Integrated Pest Management

Use the IPM Basics Guide (pdf) as you work through solving pest problems with IPM. Scroll through this page to deepen your learning about each step.

IPM Step 1: Build Knowledge

Before you can control a pest, you must first understand what the pest is, how it lives, and what type of damage it is doing to the garden. Take some time to build knowledge about the pest by asking and answering the following questions.

• What is the life cycle of the pest?

• How does this pest behave?

• What are the population dynamics?

• How does this pest interact with the environment?

• What is the host plant life cycle?

Remember, pests can include insects, diseases, weeds, and animals. Build a strong understanding of the pest before moving onto the next step.

To continue your learning, watch the Core Course video, Knowledge as the Core of IPM.

IPM Step 2: Decision Making

Now that we know about the pest and its impact, determine what should be done, if anything at all. Often, gardeners experiencing pest issues may want an immediate solution. Use this step to determine if one is necessary by answering the following questions.

• How serious is the damage?

• Is the problem getting worse?

• Will the plant recover?

• Is it worth treating?

• Should I take action?

Sometimes not taking any action is the best decision. You can choose to adapt to the pests, or grow other plants to avoid the problem entirely.

To continue your learning, watch the Core Course video, IPM Decision Making.

IPM Step 3: Control Tactics

If control is necessary, determine which tactics to use and provide recommendations along a continuum. Start with preventative and cultural methods. If the problem continues, suggest physical control tactics. Only suggest biological and chemical control methods when cultural and physical options have been exhausted.

Cultural Control Tactics

Cultural control encourages healthy, robust plants that can withstand and resist pest and disease damage through good garden management practices. These include understanding your soil, ensuring proper plant nutrition, consistently watering, and weeding. Many plant problems can be prevented by setting your plants up for success with proper spacing and mulch.

When working through a pest or disease problem, consider how the environment may have impacted that issue and provide garden practice recommendations to prevent the problem from happening again.

Physical Control Tactics

Physical control tactics may be the best option when dealing with pest issues, but often require a bit of work. Pulling weeds, handpicking caterpillars, or putting up fences are all physical ways to control pests.

Always provide physical options for management before chemical control recommendations.

Biological Control Tactics

Biological control tactics use naturally occurring systems to control pests. Encourage biological control by cultivating diverse garden environments that support natural predators.

To learn how these work, watch the Core Course video, IPM Non-Chemical Control Tactics.