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Introduction
Introduction
When pest management professionals discuss their work, they use many terms and acronyms that the public may or may not recognize. An acronym used quite often is IPM, and it stands for integrated pest management. Recently, some Extension colleagues suggested the concept of IPM might not be as widely understood as previously thought. In an effort to remedy the situation, this article will explain what IPM is and why it has become an important tool in the world of pest management.
When pest management professionals discuss their work, they use many terms and acronyms that the public may or may not recognize. An acronym used quite often is IPM, and it stands for integrated pest management. Recently, some Extension colleagues suggested the concept of IPM might not be as widely understood as previously thought. In an effort to remedy the situation, this article will explain what IPM is and why it has become an important tool in the world of pest management.
What is Integrated Pest Management?
What is Integrated Pest Management?
IPM is an assessment-based, ecological approach to controlling pests. In an IPM program, the pest is studied to determine its habitat and life cycle. Once this information is gathered, it can be used against the pest (along with nonchemical and chemical control methods) to combat the pest problem. Since integrated pest management employs both nonchemical and chemical controls, it ensures the most effective measures are used for each pest situation and can reduce overall pesticide applications. IPM provides practical, cost-effective solutions while protecting people, animals, and the environment.
IPM is an assessment-based, ecological approach to controlling pests. In an IPM program, the pest is studied to determine its habitat and life cycle. Once this information is gathered, it can be used against the pest (along with nonchemical and chemical control methods) to combat the pest problem. Since integrated pest management employs both nonchemical and chemical controls, it ensures the most effective measures are used for each pest situation and can reduce overall pesticide applications. IPM provides practical, cost-effective solutions while protecting people, animals, and the environment.
This IPM word cloud displays key terms associated with integrated pest management. Understanding these key terms will help you grasp the concept of IPM.
Guidelines for IPM
Guidelines for IPM
The major components of any IPM program are as follows:
The major components of any IPM program are as follows:
Identify the pest.
Monitor pest populations and assess their damage.
Determine a guideline (threshold) for when pest management action is needed (for instance, the point at which the pest is causing economic losses from its damage).
Attempt to prevent the pest problem.
Combine nonchemical and chemical controls to reduce pest populations.
Assess how well the IPM tactics controlled the pest.
Notice the word "reduce" is bolded in the above bulleted list. The goal of IPM is usually not to eliminate pest populations, but to reduce them to levels that are considered acceptable. Using an integrated pest management program helps promote a more balanced ecosystem.
Notice the word "reduce" is bolded in the above bulleted list. The goal of IPM is usually not to eliminate pest populations, but to reduce them to levels that are considered acceptable. Using an integrated pest management program helps promote a more balanced ecosystem.
Nonchemical and Chemical Controls
Nonchemical and Chemical Controls
As stated previously, IPM methods may include nonchemical or chemical controls. Always determine the identity of your pest before choosing a control method! Identifying your pest reveals its habitat and life cycle, making it easier to select the proper control method. Nonchemical controls are usually implemented before chemical controls. Nonchemical methods include:
As stated previously, IPM methods may include nonchemical or chemical controls. Always determine the identity of your pest before choosing a control method! Identifying your pest reveals its habitat and life cycle, making it easier to select the proper control method. Nonchemical controls are usually implemented before chemical controls. Nonchemical methods include:
Host resistance – the use of hosts that are resistant to pests (ex. planting roses are less susceptible to blackspot).
Biological controls – the use of natural enemies (ex. ladybird beetles feeding on aphids).
Cultural controls – growing practices (ex. weeding a garden or moisture control).
Mechanical and physical controls – the use of devices or machines to control or exclude pests (ex. using a barrier like a screen to keep the pest out).
Chemical control involves the use of pesticides. Pesticides are necessary when nonchemical control methods have failed or can’t control the problem alone. Pesticide selection depends on the type of pest and the target site. You can see how an integrated pest management program – using pesticides only when necessary – can provide the most balanced approach for controlling pests without harming humans or the environment.
