The IPM process is a solution to pest issues that decreases risks to residents and the environment. IPM is the abbreviation for Integrated Pest Management.  This pest management system is utilized anywhere pests and pest damage is found. It can be used for managing all the pests in natural, agricultural, urban, and even recreational areas.

What is IPM in agriculture?

It is the focus of long-term pest prevention using powerful tools and a monitoring strategy that is ecosystem-based. IPM uses a combination of practices in an attempt to prevent pests and their damage for a long period of time. The use of biological, chemical, cultural, and organic methods is what integrates IPM. These techniques include habitat manipulation, biological and chemical controls, the use of a variety of resistance, and modifying cultural practices. IPM takes a common-sense approach to pesticide use.
IPM programs prefer natural sources instead of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. A Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program University of California Agriculture states that when insect control is supervised, chemical control using pesticides is more effective.
IPM means a type of action threshold to keep the insect population from becoming a problem. Pesticides will allow a healthy crop to grow and withstand insects attacking crops. IPM principles are the first line of cultural controls monitoring results of pesticides and other economic considerations.
The overall pesticide use is only initiated should IPM monitoring indicates a need for them. This need is established according to certain guidelines. Pesticide treatments are done with one goal, the removal of natural enemies. Pesticide exposure risk is sometimes greater than the benefits; particularly when non-chemical methods provide similar results.
The bio-pesticides are pesticides the EPA considers lower risk, naturally occurring substances. Normally, action thresholds involve less risky procedures, such as mechanical control, and using pheromones to disturb insect mating.
A statewide IPM program uses natural resources. Biological control of organisms both beneficial and non-target, and human health are the primary concerns of federal agencies within the United States government. Sharing sensitive information about the many natural enemies of non-target organisms and other organisms aids in both cultural controls and management.

What are the six steps of an IPM program?

There are six steps to an integrated pest management program. Although every situation differs, all IPM programs have these six primary objectives in common:

Step 1: Monitoring and inspecting a sample of pests 

The first steps in the six steps of IPM strategies are several hands-on activities. It doesn’t matter if you are anticipating locating the pest or just seeking clues to their existence. Proper identification averts the elimination of beneficial organisms.
In order to complete this step, you are going to need a few essential tools. We have made a list of these tools and how each aids in completing this step.

• A flashlight: You will find a flashlight serves well in monitoring entry points, as well as any deficiencies in sanitation for spreading diseases.
• Telescoping mirror: makes it easier to look under and behind furniture and other equipment.
• Magnifying device: makes identifying pests easier. Enables identification of an insect's parts, frass, and any other proof of classification.
• Paper, pen/pencil, and a clipboard: if you plan to do inspections for pest control, then these supplies are a necessity. The key to long-term control of pest problems and successful IPM is retaining accurate records.
• Make a diagram or map of the area-enables easier monitoring of potential infestations.
• Several zip-lock baggies or small jars are excellent for storing collected specimens.

 Step 2: Ensuring a correct identification of pests

This step is important because proper identification will allow you to know a pest's life cycle and typical behaviors and characteristics. Understanding the pest’s habitat of preference, behavior, and life cycle begins with making a correct identification. In addition, this aids the specialist in pest management to learn and respond to any weaknesses the pest may have.

Step 3:  Learning about the biology of a pest

If you want to comprehend and know what treatment to use it’s best to understand the biology of a pest. Not knowing this can result in an inefficient method of pest control. Additionally, a lack of pest biology will make preventative actions to be less effective and a flare-up can be anticipated.

Step 4:  Completing a threshold for action 

The threshold for action is what characterizes at which point a certain pest is unable to tolerate specific treatment. This threshold activity is based on a variety of standards, such as financial losses incurred by pests, health or other issues associated with the pest, as well as any aesthetic harm, to buildings or plants life. Additionally, if there are any threats to the health of the public, these issues are a priority.

Step 5: Choosing the right approach

The manner in which we approach a pest infestation is quickly changing. Facets such as knowledge, materials, attitudes, and policies are all part of structural pest control actions. It is imperative to be familiar with these facets in order to understand the ebb and flow of pest problems.
Below is a synopsis of the art and science of pest trapping at its current capacity. Yet, this is not meant to be an alternative to other more comprehensive sources.

Developmental management

This relates to matters concerning recycling, the disposal of trash, and incoming inspections of products. It is also about sanitation, maintenance, cleaning schedules, storage, and recording practices for any sightings of pests. Developmental management is an insurance policy that outlines definitive logistics and assigns authority.

