Integrated Pest Management

What is IPM?

• IPM uses a combination of methods to control pests such as: scouting, biological controls, cultural controls, pest population thresholds and pesticides.
• The goal of IPM is to minimize economic damage from pests while also minimizing adverse affects to humans and the environment.

Why use IPM?

• Reduces pesticide inputs and saves money.
• Reduces pesticide resistance.
• Preserves beneficial insects, such as pollinators and biological controls.
• Reduces threats to human health and the environment.
• Addresses the increasing concerns from the public about pesticide residues and food safety.

What are the main components of IPM?

1. Identify the pest. The more you know about a pest, the easier it is to control it. Remember that not everything is a pest.
2. Monitor the pest. Low levels of pests may not cause significant damage and therefore cost more to treat. Learn what population level requires treatment.
3. Develop a goal. Prevention is often easier than treatment of outbreaks. Knowing the pests will help with this.
4. Implement an IPM program. After you have identified the pest and know the thresholds, you can determine the risks and benefits of available treatments.
5. Evaluate the results. This will help you determine what works well and the best course of action under different conditions.