Structure of an efficient IPM program

Pest control has evolved substantially in the last 70 years, migrating from the simple application of pesticides in pest-infested sites to the precise modification of environments to ensure that pests do not enter, proliferate and establish themselves. During the 1950s, based on concepts developed for the management of agricultural pests, coordinated strategies began to be generated for the management of urban, industrial or vector pests. It was understood that it is a priority to recognize the present pest, its requirements and conditioning factors in the environment that favor its presence. Within the corrective measures or tools for control, those for physical control began to differentiate from those for traditional chemical control. From this, in the last 20 years, the need to prevent the appearance of pests, and if necessary their focused control, has been strongly evolving. IPM (integrated pest management) involves a pest management system that considers the environment, the pest, and people.

Structure of Integrated Pest Management.

This type of management was possible due to the multidisciplinary nature that the activity was acquiring. Those dedicated to professional pest management began to slowly and indirectly acquire knowledge about pesticide chemistry, biology and behavior of pest species, diversity of equipment for specific application of pesticides, physical elements of monitoring and control, toxicological aspects and personal safety elements, etc. Those who have become professional no longer use chemical products indiscriminately, they simply make “spot” applications in cracks, crevices and hiding places of pest species. Persistent and odorous products, synonymous with highly toxic products for mammals and the environment, have disappeared.

Today, there are extremely safe and effective products, with high specificity and low environmental impact. Adapted from agricultural practices, integrated pest management (IPM) uses a series of control tools that favor less use of pesticides and greater effectiveness of applications, in those cases where it is necessary to carry them out. The economic damage threshold (UDE), extremely useful in agricultural practices, determines the maximum number of pest individuals (of the same species) acceptable in a given crop. Once the UDE is reached, it is necessary to carry out the corresponding treatment to reduce the populational poMIP density of that pest. In agriculture, if the insecticide application is carried out once the UDE has been reached, one can be sure that the cost of the application will be less than the damage that the pest could have caused to the crop. Before the creation of the UDE, insecticide was often applied when one or two insects appeared, the cost of the application being much higher than the damage that these insects could have caused. When it comes to urban pests, UDEs do not exist, even less so if we are talking about disease vectors. In the integrated management activity of urban, industrial or vector pests, the damage caused by pests is not always direct or occurs on material objects or products. Many times, the services of the pest management professional are required out of repulsion or fear of the possible pest present. Basically, it could be said that, within a home, the tolerable pest threshold is close to zero. As we move further away from the interior of the house, this threshold may increase, depending on the type of pest and the potential damage it could cause by being present. In turn, the idiosyncrasies of the people, the cultural and economic levels, and the fear of epidemics, are factors that often directly influence people's tolerance for living with pests or not. EXAMPLES: 1) A scorpion inside a home is unacceptable. Outside the home, there are

Figure 1. Structure of Integrated Pest Management. Prevention and Control Strategies. scorpions in many places and people live with them without even being aware of them. 2) Depending on the person, one or two mosquitoes can be tolerated inside a home. In the face of a dengue epidemic, people do not tolerate living with mosquitoes (regardless of whether or not they are Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus). IPM programs contemplate several tools for indirect or direct control of pest organisms. The concept of “PROGRAM” (figure 1), also mentioned as a protocol, implies the implementation of various strategies in a planned, coordinated and sustained manner over time. These strategies or control tools used together generate a high level of synergism, exponentially increasing the positive effect of each of them. If these tools are used erratically and individually, we can hardly hope to obtain results that exceed

95% effective. To facilitate the understanding and constitution of the implications of an IPM program, we will use a ladder diagram, in which we cannot advance if we skip steps.

a) Inspection.

Perhaps, the most important phase in managing populations of pest organisms. The precision with which the initial expertise is carried out in a pest-infested area will determine the success or failure of the entire program. Personnel with a low level of preparation or anxious technicians tend to minimize the importance of this procedure, and may even dismiss it. Let's imagine that a dentist turns to the drill without first performing an oral inspection and a correct diagnosis. Clearly the results will not be optimal. In the context of IPM, a good inspection facilitates obtaining positive results due to:

• Determination of pest species present and their density.
• Identification of the origin of the infestation.

• Obtaining a correct diagnosis: Establishment of preventive measures.
• Choice of appropriate treatments (products/equipment). Reduces the chances of re-infestation.
• Minimize the number of complaints.

