Integrated Pest Management System

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision making process. It involves using a combination of techniques to control pests effectively, economically, and in an environmentally sound manner. The techniques used vary from prevention and monitoring to habitat modifications to mechanical or chemical control.

There are five components of an IPM Program:

1. IDENTIFICATION & INSPECTION
2. MONITORING
3. ACTION DECISIONS
4. TREATMENTS
5. EVALUATION & COMMUNICATION

Benefits of an IPM Program

• Provides long-term solutions
• reduces the amount of pesticide used
• prevents pesticide resistance from developing
• enables pest managers to control pesticide resistant pests

An increasing number of clients are insisting on IPM Programs because they are concerned about pesticide use and environmental safety. Over the next few years, using an IPM Program will become a requirement of the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks for applying in public buildings.