In This Section
What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy used to manage insect pests in the landscape by using economically and environmentally sustainable practices.
Today, the concept of chemical treatment as a singular means to control plant pests is no longer viable or acceptable. The goal of IPM is not necessarily to to eradicate or eliminate pests (see note), but to strengthen and stabilize the landscape (ecosystem) so that conditions are favorable for plants but unfavorable for pests. This is achieved by employing a combination of tactics (practices) to prevent or avoid anticipated pest problems rather than treating them once they occur. By using scouting and monitoring practices to monitor pests, action can be taken in a timely manner to prevent significant problems by using the most environmentally-friendly and cost-effective combination of cultural or mechanical (non-chemical), biological, and, when justified, chemical methods available.
Eliminating Pests
Often many homeowners and landscape caretakers have the misguided goal of “eradicating.” It is important to understand that every insect, whether pest or beneficial, has an important role to play in our ecology. What humans consider a pest to be eliminated may be an important food source for another organism or feeds on other insects. IPM is based on respecting the interconnection of all organisms. Better terminology to use to describe the goal of most IPM programs is to “eliminate pest problems.”
