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Pest Solutions

What is IPM?

IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, is a decision-making process that combines practical pest management strategies to prevent or control pests in ways that reduce risks to health and the environment. Farmers have used IPM for over 25 years to reduce reliance on pesticides. You, too, can adopt IPM practices to ensure a safe and healthy living environment both indoors and out.

IPM includes:

  • regular monitoring to detect problems early
  • acting against pests only when necessary
  • choosing the most effective options with the least risk to people and the environment
  • record-keeping and evaluation
  • applying biological knowledge about pests to create long-term solutions

 

Want to Know More? More Information about IPM

Sustainable Pest Control for Home and Garden [PDF or PowerPoint]—Kathy Murray's Talk at Common Ground Fair 2010

 

 
It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.