Integrated pest management (IPM)
is an increasingly popular approach to controlling pest populations while
causing the least amount of risk to people and the environment. IPM
incorporates multiple pest control techniques, relying first on preventative
measures and non-toxic controls. Some practitioners of IPM choose to use
chemical controls, such as pesticides, as a last resort while others completely
eliminate them. If chemicals are used, the least-toxic are the preferred choice.
By focusing on
prevention and non-toxic strategies, practitioners of integrated pest
management, eliminate unnecessary pesticide use.
“Integrated” Techniques of IPM
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First:
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Prevention:
Monitor for pests by inspecting
sites; eliminate structural conditions that encourage pests; encourage good sanitation. |
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Second: |
Mechanical controls:
Use of tools and devices, such as
lice combs, glue traps, snap traps, and vacuum cleaners to trap and/or kill pests. |
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Third:
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Biological controls:
Take advantage of nature’s predator/prey relationships and
pests’ mating insects. Microscopic parasites,
predacious insects, and synthetic pheromones are all possible
tools. |
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Fourth: |
Chemical controls:
Non-toxic or low- toxic sprays can kill insects and their
nests. Non-volatile baits and other low-toxicity pesticides are used before more dangerous
pesticides are considered. Spot treatments or crack and crevice
treatments are always more effective than broadcast
spraying of pesticides.
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Fifth: |
Education:
Staff, students, and residents can
take part in preventing pests. |
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“As crude a weapon as the cave man’s club, the chemical barrage
has been hurled against the fabric of life.”
Rachel
Carson,
Silent
Spring 1962
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 acknowledges the professional support of:
as
well as many other organizations work to limit the unwise use of pesticides in
our environment.
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