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Integrated pest management (IPM) is an increasingly popular approach to controlling pest populations while causing the least amount of risk to people and the environment. IPM incorporates multiple pest control techniques, relying first on preventative measures and non-toxic controls. Some practitioners of IPM choose to use chemical controls, such as pesticides, as a last resort while others completely eliminate them. If chemicals are used, the least-toxic are the preferred choice.
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By focusing on prevention and non-toxic strategies, practitioners of integrated pest management, eliminate unnecessary pesticide use.
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"Integrated" Techniques of IPM
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First:
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Prevention: Monitor for pests by inspecting sites; eliminate structural conditions that encourage pests; encourage good sanitation.
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Second:
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Mechanical controls: Use tools and devices, such as lice combs, glue traps, snap traps, and vacuum cleaners to trap and/or kill pests.
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Third:
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Biological controls: Take advantage of nature's predator/prey relationships and pests' mating instincts. Microscopic parasites, predacious insects, and synthetic pheromones are all possible tools.
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Fourth:
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Chemical controls: Non-toxic sprays made of soapy water kill many insects and their nests. Non-volatile baits and other low-toxicity pesticides are used before more dangerous pesticides are considered. Spot treatments or crack and crevice treatments are always more effective than broadcast spraying of pesticides.
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Fifth:
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Education: Staff, students, and residents can take part in preventing pests.
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Why use IPM?
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Pesticides are Dangerous
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- Dr. Elizabeth Guillette of Tulane and Xavier Universities compared two groups of children. One group was regularly exposed to pesticides and the other group was not. The children from the pesticide-exposed group "demonstrated decreases in stamina, gross and fine eye-hand coordination, 30-minute memory, and the ability to draw a person." Dr. Guillette also noted increased aggression and frustration in the pesticide-exposed children.
- According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "no pesticide can be considered safe." EPA data also shows that of the 26 most common indoor pesticides, 19 damage the nervous system, 19 cause reproductive problems, and 18 cause cancer.
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IPM is Popular
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- The United States General Services Administration has virtually eliminated pesticide spraying in its 30 million square feet of office space in Washington, D.C.
- Over 30 public and private school systems in Michigan realize integrated pest management is the safer, more economical, more effective choice for handling pests and weeds.
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IPM is Law
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- Michigan's Regulation 637, Pesticide Use, requires an IPM policy to be in place for public buildings and schools (public and private) and requires all pesticide applicators be trained in IPM before any pesticides are used on site.
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