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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