• Improves the profitability of services.
• Generates a better image towards customers.
• Depending on the area to explore:
• Internal: inspection by areas of the infested area.
• External: initial inspection of the immediate perimeter of the facilities and then neighboring areas. Third parties: supplier/customer inspection.
• According to the way it is done: Direct: It is done through sight.

The inspection can be classified in various ways depending on the methodology used to carry it out. Firstly, the area to be explored will be considered and, secondly, the way in which it is done.

Indirect: it is carried out using specific equipment to access difficult places. Complex: When instruments are used to expose inaccessible areas to view.

relationship with the previous one, to the point that they can be reversed, assuming that the most important thing is to detect the active points where the pest(s) are/are present.

1°) LOOK VERY WELL. That's what it's about. Priority and mostly the inspection requires that you open your eyes wide. Before using any magnification element, use your eyesight. In any survey, the largest proportion of data is obtained by direct observation, with the “naked eye.”

4°) CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME. There are pests with nocturnal habits and others with diurnal habits. Based on preliminary observations, you should consider whether it is convenient for you to go during the day or at night to carry out the inspection. Without a doubt, daytime observations are generally very different from nighttime ones. Not only because of the diversity of organisms present or the activity of people, but also because natural or artificial light allows us to detect weak points in the structures that favor the entry of various pests. During the day sunlight can be seen from the interior if there are holes or cracks, and at night these same points allow artificial light to migrate from the interior.

2°) SEARCH EVERYWHERE. This involves looking and reviewing beyond what we see with the naked eye. It is necessary to move things, disassemble, bend down or climb a ladder. The inspection should cover the largest proportion of sites possible, especially those where the pest present can lodge and proliferate.

5°) HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS. Flashlights (common and UV light), screwdriver, extendable mirrors, extendable cameras, photographic camera, bottles and tweezers for collecting samples, notepad and pen (sheets). And everything that you consider will allow you to collect the greatest amount of information.

3°) THINK LIKE A PLAGUE. Considering what pest is in the area, try to identify which sites it would choose to stay or develop its life cycle. This rule has intimate

6°) COLLECT and PROCESS THE INFORMATION. It is important to take note of everything observed, preferably on forms created for that purpose. This information is of utmost importance for

There are six basic rules to carry out a correct inspection process. If we consider this in the initial visit to a potential client or implement it in our regular clients, we will be demonstrating professionalism and suitability in the eyes of others. We must dedicate time and effort during the inspection. The inspection rules are as follows:

make decisions regarding the strategies to implement to manage the population of pest organisms. The PRIMARY OBJECTIVE of the inspection is to ensure the proper design of the IPM program. A good expert process is extremely necessary for the “plan” to be logical and consistent, although the final efficiency will depend on the implementation. We will not be able to establish adequate management strategies if the inspection was deficient or nonexistent. At the end of the inspection procedure, it is extremely important to coordinate interviews with people linked to the infested area. In homes, it will be important to carry out a small survey with the owner, where we can investigate the problem. In industries, we will have to talk to those responsible for quality, maintenance and even the workers who carry out their activities in the place where the pests are present. What we should ask or take into account minimally: How long have they been living with pests? Where have you seen pests? Where do you think they came from? What maintenance deficiencies can influence the presence of pests? What is the frequency and intensity of cleaning? Is there a maintenance, cleaning and/or pest control program? Are there records that indicate what strategies have been used for control?

The responses obtained will allow us to make parallels between the observed reality and people's perception, in addition to collecting historical data on the site and problem related to the present pest. Interviews enrich information and encourage the development of more complete diagnostic reports.

b) Diagnosis.

Having performed an accurate and thorough inspection, we now have enough information to generate a diagnostic report. The digital diagnostic report must be sent to all possible parties. However, impressions must be made for those who must decide strategies and investment to be made. One of the printed copies must be duly signed and will remain as a backup in our offices. The report must describe in detail everything that we have observed and that directly or indirectly may favor the entry, development or proliferation of pest organisms. Ideally, the report should contain images that make it easy to see what we mention. We should not be afraid to highlight poorly executed actions, deteriorated structures, or inadequate management regarding cleaning or maintenance. The only way to implement efficient and sustainable IPM programs involves involving the greatest number of actors, indicating what things can be improved or modified. The report of

The diagnosis can be structured however the person generating it wishes. Simply for reference, we will list the minimum content that said report should contain. Date / Time First and Last Name / Company Name Address Contact Person Inspection methodology:. Internal / External / Both. Third parties. Direct / Indirect / Complex Determination of the pest(s) present Management of the green space (observations) Building maintenance (observations) Cleaning / management of organic waste (observations) Survey of suppliers (if they are a factor of contamination by pests, they should be audited) Description of preventive corrective measures (cultural control / physical control) Description of curative measures (physical control / chemical control)

c) Communication.

