What Is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systematic approach aimed at managing pests by incorporating prevention, monitoring, and suppression techniques. The strategy prioritizes non-chemical methods whenever possible to maximize public safety and minimize environmental risks. It encompasses a comprehensive array of pest control measures, including monitoring, sanitation, physical barriers, and the use of natural enemies of pests, alongside judicious use of pesticides when necessary. Massachusetts IPM Council emphasizes the importance of combining various pest control methods to achieve desired pest levels while minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides.

The Massachusetts State Legislature defines IPM as a multifaceted pest control strategy that aims to achieve effective pest management in an environmentally responsible manner. This approach integrates diverse pest control measures to address conditions conducive to pest infestation, such as sanitation and physical barriers, alongside the use of natural pest enemies. The focus is on reducing reliance on chemical pesticides through the judicious use of the lowest-risk options available. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) underscores the importance of an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management, utilizing a combination of practices informed by current knowledge of pest life cycles and their interactions with the environment.