Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a holistic approach for preventing or controlling pests in all arenas, including agriculture, schools, parks, homes, golf courses, and gardens.
IPM principles and concepts are not overly technical or complex, as they are commonly associated with best production and maintenance practices. If you’re new to IPM, start small by adopting one or two practices you are most comfortable with and build from there. For example, you’re employing components of IPM by selecting quality seeds of a locally-preferred plant variety and using mulch to prevent weeds in your garden.
In addition, IPM is “flexible” and can be molded to fit the preferences and values of the individual user. An organic grower or homeowner using organic lawn and garden practices can and should use IPM, but their values preclude the use of products and practices that are not certified organic. Likewise, fewer weeds may be tolerated in a person’s front yard as opposed to the backyard.
This website presents the basic concepts of IPM and provides links to more detailed resources. Be sure to click on the links below, or in the navigation pane on left, and explore the information these pages provide.
- What is IPM?
- Why Practice IPM?
- Pest Identification
- The PAMS Approach
- Monitoring
- Suppression
- IPM Resources
- IPM Quiz