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Integrated pest management (IPM) uses environmentally sound, yet effective, ways
to keep pests from annoying you or damaging plants. IPM programs usually combine several pest control
methods for long-term prevention and management of pest problems without harming you, your family, or the environment.
Successful IPM begins with correct identification of the pest. Only then can selection of the appropriate IPM
methods and materials be made. Biological control is an important part of many IPM programs.
Preferred IPM methods include:
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Planting pest-resistant or well-adapted plant varieties like native plants.
- Discouraging pests by modifying the way you design, irrigate,
fertilize, and manage your garden.
- Altering the garden or home environment to deprive pests of
the food, water, shelter, or other requirements they need to thrive.
- Keeping pests out of the home and garden using barriers, screens,
and caulking
- Squashing, trapping, washing off, or pruning out pests.
- Relying on good bugs in your garden to
eat pests, thereby eliminating the need for insecticides that may end up in our waterways.
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Many pests can be managed without the use of pesticides.
- Only use pesticides when nonchemical controls are ineffective
and pests are reaching intolerable levels.
- Use pesticides in combination with the methods described above.
- Choose pesticides carefully so that the least toxic, most effective
material is used to protect human health and the environment.
- Examples of least toxic insecticides include:
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soaps
- oils
- microbials, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
and spinosad
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Most gardens contain far more types of good bugs, or beneficial insects, than pest insects. Beneficial
insects and other organisms that kill pest insects are called natural enemies. In any pest management or plant
care program, it is important to encourage these natural enemies by avoiding pesticides that kill them. You
can also encourage beneficial insects by choosing plants that provide them with pollen, nectar, and shelter
and keeping ants out of pest-infested plants. Learn to identify good bugs, both in their adult forms and immature
(larval) stages.
Common good bugs found in California gardens include:
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Lady beetles: Both adults and larvae consume aphids.
- Lacewings: Lacewing larvae feed on many insect pests; adults
are often seen around lights.
- Syrphid flies: Syrphid fly larvae consume aphids; adults hover
around flowers.
- Parasitic mini-wasps: Many species of tiny wasps lay their
eggs in pests like aphids or caterpillars; their hatching larvae consume the pest and kill it.
- Spiders: All spiders feed on insects or other arthropods and
are beneficial in the garden.
Minimize the use of pesticides that pollute our waterways. Use nonchemical alternatives or less toxic pesticide products whenever possible. Read product labels carefully and follow instructions on proper use, storage, and disposal. |
