Understanding Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Sustainable Approach

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive strategy for pest control that focuses on long-term prevention and sustainability. It’s based on current information regarding life cycles and the interaction of pests with the environment. IPM employs habitat manipulation, biological controls, cultural practices, mechanical controls, and resistant varieties. It’s economical and minimizes risk to people, the environment, and other organisms. 

Elements of an Integrated Pest Management Approach

Integrated pest management utilizes a combination of approaches and methods for pest control. 

• Prevention: Exclusion, proper sanitation, good hygiene, host removal, sealing of gaps and cracks in structures, pest barriers, and reduction of standing water are some prevention practices used in IPM programs.
• Monitoring: Assessment of pest populations through visual inspection, identification, determination of stage of life cycle, notice of damage, and observation of natural enemies is part of an integrated pest management strategy. Monitoring provides information regarding potential problems, active life stages, absence/presence of predators, best timing of control strategies, and effectiveness of control actions. 
• Eco-friendly pest control reduces the reproduction, establishment, dispersal, and survival of pests. Biological controls (parasites, natural predators, beneficial organisms, pathogens, etc.), cultural practices that create less favorable conditions (watering schedules, plant rotation, etc.), mechanical controls (traps, barriers, mulches, screens, handpicking, etc.), and target application of naturally sourced pesticides are utilized in integrated pest management to ensure the program is environmentally sensitive. 
• Action thresholds are set to guide decisions and indicate when pest control is best implemented. This requires thorough record-keeping, regular monitoring, and determination of health/environmental risks. Thresholds must be specific to the location, pest, and environment and are based on legislative, psychological, medical, and economic factors. Thresholds are adjusted as conditions change. 
• Evaluation: Evaluation of effectiveness is undertaken after the implementation of strategies/controls. Program outcomes are compared with established goals/objectives, informing decisions and improvements. Adjustments to strategies and goals are made as needed.