Environmental Services
Integrated Pest Management
What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management or "IPM" is a philosophical approach to managing pests that solves the problem rather than treats the symptom. It incorporates proactive or preemptive strategies rather than reactions. If properly executed an environment is established that is difficult for pests to invade.
IPM Follows a Set of Logical Steps:
- Routine inspection of the condition of desirable plants/animals and/or insects and of the presence of pests (unwanted insects, animals or plants)
- Early action to support wanted life and to suppress pests using physical, biological and organic controls which could include:
- Remove attractions that cause pests to be present
- Keep pests at controllable levels but eradication is not required
- Use more toxic commercial products as a last resort
| Physical | Biological | Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Removal Protection Watering Fertilizing |
Using resistant organisms Introducing beneficial control organisms |
Using less toxic natural controls |
Easy IPM Solutions
To practice IPM, you don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be observant and to act early!
Prevention
- Deal with problems before they occur
- Landscape with hardy, native plants
- Keep your lawn and plants healthy
- Don't create a habitat in your yard that attracts pests
- Monitor pest populations and avoid threshold levels
Mechanical Control
- Eliminate pests by physical removal/control
- Routinely pick insects and pull weeds to keep pests populations low
- Set traps to remove unwanted pests
- Use a physical barrier to isolate plants from pests (use screening)
Biological Control
- Use beneficial organisms
- Attract insect feeding birds, spiders and insects (i.e. ladybugs)
- Maintain a diversity of plants to attract natural predators
- Consider planting species that are genetically resistant to pests
Organic Control'use natural products
- Target specific pests and avoid broad spectrum chemicals/treatments
- Choose the least toxic chemical available
- Apply the minimum amount necessary.
Control pests naturally
Keep your 'wanted plants' healthy
Healthy, well maintained vegetation is not out-competed by weed growth, it suppresses disease and it resists infestation.
How?
- Water your plants properly! See Xerscape {link} or water tips for outdoor water conservation and info
- Water should be applied thoroughly, infrequently, in the early morning as needed
- Watch the weather to determine how much water you need to supplement
- Fertilize properly and regularly
- Aerate/till to allow water to penetrate quickly and deeply to increase the root strength of plants and grasses.
- Mulch and/or keep organic levels replenished to retain moisture and replenish nutrients
Build up Your Soil
The roots need to have adequate (minimum 12 to 15 cm) top soil that is chemically balanced.
- Add compost to garden soil regularly or top dress your lawn with it.
- Watch for signs of nutrient depletion, low pH, impacts from chlorides (winter salt), a build up of sand from winter sanding,
- When redoing a lawn or garden, take time to do proper soil amendments and add 25% organic matter
- Use self-sustaining organic material such as peat moss
Use Native and Pest Resistant Plants
Hardy native plants are often more disease resistant and drought tolerant.
- Choose a plant species that are native to our region or are adapted to our climate
- Include companion plants that repel pests such as marigold
Benefits of Following IPM Strategies
- Reduces the need for pesticides by using safe pest management alternatives
- Saves money by not sustaining significant damage before action is taken and fixing the problems eliminates the continuous need to address symptoms
- Promotes a healthier environment for you, your family, your pets, wildlife and other non targets receptors.
- It makes you look good and keeps your neighbors happy!
Things To Know About Pesticides
While pesticides seem quick and easy they are often designed so that you have to continuously apply them, they are often indiscriminant and thus destroy beneficial organisms and if not used properly they are potentially hazardous. Use with extreme care and only as a last resort.
- Follow label instructions carefully
- Buy only as much as you need
- Avoid spraying on windy days
- Store excess according to product label
- Take old or unused pesticides to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot
Contacts
The Waste Line, General Inquiries(705) 474-0400, ext. 2333