Gardens can be beautiful using IPM. [E. Zagory]

IPM is a science-based, environmentally sound strategy that farmers, professionals, and residents can use to help prevent or control pests and their damage while at the same time protecting people, bees, beneficials, pets and the planet.

Are you already using IPM?

IPM uses a combination of methods including:

• biological control -- 'good bugs' or beneficial organisms like spiders or parasites that eat or prey on other bugs;
• physical control -- blocking the pest from getting to a plant or in your house. Squishing a pest. Pulling weeds out by hand.
• cultural control -- changing the conditions favoring the pest such as reducing wet areas or fertilizing less
• chemical control -- using a pesticide that controls the pest but is less toxic to other organisms and the environment. Pesticides are considered only when other methods have not been successful.

What are some IPM examples?

Pests such as ants, flies, cockroaches and mice. Prevent them from entering your home by sealing up cracks and crevices, using weather stripping on doors and windows, and repairing and replacing screens.

Monitor outdoor pests so you can decide whether or not take action. Some IPM tactics include spraying aphids off with a forceful stream of water, handpicking caterpillars, snails, and beetle pests, or using row covers to keep pests off your plants.

After reading this article, you may discover that you already practice IPM. To learn more about integrated pest management, visit the UC IPM website What is IPM? or visit the Home, garden turf and landscape pests web page for solutions to common pest problems.