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IN THIS ISSUE:
- What is Integrated Pest Management and Why Should You Use It?
- Pest or Pal: Insects to Embrace or Avoid
- How to Choose a Pest Control Operator
- Selecting Safer Pesticide Options and Proper Disposal
- Ask Our Expert
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What is Integrated Pest Management and Why Should You Use It?
We know that pest issues “bug” you. However, depending on how you try to resolve the issue, you may unknowingly cause harm to our local creeks and rivers. Luckily, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a great solution to your pest problems! IPM offers a natural and effective alternative to conventional methods, which rely primarily on the application of pesticides. Pesticides not only cause harm to our environment and our health, they also only treat the symptom rather than the cause of pest problems—as a result, conventional methods are not nearly as cost effective in the long-term as IPM.
IPM focuses on a variety of approaches (Biological, Cultural, Mechanical/Physical, and Chemical Control) that, when taken together, deal more effectively with pest problems at their source. Below are some examples of what each approach may look like:
- Biological Control: using natural enemies (i.e. predators) to control pests and their damage.
- Cultural Control: changing irrigation practices because too much water can increase root disease and weeds.
- Mechanical/Physical Control: using traps for rodents, mulch for weed management, and barriers such as screens to keep birds or insects out.
- Chemical control: using the most selective and least toxic pesticide only in combination with other approaches.
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Pest or Pal: Insects to Embrace or Avoid
Did you know that not all insects in our gardens are pests? In fact, less than 2% of the insects you encounter in the garden will be pests, with the other 98% being beneficial or neutral! So, who are our friends and who are our foe? Our Water Our World’s “The 10 Most Wanted Bugs in Your Garden” is a helpful resource to learn about: beneficial insects, which flowers attract beneficial insects, the pests beneficial insects will naturally take care of, and more. Remember, this is IPM’s biological control approach, so you may be able to resolve or prevent pest problems on your own!
Want professional help on your pest problem? Keep reading!
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How to Choose a Pest Control Operator
Wondering where to begin with this process? It is recommended that you hire a pest control operator that uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM pest control operators look at environmental factors that affect current pests and their ability to thrive and gain access into your home, rather than simply eliminating pests, which often doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Get more information on how to choose a pest management professional here.
Note: Pest control operators within the City are still operating since they are considered an essential service.
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Selecting Safer Pesticide Options and Proper Disposal
While IPM methods should be considered prior to the use of any pesticide product, there are less-toxic pesticide options should you need them.
To help you find non-toxic or less toxic alternative products, check out our resources here.
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Do you have old pesticide containers that aren’t quite empty? State law prohibits you to place it in your garbage. This is because it’s considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and can harm our local waterways and the people collecting and sorting your waste. To properly dispose of unused pesticide products, refer to Lincoln’s HHW facility which is once again open to the public.
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Have a question about IPM? Ask our expert!
The City of Lincoln now has an Our Water Our World IPM and pest control expert to help Lincoln residents resolve their pest problems in an environmentally-friendly way.
Click here to get started.
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Remember—Clean Water Starts With You!
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