Integrated Pest Management Guide
Managing Pests Sustainably with IPM
Dealing with pests can be frustrating. You try one thing, it seems to work, then the bugs come back again. Before you know it, you feel like you’re on a never ending treadmill of pest control. But there’s a smarter way – integrated pest management (IPM).
What is Integrated Pest Management?
It is a process that focuses on prevention first and uses multiple methods to keep pest numbers low enough to prevent damage. The goal is control, not getting rid of every last bug.
IPM uses monitoring and action thresholds to guide timely decisions. This helps determine if, when, and where control methods are needed. It’s a customised, sustainable approach.
The key is not to rely on any single tactic, but use multiple methods together, chemical and non-chemical. This makes IPM effective long-term and has less impact on human health and the environment.
IPM Control Methods
IPM uses six main tactics to control pests:
Cultural
These change conditions to make areas less welcoming for pests. Examples include good sanitation (removing food, waste, standing water), adjusting where and when plants are grown, using barriers like row covers, and crop rotation.
Physical
These remove pests or keep them from entering. Traps, vacuuming insect pests, nets, pulling weeds, and cutting out infected plant parts are common techniques.
Biological
Natural predators, parasites or diseases that attack pests are added or protected. Ladybugs that eat aphids, wasp parasitoids, Bt bacteria, and nematodes put on soil for grub control are some examples.
Genetic
Plant breeders develop pest-resistant crop types using traditional breeding or engineering. These plants have traits that reduce pest attacks.
Regulatory
Inspections, quarantines, and rules to prevent new pests entering or spreading, like checking incoming ships and restricting movement of crops, animals or gear from quarantined zones.
Chemical
When needed as a last resort, pesticides applied selectively keep pest levels low. Biopesticides (also called biological pesticides), derived from natural materials like plants, bacteria or fungi, are generally less toxic options compared to conventional pesticides. Newer chemicals like pheromones disrupt mating. Other biopesticide options include microbial pesticides using disease-causing bacteria or viruses. Baits, soaps, oils and targeted conventional chemicals are other options, guided by monitoring.
Using multiple methods creates synergy – the results are better than just adding up each one individually. And rotating tactics helps prevent pest resistance.
How Does IPM Work?
IPM follows a 4 step process:
1. Set Action Thresholds
An action threshold is the pest population level that causes unacceptable damage – where control costs less than pest damage potential. Seeing a single bug doesn’t always mean you have to take action.
2. Monitor & Identify Pests
Not every bug requires control. Proper pest identification removes the possibility of using the wrong, or any, pesticide. Sticky traps, photos, and pest scouting help with this.
3. Prevention First
Start with cultural methods, physical, biological and other non-chemical tactics first. Prevention is very effective and eliminates risk to person from using pesticides.
4. Control When Necessary
Use more selectively targeted, low risk options like pheromones, soaps or oils first. Broad spectrum pesticide application is a last resort if thresholds are exceeded and monitoring shows it’s needed.
This four tiered approach is driven by what’s happening in the field, landscape or facility – not a predetermined calendar schedule.
FAQs
How do you implement an IPM program?
Follow the 4 steps consistently: Set thresholds, monitor, use prevention methods first, then control only when needed based on pest scouting info. Enlist a qualified pest control technician if needed.
How to choose between chemical and non-chemical methods?
Always try non-chemical controls first. Things like pest-resistant plant varieties, barriers and beneficial insects. Pesticides should only be used selectively as a last resort if thresholds are exceeded.
What’s the best way to monitor pests in an IPM program?
Use monitoring tool, date and time stamped photos, scouting reports with pest counts and locations in the facility. This creates a record over time to guide and evaluate control decisions.
How to know if food are grown using IPM?
There’s no national certification for IPM food or crops yet. But some commodity groups like strawberries are defining regional IPM standards so growers can label products as IPM-grown. Check with growers directly if it matters to you.
Can I practice IPM in my garden?
Absolutely! Follow the same 4 step guideline. Call your local university extension office for help choosing the right tactics for the pest species you have. Master Gardeners are great resources.
In Australia, check with your primary industries for IPM guidance.
The bottom line is IPM brings science and common sense together for smarter, safer and more effective pest control methods over the long run. Give it try – your plants, pets and family will thank you!
Article written by Simon Easterby From Green Pest Control in Sydney.
