More About IPM
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, can mean different things to different people.  In fact, there's a web site that lists more than 50 definitions for IPM!  

IPM means using what we know about pests to reduce pest and pesticide problems to people, creatures great and small, and our environment.

The goal of IPM is to prevent pests from interfering with our enjoyment of life in a way that's affordable, effective and that preserves human and environmental health.

IPM in agriculture, homes, schools and elsewhere includes these important parts:

Accurate information and training on how to recognize pests  and conditions that create pest problems, on pest biology and on all the options available to deal with problem pests;

Planning and prevention to fix conditions that create pest problems;

Inspection, trapping or other ways are used to spot pests and conditions that cause pest problems.

Record keeping to keep track of pest outbreaks, record actions taken to reduce pest problems, and evaluate results; and

Action levels that describe when it's right to act to fix pest problems that threaten health or livelihood.

When action is necessary, pesticides are a last resort.  When needed, the least-toxic choices are used in a way that minimizes dangers to humans and all other non-target organisms.  Using pesticides whenever pest problems are found is not IPM!  

By improving pest control, reducing use of pesticides and choosing effective options with the least danger to all, IPM reduces both pest and pesticide risks.