Pest Exclusion, 2018

Abstract

Pest exclusion has long been recognized as an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. However, similar to the importance of sanitation, for hire pest professionals do not often sell pest exclusion services. There are several possible explanations for why adoption of exclusion by the pest management industry remains low, including the effectiveness of chemical and mechanical control tactics currently used, an unwillingness of customers to pay for preventative services, and a lack of expertise to select the appropriate materials and perform the work. Therefore, the Scientific Coalition on Pest Exclusion was formed by academic and industry professionals with the mission of advancing the science of pest exclusion through research and education, and providing professionals and homeowners with the tools needed to keep pests out of the indoor environment. In 2018, a website dedicated to SCOPE was created on the NYS IPM website that describes the effort and provides resources for developing and implementing a pest exclusion program. Articles about exclusion were published in a trade magazine, and hands-on workshops were delivered.