What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a common sense approach to pest control. Successful IPM reduces damage from pests and manages them in ways that reduce risks to the environment and human health. IPM can be utilized to target a wide range of undesirable nuisances-detrimental insects, diseases, and weeds. Unlike pest control approaches of the past, IPM focuses on several types of pest control--not just chemical.
Although IPM does not prohibit the use of chemical pesticides, it encourages the utilization of non-chemical remedies first. Cultural, physical, and mechanical pest control methods are available options. However, some problems may not be alleviated by a non-toxic approach and chemicals may need to be applied. If this is the case, use pesticides wisely. Don't spray without knowing exactly what the problem is. With pesticides, one size does not fit all--always read the label and do not over-apply.
What are the benefits of IPM?
- IPM reduces the need for pesticides by using several pest management methods.
- IPM shields the environment from excessive or unnecessary pesticide applications.
- IPM fosters clean water. Everyone lives in a watershed. If runoff, or water leaving your home, contains pesticides, these can pollute streams, groundwater, or lakes.
- IPM promotes sound structures and health plants. Well-maintained homes and lawns better withstand damage from pests.
Source: IPM for Homes: how to use integrated pest management to uninvite residential pests. 2000. NYS Community IPM Program.
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Updated: March 8, 2010