An integrated pest management (IPM) approach integrates preventive and corrective measures to keep
pests from causing significant problems, with minimum risk or hazard to humans and desirable components of their environment. IPM is a flexible, dynamic strategy, which needs updating periodically as information is received from management practice results. IPM programs have proven a track record of significantly reducing the risks and related to pesticides, while improving quality, health and welfare of the environment.

Some of the benefits of an integrated approach:

• Promotes sound structures and healthy plants
• Promotes sustainable bio-based pest management alternatives.
• Reduces environmental risk associated with pest management by encouraging the adoption of more ecologically benign control tactics
• Reduces the potential for air and ground water contamination
• Protects non-target species through reduced impact of pest management activities.
• Reduces the need for pesticides by using several pest management methods
• Reduces or eliminates issues related to pesticide residue
• Reduces or eliminates re-entry interval restrictions
• Decreases worker, tenant and public exposure to pesticides
• Alleviates public concern about pest and pesticide-related practices
• Maintains or increases the cost-effectiveness of a pest management program

Adoption of IPM strategies provides economic benefits due to sustained development, increased productivity and reduced pest damage. The options that IPM can offer make sole reliance upon synthetic pesticides a thing of the past. In the long-term, everyone benefits through a healthier environment.