What is Integrated Pest Management?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The four main principles of IPM are to: identify and monitor pests, set action thresholds, formulate an action plan for managing pests, and evaluate and modify the action plan.