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What
Is Integrated Pest Management
Many definitions of IPM have
been proposed. These definitions all share a
similar theme:
Integrated pest management is an effective, environmentally
friendly approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense
practices. Definitions
of IPM:
Massachusetts IPM Council's
definition of IPM:
IPM is a systematic strategy for managing pests which
considers prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression.
Where chemical pesticides are necessary, a preference is given
to materials and methods which maximize public safety and reduce
environmental risk {42}.
Massachusetts State
Legislature's
definition of IPM:
A comprehensive strategy of pest control whose major objective
is to achieve desired levels of pest control in an
environmentally responsible manner by combining multiple pest
control measures to reduce the need for reliance on chemical
pesticides; more specifically, a combination of pest controls
which addresses conditions that support pests and may include,
but is not limited to, the use of monitoring techniques to
determine immediate and ongoing need for pest control,
increased sanitation, physical barrier methods, the use of
natural pest enemies and a judicious use of lowest risk
pesticides when necessary {5}.
EPA
definition of IPM:
IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interactions 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. IPM programs take advantage of all pest management options possibly including, but not limited to, the judicious use of
pesticides {6}.
BIRC
definition of IPM:
Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an approach to pest
control that utilizes regular monitoring to determine if and
when treatments are needed and employs physical, mechanical,
cultural, biological, and educational tactics to keep pest
numbers low enough to prevent unacceptable damage or annoyance
{39}.
USDA ERS definition of IPM:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to
managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and
chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and
environmental risks {3}.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
definition of IPM:
A systematic approach to
managing pests which focuses on long-term prevention or
suppression with minimal impact on human health, the
environment and nontarget organisms. IPM incorporates all
reasonable measures to prevent pest problems by properly
identifying pests, monitoring population dynamics, and
utilizing cultural, physical, biological or chemical pest
population management methods to reduce pests to acceptable
levels {44}.
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