Chemical control involves the use of pesticides. Pesticides are necessary when nonchemical control methods have failed or can’t control the problem alone. Pesticide selection depends on the type of pest and the target site. You can see how an integrated pest management program – using pesticides only when necessary – can provide the most balanced approach for controlling pests without harming humans or the environment.
IPM is not just for agricultural operations or pest control operators. It is an approach that can be used by anyone with a pest problem. Consumers and homeowners should consider IPM when facing a pest problems in the home, lawn, and garden. When the steps are followed correctly, you will have a better chance of controlling the pest and saving yourself time, heartache, and money. Check out the story below to see how even a small-scale pest problem can be solved using integrated pest management.
IPM is not just for agricultural operations or pest control operators. It is an approach that can be used by anyone with a pest problem. Consumers and homeowners should consider IPM when facing a pest problems in the home, lawn, and garden. When the steps are followed correctly, you will have a better chance of controlling the pest and saving yourself time, heartache, and money. Check out the story below to see how even a small-scale pest problem can be solved using integrated pest management.
Tomato hornworm larva on tomato plant (scientific name Manduca quinquemaculata).
*Photo sourced from Wikipedia.
If you ever see a hornworm caterpillar covered in white egg masses as shown above, this is good! It means the hornworm has been parasitized by a natural enemy (an example of biological control).
*Photo sourced from BugGuide.
IPM to the Rescue!
IPM to the Rescue!
The Defeat of the Tomato Hornworm
The Defeat of the Tomato Hornworm
"As a consumer and homeowner, I have turned to integrated pest management many times. This past summer, I had an issue with a container tomato planting on my patio. I noticed a grouping of bare stems where all the leaves had been chewed off. At first glance, I didn’t see a pest that could have caused the problem. However, when I looked closer, I noticed large green caterpillars with unusual diagonal, white markings. Their coloring provided a clever camouflage while they devoured every leaf in their path. I knew I had seen the pest in photos before. After a little research, I confirmed the caterpillar as tomato hornworm."
"As a consumer and homeowner, I have turned to integrated pest management many times. This past summer, I had an issue with a container tomato planting on my patio. I noticed a grouping of bare stems where all the leaves had been chewed off. At first glance, I didn’t see a pest that could have caused the problem. However, when I looked closer, I noticed large green caterpillars with unusual diagonal, white markings. Their coloring provided a clever camouflage while they devoured every leaf in their path. I knew I had seen the pest in photos before. After a little research, I confirmed the caterpillar as tomato hornworm."
"Since the damage to my tomato plant was clustered, and I knew the caterpillars were the larval form of the insect, I concluded the adult moth of the hornworm had laid eggs only in this one location. I searched the rest of my garden for damage, but there was no sign of other intruders. So, I simply removed the caterpillars from the plant and moved them away from my garden. My problem was solved! IPM helped me unravel my pest dilemma and kept me from having to unnecessarily purchase or apply a chemical. Just to clarify, it is important to understand the solution to my pest issue may not work in other situations. Nevertheless, the critical thinking process I used, based on IPM principles, helped me find a solution. Take time to understand IPM principles – they can help with your pest problems too!"
"Since the damage to my tomato plant was clustered, and I knew the caterpillars were the larval form of the insect, I concluded the adult moth of the hornworm had laid eggs only in this one location. I searched the rest of my garden for damage, but there was no sign of other intruders. So, I simply removed the caterpillars from the plant and moved them away from my garden. My problem was solved! IPM helped me unravel my pest dilemma and kept me from having to unnecessarily purchase or apply a chemical. Just to clarify, it is important to understand the solution to my pest issue may not work in other situations. Nevertheless, the critical thinking process I used, based on IPM principles, helped me find a solution. Take time to understand IPM principles – they can help with your pest problems too!"
~ Lynn - Blacksburg, VA ~
~ Lynn - Blacksburg, VA ~
For More Information, Please Visit:
For More Information, Please Visit:
An Introduction to Integrated Pest Management -- Virginia Cooperative Extension Publications
Virginia Pesticide Safety IPM -- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services
Integrated Pest Management Principles -- Environmental Protection Agency
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