IPM

Pest Management & IPM

Pest types and the integrated approach to controlling them.

~7 min read·3 sections·4 key terms

leaf.fill

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is a strategy that uses MULTIPLE methods to manage pests with the least risk to people and the environment. Pesticides are used as one tool — not the first or only one.

IPM steps: identify the pest, monitor populations, set ACTION THRESHOLDS (the level at which control is justified), then choose control methods, and evaluate results.

arrow.triangle.branch

Control Methods

IPM combines: • CULTURAL — practices that reduce pest establishment (crop rotation, sanitation). • MECHANICAL/PHYSICAL — traps, barriers, tillage. • BIOLOGICAL — natural enemies (predators, parasites). • CHEMICAL — pesticides, used judiciously when other methods aren't enough.

Using only chemicals encourages resistance; combining methods is more effective and sustainable.

ant.fill

Pesticide Types by Target

Pesticides are named by their target (the suffix -cide means 'to kill'): • INSECTICIDE — insects. • HERBICIDE — weeds/plants. • FUNGICIDE — fungi. • RODENTICIDE — rodents. • Others: miticide, nematicide, bactericide.

Proper PEST IDENTIFICATION is the foundation — the wrong product wastes money and harms the environment.

📖 Key Terms

IPM: Integrated Pest Management — combining methods to control pests with least risk.
Action threshold: The pest level at which control measures are justified.
Biological control: Using natural enemies (predators/parasites) to manage pests.
-cide: Suffix meaning 'to kill' (insecticide, herbicide, fungicide).

💡 Exam Tips

▸IPM combines cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.
▸Action thresholds determine when control is justified.
▸Correct pest identification is the foundation of control.
▸Relying only on chemicals encourages pest resistance.