So, let’s go ahead and get started
on Integrated Pest Management.
What is it? Well IPM,
or Integrated Pest Management,
is a planned and detailed approach
to managing pests. It uses multiple
control methods in order to accomplish
the goal of taking care of that particular
pest that you’re trying to manage.
One definition, here’s one that EPA uses:
There’s a number of different ways that
a person could probably define IPM
but that’s one that works reasonably well
under a lot of different circumstances,
whether it’s agricultural related
or lawn applications
or structural applications
or whatever it might be.
The strategy or the steps in IPM
are important.
First, identify the pest and
the stage of its life cycle.
Second, you need to monitor the pest
levels and the damage that is being caused
to determine if and when management
is necessary. Sometimes
no control is needed.
Third, use that information and your
knowledge to select and use a number
of prevention and control methods
to solve the problem.
Fourth, evaluate the results
so you can adjust management methods
as needed. You will know what works
or what might need to be adjusted
in the future.