According to the EPA, "Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is 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.
People appreciate comfortable environments in which to live and work. Environments that are comfortable to people may also provide food, water and harborage (homes) to pests. By using integrated strategies for pest management, we can reduce numbers of pests as well as maintain a healthy environment.
Urban IPM is a process for balancing the risks between pests and pesticides to achieve long term pest suppression. IPM uses a wide variety of management practices. Control strategies in an IPM program extend beyond the application of pesticides to include structural and procedural modifications that reduce the food, water, harborage, and access used by pests.
Tools and Methods used in Urban Integrated Pest Management
- Communication
- Identification
- Sanitation
- Monitoring
- Exclusion
- Treatment
- Evaluation
