What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is defined as a holistic approach that combines multiple pest control strategies to manage pest populations effectively while minimizing potential risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. This comprehensive strategy incorporates several methods of pest control that can include biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical measures, allowing for more sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management practices.

By using a combination of strategies, IPM allows for flexibility and adaptation to specific pest challenges, leading to more effective control and reduced reliance on any single method, particularly chemical pesticides alone. This multi-faceted approach helps in addressing not only the immediate pest problem but also the underlying factors contributing to pest populations, ultimately leading to a more balanced ecosystem.