Integrated Pest Management, in Plain Language

Identify and monitor.

EPA describes integrated pest management as a common-sense approach using information about pests and their interaction with the environment together with available control methods. Correct identification and monitoring help avoid mismatched action.

Reduce supporting conditions.

Food, water, shelter, access, storage, waste, maintenance, vegetation, and routine can be part of the property system. Responsibility may be shared among occupants, managers, maintenance teams, and pest professionals.

Use appropriate controls.

IPM can include physical, mechanical, cultural, biological, and—when necessary—chemical measures. Any pesticide use must follow the product label and applicable requirements.

Keep records and adjust.

Observations, actions, materials where used, corrective work, results, and follow-up improve decisions over time. The plan should change when the evidence changes.