<section><h2>IPM Self-Assessment: 10 Ways to Improve Your IPM Program</h2><p><p>It doesn’t matter what industry you work in – pests don’t discriminate when it comes to where they take up residence. Since pests can carry and spread disease, as well as cause property damage, it’s important to understand the elements of an effective pest control program. Take this self-assessment to see what next steps you should take to develop and foster an effective IPM program.<br></p></p></section><section><h2>Novice in IPM Quality</h2><p><p>You have some work to do to create an effective IPM program. Consider scheduling a meeting with a pest management professional who can develop a customized program for your facility and also help you to become more knowledgeable about IPM. <a href="https://www.orkincanada.ca/drive/uploads/2021/10/IPM-Self-Assessment-Answer-Key_ENG1677.pdf" class="accent-link link" target="_blank">Review this answer key to see how you could improve.</a><br></p></p></section><section><h3>Proficient in IPM Quality</h3><p><p>You are on the right track, but you can still work on making your IPM program as effective as it could be. Consider speaking with your pest management professional about how you can increase your involvement and play a more proactive role in your current IPM plan. <a href="https://www.orkincanada.ca/drive/uploads/2021/10/IPM-Self-Assessment-Answer-Key_ENG1677.pdf" class="accent-link link" target="_blank">Review this answer key to see how you could improve.</a><br></p></p></section><section><h3>Expert in IPM Quality</h3><p><p>You have an outstanding IPM program. Keep it up because pests can sneak inside when you become complacent. Consider holding a comprehensive review with your pest management professional to pinpoint specific areas of improvement in your current plan and <a href="https://www.orkincanada.ca/drive/uploads/2021/10/IPM-Self-Assessment-Answer-Key_ENG1677.pdf" class="accent-link link" target="_blank">review this answer key for more tips</a><a href="https://www.orkincanada.ca/resources/ipm-self-assessment/" class="accent-link link" target="_blank">.</a><br></p></p></section><section><h2>Question 1</h2><p><p> </p><p> </p><p>At your facility, do you implement a pest management program that focuses more on controlling pest problems as they happen or on preventing pest problems before they occur?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 2</h3><p><p> </p><p>Have you and your pest management provider held an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training session with your staff?</p> </p></section><section><h3>Question 3</h3><p><p> </p><p>Do you implement exclusion methods to control pests at your facility (e.g. sealing cracks and crevices, installing weather stripping, replacing window screens or maintaining positive air pressure)?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 4</h3><p><p> </p><p>Which of the following best describes your facility’s reliance on chemical solutions to help control pest activity?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 5</h3><p><p> </p><p>Do you have a written sanitation plan that provides guidelines on routine inspections and cleaning areas that are vulnerable to pests?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 6</h3><p><p> </p><p>How often are the most vulnerable areas of your facility cleaned?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 7</h3><p><p> </p><p>Do you keep your pest control service documentation on-site? The documentation should include a pest activity log, corrective action reports, pesticide usage data, bait/trap maps and dates of service. </p></p></section><section><h3>Question 8</h3><p><p> </p><p>Are your staff members evaluated on their activities that help prevent pest activity (e.g. sanitation, documentation or implementation of exclusion strategies)?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 9</h3><p><p> </p><p>Is your pest management professional evaluated on his or her compliance with IPM standards, either by the pest control company or an external auditing agency?</p></p></section><section><h3>Question 10</h3><p><p> </p><p>If you see evidence of pest activity at your facility, how quickly do you communicate it to your pest management professional?</p></p></section>