IPM Principles

The integrated pest management (IPM) concept is simple...to manage agricultural pests by combining the use of all practical methods of pest control including biological, cultural, physical and chemical methods, in a manner that attains the clients' goals while minimizing economic, health and environmental risks.

As environmental concerns pertaining to the use of chemical pesticides continues to grow, IPM offers the most rational approach to managing insect pests. The IPM rational continues to receive a considerable amount of attention.

Under agricultural IPM program guides, farm fields are scouted on a frequent basis during the growing season. Data obtained includes crop stage, levels of pest populations, as well as beneficial insect numbers. The data is compared to established pest thresholds and pesticide applications are made only when pest numbers exceed those economic thresholds. The result is that pesticides are used only when needed.

IPM principles can be employed anywhere there are insect pests...and that's everywhere. Even the little rural church on the hill can reap the benefits of this scientifically based and common sense approach to pest control.

Need more information on how to manage insect pests or incorporate IPM concepts at your home, business, ranch or farm? Contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent, or Texas Pest Management Association through this web site.