Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of managing pests using an ecologically-based system of least-toxic gardening. Gardeners are encouraged to select methods that provide long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems with minimum impact on human health, the environment, and nontarget organisms. IPM programs are based on preventing pest damage or keep pests at tolerable levels by using knowledge about the pests and what encourages or discourages them in the garden.
Principal components of an IPM program include:
• Pest identification
• Methods for detecting, monitoring, and predicting pest outbreaks
• Knowledge of the biology of pests and their ecological interactions with hosts, natural enemies, and competitors
• Ecologically sound management methods of preventing or controlling pests.
Visit University of California Integrated Pest Management for information on specific pests and controls, and further information about IPM.