IPM Ambassador Pledge

I hold that Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an approach to solving problems due to insects, diseases, weeds, wildlife or other potential pests by applying our knowledge about these pests. The goal of IPM is to prevent pests from interfering with our livelihood or enjoyment of life, in a way that’s affordable, effective and that preserves human and environmental health.

IPM programs in agriculture and communities include these essentials:

accurate information and training on how to recognize pests and conditions favoring pest problems, and on pest biology and the full range of appropriate responses to problem pests;

planning and prevention to resolve conditions that lead to pest problems are the primary tactics; 

visual inspection, trapping or other monitoring methods designed to spot pests and conditions that encourage pest problems. 

record keeping to establish trends and patterns in pest outbreaks, document actions taken to reduce pest problems and evaluate results; and

action levels that describe when it's appropriate to take act to resolve pest problems that threaten human health or economics.

When action is necessary, chemical controls are a last resort.  When needed, the least-toxic materials are used in a way that minimizes exposure to humans and all other non-target organisms.  Routine application of pesticides or immediate resort to pesticides when pest problems are found, is not IPM.  By improving pest control, reducing reliance on pesticides and incorporating least-risk options, IPM reduces both pest and pesticide risks.

I pledge to complete a volunteer activity related to school IPM during the week of April 21, 2002.

Signed:                                                     Date:
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Return by mail, fax or email to the IPM Institute, 1914 Rowley Ave., Madison WI 53705. Phone (608) 232-1528, Fax (608) 232-1530, or email schoolipmweek@ipminstitute.org