What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM), is a process used by natural resource professionals to manage invasive species infestations. The goal of IPM is to maximize effective control and to minimize negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. IPM is an adaptive ecosystem-based approach that focuses on multiple control options targeting invasive species to prevent, eradicate, contain, or suppress populations. IPM utilizes best management practices across a broad spectrum while using a range of techniques.
Management practices utilized in a synergistic approach are derived from manual, mechanical, cultural, biological, and chemical options to reduce non-native species infestations. Pesticides are used only after approaches with monitoring indicate that their use is needed according to established guidelines. Treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target species. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. IPM means using control methods that reflect the values of a community, land use goals, and resources like time, labor, and finances. IPM requires years of dedication to monitor post-treatment outcomes.
Management practices utilized in a synergistic approach are derived from manual, mechanical, cultural, biological, and chemical options to reduce non-native species infestations. Pesticides are used only after approaches with monitoring indicate that their use is needed according to established guidelines. Treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target species. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. IPM means using control methods that reflect the values of a community, land use goals, and resources like time, labor, and finances. IPM requires years of dedication to monitor post-treatment outcomes.
During the pre-planning process a full assessment of IPM strategies should include the prioritization of invasive species.
Consider the following items:
- What would the cost to the environment and society look like if no treatment was executed compared to implementing a treatment?
- What are the risks associated with treatment(s) versus the threat posed by an invasive species?
- Are high threat, low abundance/density infestation being considered that are cost effective to manage versus a low threat and widespread invasive species?
- Has a threshold of acceptable damage and risks to the native environment been set while considering a management approach?
- Have the predicted and likely pathways of introduction been examined? Are the vectors of spread and reintroduction from anthropogenic sources or is the species dispersed by wind, water, or animals? How are these vectors of dispersal accounted for in the decision process?
- What will restoration and post-treatment monitoring look like and cost?
IPM programs combine management approaches for greater effectiveness.
The most effective way to manage pests is by using a combination of methods that work better together than separately. Approaches for managing pests are often grouped into the following categories:
Manual and Mechanical Controls
The most effective way to manage pests is by using a combination of methods that work better together than separately. Approaches for managing pests are often grouped into the following categories:
Manual and Mechanical Controls
- Manual and mechanical methods eliminate an invasive directly through removal. Practices include hand pulling, grubbing, cutting, girdling, grazing, hoeing, mowing, and/or extracting. Physical controls include barrier techniques by benthic or terrestrial mats, mulches for weed management, water draw -downs, or even steam sterilization of the soil for disease management. Fire is also a form of management.
- Cultural controls are practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and survival. Limiting exposed soil at work sites and restoring the environment with a natural seed bank can help limit re-infestations and keep populations of non-native plants to a minimum.
- Biological control is the use of natural enemies like predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors to feed on or disrupt an invasive species. Biocontrols are not expected to eliminate invasive species completely and it often takes years or even decades after repeated releases before their effects are substantial. When successful, biocontrol agents can provide long-term, widespread control with a very favorable cost-benefit ratio.
- Chemical control is the use of pesticides. in IPM, pesticides are used only when needed and in combination with other approaches for more effective, long-term control. Pesticides are selected and applied in a way that minimizes their possible harm to people, non-target organisms, and the environment.
Resource Links: Cornell College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
