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The strategies outlined follow a philosophy
called “Integrated Pest Management” or
“IPM” for short. IPM is a relatively new
term for home gardeners. It is a management
practice that utilizes a variety of techniques
to manage insect and plant disease
problems in the landscape it does not just
rely on one strategy. IPM methods include
good gardening practices, biological
controls, chemical controls (naturally derived
or synthetic), mechanical controls
and selection of tough plants.
While the term “IPM” sounds technical, it
is actually the easiest approach to landscape
challenges. Homeowners with little
spare time prefer the IPM style, because it
requires less effort and less exposure to
potentially hazardous chemicals for pets
and family.
IPM Steps:
Watch Your Garden: As you enjoy
your landscape, take note of changes as
they happen. If you notice a problem
early, the less toxic solutions are more
likely to easily solve a problem.
Identify Any Problems: Make sure
you know what you are treating and if
treatment is really necessary. Consult the
local Extension Cooperative Service for
help if you are not sure.
Manage Problems: This may
include accepting that at certain times of
the year a plant looks less than its best.
It could also mean for example deciding
to replace an acid-loving plant with a
well-adapted option that will do better
with our soils.
If other strategies fail and you decide to use
a chemical treatment option, keep the
following in mind:
- Use the least-toxic solutions first.
Insecticides will destroy beneficial
insects as well as the problem pests.
This disrupts the natural balance of
predator insects and pest prey insects,
and can leave your plants more
vulnerable to infestations in the future.
- Read all label instructions carefully.
Apply only to the plants specified and
only for the problems indicated at the
recommended dosage. Incorrect
applications can cause more problems
than they solve and can be dangerous.
- Follow instructions on the best
conditions and time of day for
application. Wind, rain and even
extreme heat can lower the effectiveness
of your application.
- Read all warnings to determine if a
product is dangerous to pets or
unsuitable for vegetable crops.
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