Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a process you can use to solve pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment. The definition of IPM is:
IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment.
That may sound really complicated, but it’s not! To see how simple it is, check out UC IPM’s new YouTube series IPM with Diego! These short videos are presented by Diego, a teenager who is not an expert in pest management. He explains basic integrated pest management concepts using simple terms and examples that anyone can do.