Conducive Conditions
Environmental factors that attract pests and support infestations - identifying and correcting these is the foundation of prevention.
Detailed Overview
Conducive conditions are the environmental factors that invite and sustain pest populations. For subterranean termites: moisture in crawlspace, wood-to-ground contact, landscape mulch against siding, poor drainage, leaking gutters. For German roaches: grease behind appliances, water leaks under sinks, clutter providing harborage, gaps around plumbing. For rodents: gaps under doors, holes around utility penetrations, food waste in dumpsters, vegetation against building. For mosquitoes: standing water in containers, clogged gutters, low spots in turf. During inspections, PCOs document conducive conditions with photos and moisture readings, provide written recommendations prioritized by severity, and explain how each condition contributes to pest pressure. Moisture is conducive for 80% of structural pests. Entry points allow pest access. Food sources sustain populations. Harborage provides hiding places and reproduction sites. Correcting conducive conditions prevents reinfestation after treatment and reduces long-term service needs. Customer cooperation essential - PCOs identify issues but customers must make repairs.
When to Use
Identify conducive conditions during every initial inspection. Document thoroughly with photos and measurements. Provide written recommendations to customer. Re-inspect to verify corrections and identify new issues.
Required Skill Level
Requires some training and experience in pest management
Benefits
- Addresses root causes of infestations
- Prevents reinfestations after treatment
- Reduces long-term treatment needs
- Demonstrates professionalism and thoroughness
- Protects buildings from pest damage
- Provides non-chemical prevention solutions
Limitations
- Requires customer investment in repairs
- Corrections may take time to implement
- Some issues outside customer control (neighboring properties)
- Benefits may not be immediately visible
- Requires follow-up to ensure corrections made
Related Concepts
Other principles that may be useful
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A prevention-based pest management method that provides long-lasting pest control, improves building conditions, and is less harmful to residents and pets than traditional pest control.
Pest Triangle
The four essential requirements pests need to survive: food, water, shelter, and ways to get around. Eliminating any of these makes an environment inhospitable to pests.
Threshold Levels
The point at which pest populations or damage reaches a level that requires action. IPM uses threshold levels to determine when treatment is necessary rather than treating on a schedule.