From electronic logbooks to remote rodent and insect monitors to a proliferation of cameras strategically placed inside facilities, technology is in full force today in the battle against pests in commercial facilities.
A recent Sprague Pest Solutions Spotlight webinar took attendees behind the curtain to examine the growing role technology plays in the design and implementation of pest management programs.
AJ Treleven, regional manager for Sprague, told attendees that technology is enhancing what pest professionals are doing for clients, but that human knowledge and experience remain an integral part of any effective integrated pest management (IPM) program.
“Technology such as rodent sensors or cameras generate valuable data and provide measuring tools to allow pest management professionals to select the right control methods to match the pest threat,” said Treleven. “It allows us to stack the effects of a pest management program and be very granular with device and tool selection.”
Today’s service technician can capture and share a wealth of information online. The data collected fills in the gaps and tells technicians and clients what’s been going on inside a facility between service visits.
“Data driven guidance is moving clients forward more than has been the case in the past,” said Treleven. “Better informed decisions are reached, it allows for changes and adjustments to programs, and educates and trains employees at a higher level.”
What will the impact of technology be long-term on IPM programs? Treleven pointed to the following benefits:
- The digital age of IPM refocuses pest management on data analysis and the integration of vast and disparate data points – every time a device is checked a data point is established.
- Application of exponentially growing data through machine learning.
- Every application and device placement will be targeted have a specific scientific reason.
- Technicians will become risk consultants and scientists wrapped in one.
“It will take the routine task and mechanize it allowing it to take care of itself in some instances,” said Treleven. “Technicians can spend more time performing risk analysis and risk mitigation and use their time in a facility more efficiently.”
How Sprague is Leveraging Technology
Sprague’s technical team and service technicians are applying what they already know about the pest issues in their client’s facilities and deploying technology to build on that knowledge.
If a facility monitors its lighting usage and has door sensors installed, and is experiencing an issue with occasional invaders, for example, data analysis can help solve the problem. Occasional invaders are known to be attracted to light so was it a door being left open or were lights left on?
“Using data drawn from sources beyond pest devices alone should be figured into the equation,” says Treleven. “In addition to knowing where and when insects were trapped, data from door and light sensors, and temperature and humidity readings can lead you to the root cause of the infestation.”
Three ways Sprague is currently leveraging technology to improve IPM program and audit performance include:
Mitigation of Audit Risk
- Automating logbook entries to remove human error
- 24/7 support and access from any internet connected device
- Remote pre-audit checking to ensure audit preparedness
Real Time Program Adjustment
- Using sensor data to customize the IPM plan by device instead of by account or by area in a facility
Mapping/Targeting/Monitoring Pest Populations
- Use data to heat map activity to apply wholistic approaches to every location
For more information on how Sprague Pest Solutions can design an effective roof rat management program for your facility, call 855.805.0755.
Register for the next Sprague Spotlight Webinar – Bed Bug Management Strategies on Wednesday, September 16 and 30 at 10 a.m. PST. Register at https://bit.ly/3jDQDDw