Environmental management

The goal of managing pests is done by instilling methods of biological control, such as pesticides. These repel and exclude pests from damaging crops and spreading diseases.
The deciding factor to use physical authority is specific characteristics. Biological controls begin by inspecting points of entry, areas of shelter, and exclusion of food and water.
Environment management is also done by putting substances of least attraction in areas to force the pest to relocate. Another part of physical management is the use of traps and vacuums and pesticides.

Organic management 

This type of management is the conscious use of controlling pests with their natural enemies. That can be any parasitoids, pathogens, and even predators of a particular pest are introduced to the area as a means of decreasing their numbers. Prior to the use of pesticides and chemical treatment, this method of pest control was the most important.

Synthetic pesticide management

As early as the 1950s chemicals have been used as a means of pest control in many homes and offices. Yet, although they are effective, the use of synthetic pesticide agents bears concerns regarding pollution. As well as whether the pest will build a tolerance against pesticides, or create harmful side effects to non-targeted victims. IPM programs realize this is an option for those pests that simply cannot be contained by any other measures. The use of a chemical pesticide is usually a final resort when all other methods have failed.

Step 6: Assessing the situation

The last step in the six steps to an integrated pest management program is assessment or evaluation. This step is what ensures lasting success with whatever treatment you have chosen to get rid of those pests! Following the evaluation and assessment, you must continuously monitor and document all needs regarding sanitation and maintenance.
Ask yourself the following questions as you evaluate the situation:

• Does the treatment appear to be effective?
• Are your records thorough, and accurately maintained?
• Where and when did you first see the pests?
• What was the final treatment used to eradicate the pests?
• What plans do you have for future infestations?

The most imperative tool when setting up an IPM program is your recordkeeping. Ensure they are organized, so that you can use them to decide on treatment should you have another infestation.

What is IPM in agriculture?

IPM encompasses a wide range of ways to restrict and manage pests. It also decreases any potential threats to the environment, property, and other people. IPM offers an approach of four tiers to the world of agriculture--from the identification and monitoring of pests to impeding the threat of pests. An IPM also sets thresholds for action and when necessary, use a pesticide and other pest control chemical agents.
When using IPM as a method of pest control, it starts with an approach posing the least liability. Such as the use of mechanical commands--trapping and weeding. Even pheromones if other options fail.
Agricultural IPM approaches are useful in certain outdoor settings, such as environments regarding landscaping, parks, farms, and home gardens. The spraying of non-specific pesticides is only a final resort that IPM practices allow.

What are the 4 principles of integrated pest management?

Mechanical, cultural, chemical, and biological are four groups or methods pest management professionals utilize for controlling pest populations.
Certain pesticide applications are a type of on-site pest control service record used in an organized, searchable system.
Some examples of an IPM program include the following proactive actions and controls for gardening and lawn care:

• Using mulch in areas where you garden
• Ensure to pull or hoe the weeds early, before any roots become established
• If you have vegetables, put collars around the stems in the soil to protect them
• Bushes of berries are potential food to pests; stretching a netting over them will offer protection.
• Use mechanical traps to deter rodents and their destructive habits

Is an IPM Program good?

When seeking a way to reduce any risk-related use in regards to pesticides, IPM programs have a record proven to do that. The use of an IPM program is not only good for the environment, but it is also good at advancing the quality of our health and welfare. IPM programs are a single pest control method, an option that advances bio-based options.

What are the degree days of the environment? 

The optimal time period of a specific outbreak of insects is considered the environment’s degree days. In response to seasonal changes in the weather, plant pathogens duplicate similar patterns. If pests get to a level of unacceptability, the primary choices are called mechanical controls.

IPM programs address the needs to protect human health

When setting up an integrated pest management IPM, our health and the environment needs to be a priority. There are a variety of programs available that address issues regarding economic, environmental, and particularly human health.
These programs use technologies that are primarily scientific strategies for the removal and management of pest populations. An IPM program is effective management of pests that safely gets rid of all pest problems while also working at educating building occupants.

Call the professionals to decimate pest populations

If you want to get rid of a pest population, you need a strategy for managing pests. The professionals at A.N.T. Pest Control can set up an IPM program that will work best for you. We combine environmental facts, using pest biology and other technology available to avert levels of pest problems and damage.
Our IPM programs take your health and the economy seriously. We have pest control plans set up for as little risk to resources, property, the environment, and most importantly, to people. Call A.N.T. Pest Control today, we do effective pest management evaluations and can set up an integrated pest management IPM program that will work best for you.