Integrated Pest Management

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Integrated pest management is not so much a prescription and more a philosophy.

It rests on a simple premise: less is just enough.

Most municipalities adopt IPM as the framework through which they plan the management and control of invasive tree pests and diseases. The aim is to tailor the response to a specific pest so it balances anticipated risks against the need to adopt the least harmful effects on people, other plants and animals, and the ecosystem itself.

This graphic illustrates the four main types of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) controls. At the top in bold, green letters are the words "Integrated Prest Management" The graphic is made of a circle. In the middle is the outline of a pest with the red no-symbol crossing out the pest. The first quarter of the circle has a circular-shaped yellow arrow and to the right side is a green bottle with the same outline of the pest and no-symbol to show chemical control. Moving clock-wise the next part of the circle, there is a circular-shaped green arrow. To the right of that arrow is a new plant with three green leaves coming out of dirt. Below the plan are the bold, green words "Cultural" to show cultural control. Moving clock-wise the next part of the circle, there is a circular-shaped yellow arrow. To the left of that arrow is a yellow mouse-trap with the bold, green words "Mechanical Control" to show mechanical control. Moving clock-wise the next and final part of the circle, there is a circular-shaped green arrow with the words "Biological" in white, bold font, written on the arrow. To the left of that arrow is a ladybug.
Cultural control is the "least invasive" option for dealing with invasive species. Prevention oriented, it relies on changes in residents behavior to prevent spread, serve as first detectors and participate in volunteer programs. IPM doesn't preclude use of chemicals. If nothing else works, and the risks of inaction outweigh potential harm, chemical use may be the sensible solution.
EPA primer on Integrated Pest Management

University of Maryland manages a network featuring updates on the principles and practices involved in integrated pest management. Your state may provide similar resources through their own extension programs, or regulatory agency.

University of Maryland IPMnet
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