Terrie Greco, B.A.; HLT Dip.

Along with Plant Health Care concepts, gardeners should also familiarize themselves with the concepts of Integrated Pest Management.

IPM could be considered a ‘reactive approach’, but not in a negative sense.  It simply means that when a pest problem exists, there is a systematic approach to dealing with it quickly and safely. 

1)                 Check your maintenance program – poor garden maintenance is often responsible for the establishment of a pest or disease problem.

2)                 If the problems are minor – try mechanical traps – they’re inexpensive and effective. For example – tie folded bands of burlap around tree trunks to prevent caterpillars from migrating before pupating. Sink dishes of stale beer at the soil level to trap slugs. Lay short lengths of old hose in the garden where earwigs will hide during the day.  These ‘collected’ pests can be dumped into a bucket of water mixed with some insecticidal soap.

3)                 Release beneficial insects into the yard and develop a habitat in which they will establish a regular presence on your property – a water source and flowering plants to provide nectar is a good start, along with encouraging bird populations.

4)                 Finally, if the pest problems persist – use an organic pesticide such as insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth or horticultural oil.

The idea behind an IPM program is to start with the safest and easiest methods to suppress, not eradicate – existing pest populations.  Insects have natural ‘boom and bust’ cycles – sometimes even our best maintenance efforts require additional help.

4 Responses to “What Is Integrated Pest Management?”