Pest Management

Pest management is a process by which the pest population is maintained below thresh hold limits so that economic losses can be prevented.

Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as Integrated Pest Control (IPC) is a broad-based approach that integrates practices for economic control of pests. IPM aims to suppress pest populations below the economic injury level (EIL). The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation defines IPM as "the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment.

IPM emphasizes the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms." Entomologists and ecologists have urged the adoption of IPM pest control since the 1970s. IPM allows for safer pest control.[clarification needed] This includes managing insects, plant pathogens and weeds.

We Know About Pests, You Can Too. Visit our Pest Library for information on the habits and habitats of some of the most common pests, plus easy ways to control them.