Hello Neal,

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an eco-friendly approach to pest control that emphasizes long-term prevention and management through a variety of strategies. It involves identifying pests, understanding their life cycles, and establishing thresholds for acceptable pest populations. Rather than relying solely on chemical pesticides, IPM employs a combination of techniques, which may include cultural practices, habitat modification, biological control methods, and, when necessary, the judicious use of pesticides. The key components of IPM involve:

• Prevention: Implementing practices that reduce the likelihood of pest infestations, such as proper plant selection, maintaining healthy plants, and ensuring sanitation.
• Monitoring: Regularly checking for pests and evaluating their populations to determine if they reach levels that require action.
• Decision Making: Using strong data to decide the best course of action based on the specific pest situation while considering both human health and environmental impacts.
• Control Methods: Employing a mix of chemical and non-chemical methods, with a focus on using pesticides only when absolutely necessary and in a targeted manner to reduce potential harm to beneficial organisms.

By following the principles of IPM, you can help ensure that the landscaping contractor and arborist you select are committed to safe and sustainable pest management practices that benefit your community and environment overall.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Lesley for UDC master gardenes