Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a unique approach to pest management that discourages pest populations while minimizing the use of pesticides. It is a multifaceted approach that causes the least amount of damage to the environment. In other words, IPM is the ‘safest’ form of pest control.

Man has always been fighting insects. Insects can be annoying because they bite or sting. Pests can be expensive to man if they ruin a crop. In addition, they can be dangerous if they transmit diseases. Nobody wants these pests around!

In recent decades, the immediate solution for pests has been an all-out attack with synthetic chemicals. Products line store shelves to kill ants, kill cockroaches, kill mosquitoes, etc. Bug bombs, pump sprayers, backpack sprayers, granular products, aerosol cans, crop dusting planes – many ways to distribute these chemicals in the name of pest control.

But this automatic reaction to aerosol chemicals has become costly. We are poisoning the planet with this focus. The food production chain in the United States uses an incredible amount of pesticides each year – pounds of pesticides per person who will consume the food produced in this chain. The soil is being “killed” to the extent that it cannot sustain food production. The waterways are infiltrated with toxic chemical pesticides. Human diseases related to brain function are increasing at an alarming rate: ADHD, autism, Alzheimer’s, etc. All for the launch of large amounts of pesticides to insects.

That is why Integrated Pest Management was developed. Closely monitor pest populations so that when action is necessary, manage pests using cultural, mechanical and biological pest controls in conjunction with responsible use of pesticides (when necessary). Rather than blindly using synthetic pesticides as soon as a problem arises, IPM enables a variety of specific solutions to the current pest problem to find a safe solution. Restrict the use of toxic chemicals to achieve acceptable levels of control.

IPM is catching on and that’s a very good thing. Certain corporate and college campuses have embraced IPM by recognizing that a few pests in small numbers is not a house fire … and it certainly does not authorize the use of high-potency chemical poisons to ‘fix’ the situation. Homeowner groups and eco-friendly developments appreciate the aversion to using toxins and are at the forefront of a change in thinking.

Integrated Pest Management is the safest way to deal with pests rather than using poisonous chemicals at the first opportunity. Help spread the word about the benefits of IPM so more places will follow your example.

Our future depends on it!