Spring in New England is a time of natural awakening — bringing blooming trees, outdoor gatherings, and, unfortunately, an increase in pests seeking refuge indoors. At Modern Pest Services, we believe in protecting both your home and the environment. That’s why we center our approach on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a comprehensive strategy that effectively manages pests while minimizing chemical use near your family, pets, and the environment.

Comprehensive property inspection and accurate pest identification

The foundation of IPM begins with a thorough and detailed examination of your property to understand its unique pest challenges. Our trained technicians conduct a meticulous inspection, which includes:

• Identifying signs of pest activity: We look for physical evidence such as droppings, gnaw marks, and direct sightings of pests. This helps us determine the types of pests present and the extent of the infestation.
• Locating entry points: We carefully examine your home’s exterior for potential access points, checking for cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility lines, and openings in doors and windows. By identifying these, we can prevent future pest intrusions.
• Assessing attractants: We identify factors that may be drawing pests to your property, such as excessive mulch, standing water, piles of debris, and overgrown vegetation. Addressing these attractants is crucial for long-term pest management.

We focus on accurately identifying the specific pest species. For example, we distinguish between field mice seeking warmth in your basement and carpenter ants establishing nests within your home’s structure. This precise identification allows us to tailor our approach and avoid unnecessary treatments that may harm beneficial insects or other wildlife.

Proactive prevention and exclusion techniques

This is the cornerstone of IPM. Based on our inspection, we implement proactive measures focused on preventing pests from entering and thriving:

• Sealing entry points: We identify and seal potential pest entryways, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors, or openings around utility lines.
• Managing moisture: We identify areas with excess moisture — like leaky pipes, poorly directed downspouts, or standing water — making the environment less attractive to pests. Addressing these issues is essential for prevention.
• Modifying habitat: We recommend actions homeowners can take to remove conditions on your property that offer pests shelter or food, such as relocating woodpiles, trimming vegetation away from the foundation, and clearing debris, to reduce these hospitable environments.

By focusing on these preventative steps, we often eliminate the need for interior pest treatments altogether, creating a safer environment for your family and pets.

Continuous and intelligent monitoring

Even with the best preventative measures, it’s possible for pests, especially rodents, to occasionally find their way inside. That’s why we implement SMART monitoring systems to detect and track rodent activity. Our monitoring methods include:

• Sensors: We place electronic sensors in tamper-resistant boxes to detect rodent movement 24/7. These sensors provide real-time data on activity, allowing us to detect and respond quickly and effectively.
• Data analysis: We regularly review the data collected from our monitoring systems to determine if there is activity and address it before it becomes a bigger problem.

By continuously monitoring, we can target our interventions precisely, reducing the overall need for chemical applications while helping us pinpoint the source of the issue.

Why IPM is superior to conventional pest control

• Prioritizes health and safety: By significantly reducing the use of chemical treatments, we minimize potential risks to your family, pets, and beneficial wildlife like pollinators and birds.
• Provides lasting solutions: IPM addresses the underlying causes of pest infestations, such as entry points and attractants, rather than just treating the symptoms. This leads to more sustainable and long-term results.
• Promotes environmental responsibility: Our targeted approach reduces the risk of chemicals entering waterways and groundwater, protecting the environment.
• Offers long-term value: By addressing root causes and targeting treatments only when and where needed, IPM can be more cost-effective over time compared to recurring, routine applications.
• Ensures peace of mind: Our approach keeps you informed and confident that your pest issues are being managed effectively and safely.

A real-life IPM success story

Last summer, a family in Worcester, Mass., was concerned about mice in their garage. Instead of resorting to conventional methods, we implemented our IPM strategy:

1. Comprehensive inspection: We identified two small holes in the wall and discovered spilled pet food under a workbench.
2. Preventative measures: We sealed the holes, relocated the pet food, and cleaned up the area.
3. SMART monitoring: We installed two electronic rodent monitors in key areas to track future activity.
4. Targeted response: Three weeks later, one monitor detected activity. We identified and sealed a small gap under the door.

The result was a pest-free garage without the use of unnecessary chemical treatments, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the family.

Modern Pest Services programs based on IPM

• HomeCare Green: Offers quarterly exterior inspections, preventative measures, and treatments. Includes unlimited callbacks for ongoing support and guaranteed satisfaction.
• HomeCare Organic: Provides all the benefits of HomeCare Green, with the added use of organic products.
• SMART rodent monitoring: Our 24/7 digital detection system replaces traditional baits with sensors, ensuring treatments are applied only when real pest activity is detected.
• Full exclusion services: We thoroughly seal all potential entry points from the foundation to the attic, providing a robust first line of defense against pests.

Get your free quote today

Contact Modern Pest Services today to schedule your free quote and discover how our IPM solutions can effectively protect your home in a safe, sustainable, and effective way.