Pest control glossary

Integrated pest management (IPM) — EPA's four-part approach: set action thresholds, monitor and identify, prevent, then control starting with the least risky effective option. Action threshold — the point at which action is justified, defined above.

Exclusion — physically sealing entry points so pests can't get in. Harborage — the sheltered places pests live and breed: clutter, voids, gaps.

Termiticide — a pesticide registered for termite control. EPA names bifenthrin, imidacloprid and fipronil among common active ingredients in soil-applied barrier treatments. Bait station — a housing holding a slow-acting insecticide; EPA notes termite baits contain slow-acting insecticides such as diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron. Borate wood treatment — treating the wood itself rather than the soil.

Re-entry interval — the label-specified time before it's safe to return to a treated area. Certified applicator — a person certified by the state to apply certain pesticides; EPA notes companies must have at least one certified, licensed commercial applicator in the proper service category, with others certified or under direct supervision.

How to choose

"IPM" on a website means nothing on its own

Ask what they'll actually do at each of the four steps at your property.

"Pet-safe" and "green" are marketing words

They have no fixed regulatory meaning here. Ask for the product name and label instead.

Know the difference between control and exclusion

Control reduces the population; exclusion stops re-entry. Rodent work needs both.

Ask which service category their license covers

EPA notes the certified applicator must be in the proper service category — general pest and wood-destroying organisms are commonly distinct.