Communication is a priority and fundamental at all times, from the beginning of

the inspection until the establishment of the IPM program. All people linked to areas where there are pests that must be controlled must be informed about the implications and importance of establishing a comprehensive control strategy. An environment without pests is a “healthy” environment, and that should be the message to spread. Poorly informed people can contribute unfavorably during the implementation process of an IPM program. Whether accidentally or intentionally. Communication meetings are a good strategy to raise awareness among people. It is important to categorize meetings, considering duration and depth of the topics to be communicated. It is important that each person interprets how they can contribute additively and positively to minimizing the presence of pests in the environment.

d) Cultural control.

It is the tool that contemplates the environmental conditions and behavior of people. Maintaining clean, orderly environments and in good building conditions is essential to avoid the establishment and development of pests. Educate people and teach what to do or not do regarding cleaning, waste disposal, building maintenance, etc. , usually contributes positively during the execution of IPM programs. Informed people get involved in the processes and look for ways to contribute from their place so that the program is successful. On the contrary, ignorant or poorly informed people may be tempted to boycott the proper development of pest management actions. EXAMPLE I: indicating to the cleaning operator of a food industry the importance of his work when collecting and eliminating organic matter that can be a source of food for certain pests, and that these pests can affect his health or contaminate a product, affecting his source of work in the face of potential claims, is a way of inducing him to clean and dispose of waste with greater dedication and care. EXAMPLE II: Showing trails generated on the grass by rodents is a good way to raise awareness and encourage those responsible for maintenance to clean the plant matter from the immediate surroundings of the buildings. It is important to highlight to maintenance people that the existence of rodents in the industry can generate major complications if they enter the plant. Rodents have a great capacity for contamination, transmission of diseases and deterioration of facilities (especially electrical). These arguments are of interest to achieve greater affinity with those responsible for these areas. They end up understanding that, given the advance of rodents, their work may become greater and their health may be put at risk.

e) Physical control.

Represented by all those physical elements that serve to capture, eliminate or prevent the entry of pests into a given site. Doors, windows, plastic curtains, air curtains, mosquito nets, light traps, adhesive traps, cage traps, etc. are some of the elements of this type of control. Also part of these elements are equipment that generates heat, cold or that serve to modify atmospheres with gas, such as carbon dioxide. All of these implements are widely used in pest control in stored products. Something important to clarify is that in many cases the physical elements of control tend to be elements of cultural control. Such is the case of cleaning elements or steam generating equipment. Suction, perhaps one of the main tools in this group, generated with domestic and industrial vacuum cleaners, both electric and pneumatic. This strategy is extremely effective and versatile, applicable to a wide variety of pests (cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, etc.). In sensitive sites, where the use of chemical compounds is restricted (hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, etc.), the aspiration associated with precise inspections where nests are located is extremely effective. Additionally, the use of a vacuum cleaner eliminates a large amount of detritus and remains of organic matter that represent food for many pest organisms. EXCLUSION. Exclusion is the main preventive strategy within the group of physical control tools. An airtight environment can only become infested with pests if they are introduced mechanically. There are many physical elements that promote airtightness. Weather stripping, grill covers, mosquito nets, metal meshes, doors and windows, are all exclusion elements. Considering that airtightness can be violated on occasions (Example: door opening), there are complementary implements that reinforce it. In this group, we find plastic strip curtains and air curtains. We will see the technical characteristics and implementation in the near future.

units when we deal with the topic of integrated management of flying insects. However, it is important to consider that air curtains must generate a flow that reaches at least 8.7 meters per second. Otherwise, it will not be useful to prevent the entry of large flies. The exclusion elements, at least doors and windows, are extremely effective if they are used well. In order for them to function as airtight generating elements, they must remain properly closed. This occurs if those who use them have adequate information regarding the possible consequences associated with the accidental entry of pests. I have had to inspect sites with a high level of flying insects in internal areas, simply because there are open doors. Unfortunately, faced with the indifference of the management and the excess temperature prevailing inside the facilities, the employees decided to open the doors to ventilate. Unfortunately, the situation existed in an air catering service, where the potential for contaminating food with insects was very high.

f) Chemical control.

