Integrated Pest Management Overview

An approach to pest control that uses a combination of methods to minimize damage while reducing environmental impact.

Preventing pests from becoming a problem in the first place by planning and managing the environment.

Identifying the specific pests and the beneficial organisms (enemies of pests that can control their numbers naturally) present in a given area.

Regularly monitoring and observing the population of pests and beneficial organisms, as well as any damage they cause and environmental conditions.

Using thresholds to determine when to take action against pests. A threshold is a level of pest damage or infestation that warrants control measures.

Choosing pest management practices that are the most effective and least harmful to humans, the environment and beneficial organisms.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the IPM program, assessing the successes and failures of implemented strategies.

Techniques that aim to prevent pest problems from occurring in the first place.

The process of accurately identifying pests and beneficial organisms is crucial for effective pest management.

Knowing the pest's life stages and behaviors helps determine the best time and method for control.

The plant or animal that a pest relies on for survival.

A pest manager must understand the pest's biology before choosing a control method.

Poor pest identification can lead to ineffective control, harming beneficial organisms, and overuse of pesticides.

Methods for identifying pests include examining the organism, damage, infestation signs, and location.

When unsure about a pest's identity, consult experts for assistance.

Various sources provide information on pest identification including government publications, pest management specialists, and online resources.

The number of pests or damage levels that trigger pest control actions.

Traps like pheromone traps and glue boards, used to capture pest insects.

A method of selecting samples randomly to represent the entire monitored area.

The number of samples taken to estimate the pest population for the whole area.

The objective is to get a reliable estimate of pests for the whole site.

The chance of getting reliable pest estimates increases with more samples.

Samples should be chosen in a way that reflects the entire monitored area.

Regularly checking for pests and their impact on the site.

The level of pest infestation or damage that triggers control measures.

A group of control methods used to manage pests while minimizing environmental impact.

Legal rules to prevent pests from spreading to new areas.

Practices that prevent pest problems from occurring in the first place.

Physical methods to remove or exclude pests. Examples include traps, barriers, and vacuuming.

Using natural predators, parasites, or diseases to control pest populations.

Using chemicals to control pests, but only as a last resort and in a targeted and safe manner.

Evaluating the effectiveness of IPM strategies, monitoring results, and making adjustments as needed.

Chemicals produced by insects to attract or repel other insects of the same species.

The way a pesticide works to control a pest.

When a pest population becomes resistant to a pesticide, making it ineffective.

Using a variety of pest management methods other than pesticides to avoid building resistance.

When a pest population reaches a certain level, it can cause significant damage and requires intervention.

Pesticides that have low toxicity to non-target organisms and are not persistent in the environment.

Using biopesticides to manipulate pest behavior, such as releasing sterile insects or using pheromones to attract or repel pests.

Factors that influence the choice of pest management practices, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of non-target organisms.

The level of pest damage or infestation that prompts the need for control measures.

Actions taken to reduce pest populations or damage, including pesticides, biological control, and cultural practices.

Using a combination of pest management practices instead of relying on just one.

The use of beneficial insects or other organisms to naturally control pest populations.

Practices that prevent pests from becoming a problem in the first place.