What Is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a decision-making process in which observations, including inspection and monitoring, are used to make pest-control decisions based on predetermined management objectives. IPM takes an ecological approach to selecting control methods, combining a variety of chemical and nonchemical control tactics in a way that minimizes risk to people and the environment. This process must include an evaluation and written records to document the procedure and results.
Although the basic components of IPM are always the same, the specific elements of an IPM program vary from one environment or situation to another. IPM dictates that every pest situation be evaluated independently. In all cases, inspection and monitoring provide the necessary facts upon which to base decisions about whether or not to implement control procedures. After making the decision to implement controls, various control options must be carefully selected, based on effectiveness of the tactic and human and environmental safety. Finally, evaluation and record keeping promote informed decisions regarding how long to continue controls or whether or not to make changes.
IPM Components
These five main components of IPM are considered essential:
- Inspection
- Monitoring and Tolerance Level Establishment
- Situation-Specific Decision-Making
- Application of Pest Management Techniques
- Evaluation and Record Keeping
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