Integrated pest management
(IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention
of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such
as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural
practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only
after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established
guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only
the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied
in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and
nontarget organisms, and the environment.
Use traps, such as this raised board, to trap snails
and slugs. Scrape them off daily and destroy.
Remove weeds by hand or with hand tools instead of with herbicides. Use mulches to suppress growth of new weeds.
Apply sticky material to tree trunks to exclude
crawling insects such as ants.