traces in your living environment, posing risks to children and pets.
In addition, poisons often affect the ecosystem. Think, for example, of birds of prey or cats eating poisoned prey. With IPM, you take an approach that prevents harmful side effects. Instead of fighting symptoms, IPM focuses on the cause of the problem.
How does IPM work in and around the home?
Suppose you hear rustling in the wall at night and discover mouse droppings in the pantry. Traditional control then often involves placing poison bait boxes. IPM takes a different approach.
The first step is monitoring: where do the mice get in? How do they move through the house? Next, you look at warding: are there holes near the baseboards? Is the crawl space open? These are professionally sealed. This is followed by non-chemical solutions such as animal-friendly mouse traps or odor barriers.
The environment also plays a role. Are food sources present? Are there crumbs under the kitchen cabinets? By addressing these structurally, the home becomes unattractive to pests. So IPM is not a quick fix, but a clever combination of measures.
Without poison, but just as effective
Many people ask, “Can you control pests without poison?” The short answer is: yes. IPM is based on science-based methods that have proven effective in practice – even with persistent pests.
The strength of IPM lies precisely in the integrated approach to the problem. By not only controlling the pests, but also removing the cause, you prevent the problem from returning. In addition, IPM is flexible: it is tailored to your situation, your home and your environment.
Whether you’re dealing with ants, mice, fruit flies or even wasps – IPM offers a sustainable solution for virtually every pest.
Benefits of IPM for you and the environment
One of the biggest benefits of IPM is safety. No more worries about poison near children or pets. In addition, IPM often works longer term than chemical control because it relies on structural measures.
For people with allergies or sensitive immune systems, IPM offers peace of mind: no harmful substances are spread in the home. Not to mention, you contribute to a healthier environment, including for birds, hedgehogs and other beneficial animals in your garden.
Moreover, IPM is cost-saving in the long run. No repeated treatments, no expensive chemicals, just a smart investment in lasting results.
Have IPM performed by an expert
Although you can do a lot yourself – such as remove food sources and plug holes – a professional approach is often more effective. At OFS, we have the knowledge, equipment and experience to best apply IPM.
An inspection by an expert quickly identifies the weak spots in your home. You will then receive a customized recommendation: from mechanical traps to ultrasonic repellents, all without harmful agents.
Would you like help from a specialist who thinks with you? Feel free to contact OFS Services and find out how your home can become poison-free and pest-free.