Bugs are on the rise because of increased temperatures. Here’s one article published today. Rice, Doyle. “Bugs like it hot: Record heat kicks insects into high gear.” USA TODAY July 24, 2012

So what’s your pest management plan? There are three basic steps for IPM (Integrated Pest Management): 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment (reference: http://www.whatisipm.org/whatIs_whatIs.asp). Then as a manager of outdoor properties, you need to determine who does the work? What is done in-house, what is hired out, or whether a combination of in-house and contracted work makes sense. And last, think about how your approach to IPM links into your mission.

List of treatment techniques. http://www.whatisipm.org/whatIs_techniques.asp

Outdoor properties can look at related industries to find solutions. Here is a list of things you can do.

Home tour (for private home residences on the property) http://www.whatisipm.org/house.asp

Pest Proofing in Businesses http://www.whatisipm.org/business_owners.asp 

IPM in Schools http://www.whatisipm.org/schools_pest.asp

Contact your local pest control management service.