Perhaps the simplest to describe. This type of control includes all those formulations developed to eliminate pests. Liquid insecticides, dry powders, wettable powders, baits, etc. are some of the classic examples. It is essential to take into account the proper use of this type of tool. This arises from

the correct choice of the formulation and the equipment to use, taking into account which pest must be controlled and where it is located. Pesticide applications must be carried out “spot”, focused and in the minimum effective doses. In order to do this, nesting, resting and/or feeding sites must be detected during the inspection process. By achieving this, application costs will be minimal, efficiency maximum and environmental impact reduced. The evolution of pest management techniques and the understanding of the dynamics of distribution and degradation of pesticides in the environment force us to arrange the molecules where they will necessarily come into contact with the pest to be controlled. With some exceptions, we cannot do without chemical control tools. It is our responsibility to do it with judgment and knowledge.

g) Concepts of Prevention and Control.

Prevention is easier and cheaper than cure. It will certainly be easier, not always cheaper. What is clear is that prevention involves all those activities that prevent the establishment and development of pests. Viable situation in indoor areas, where, helped with airtightness, we can reduce the presence of pests. Outdoors, prevention is more complex, especially against flying pests. Control acts directly on the pest, seeking to reduce its population density. For this, we have mentioned various physical or chemical control tools. Reviewing what is mentioned in Figure 1, 80% of the actions are preventive, while the remaining 20% ​​are control strategies. These proportions are acceptable and achievable inside factories, homes, businesses, institutions, etc. Outdoors, there are occasions where the proportions are completely reversed. A clear example is intensive poultry production. Chicken farms suffer from the presence of three common pests, flies (Musca domestica), rodents (Rattus spp. ) and chicken beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus), while egg production mainly suffers from the first two. The area is extremely favorable for the existence of pests, mainly due to the existence of places for shelter, water and food available. The productive conditions require it. Hermeticity is extremely complex or impossible, even in “black out” or closed systems. For this reason, preventing the appearance of pests is very difficult, and programs are based on pesticide application strategies. In this sense, it is essential to consider the type of product to be used, frequency and site of application, and equipment if necessary. Preventive aspects are limited to the management of organic waste in order to minimize breeding substrates (flies) or feeding (rodents). The different pests in the different environments,

They usually require specific, custom-designed programs. There are no recipes. Pests are never controlled in the same way. Each situation must be analyzed specifically and the prevention and control program must be designed according to the considerations of the case.

lillas, sticky traps directly capture adults. This numerical reference will allow us to know where we are starting from. Once initial monitoring has been carried out, usually during the inspection period, the IPM program can be implemented.

h)Monitoring.

SUSTAINED MONITORING

For many, monitoring or inspecting can be the same thing. They certainly are not. As we indicated in the first paragraphs, inspection is the activity that allows us to detect factors that predispose to the development of pests, damage or deterioration in building structures, defective cleaning programs, etc., or the presence of pests. It must be done thoroughly before designing any IPM program, but can be repeated as many times as deemed necessary. Monitoring is a tool that contributes during the inspection processes, and without a doubt it should be used before and during the programs. Monitoring or surveillance involves evaluating with some frequency the population density of a pest or vector organism in a given environment.

INITIAL MONITORING

It is the one that allows establishing the baseline or initial “value”. This value can be represented by different stages of insects. In mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), ovitraps are used to indirectly detect the presence of females in a certain area, leaving the eggs attached to a rough surface. In cockroaches, flies or poOnce the initial value is established, we must program the frequency and duration during which the monitoring will be carried out. Frequency means how many times per month, bimester, semester, etc., while duration implies the number of hours that the monitoring device will be exposed. Generally, the frequency is monthly and the duration is 24 to 48 hours, depending on the pest. One day for crawling insects/rodents and two days for flying insects. The important thing is to achieve comparable values. For this, the traps must always be placed in the same place and the duration of the exposure must be identical. From this, our integrated management program should reduce the initial value, thus indicating that our strategies are working correctly. If the monitoring is erratic,

and a clear trend towards population decline of the pest cannot be established; it may be due to permanent reinfestations or defective and inefficient work. Monitoring elements are usually traps of various shapes and mechanisms of action. For different pests there are different types of traps and for the same pest, there may be more than one, to be used depending on the area or conditions. When we see the specific management of the different pests, the corresponding ones will be mentioned. Despite this, we can mention ovitraps (used on mosquitoes), adhesive traps that can be baited with food (crawling insects) or act by light refraction according to color (flying insects), pheromone traps (high specificity for insects), light traps (flying insects), cage or guillotine traps (rodents), multiple capture traps (pigeons), etc.