Integrated Pest Management

what-is-header.jpg

1. What is a Pest?

2. What is Integrated Pest Management?

3. Manchester's IPM Approach

4. Residential IPM Resources

5. Municipal IPM Resources

6. Invasive Species Resources

7. Take Action!

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pest?

A pest is any living thing - a plant, animal, or microorganism - that has a negative effect on humans, the natural environment, and/or established ecosystems. Examples include harmful and unwanted plants, insects, rodents, fish, or even fungi.

What is Integrated Pest Management?

Imagine you're a farmer, and you have some unwanted visitors in your fields – pests like insects, rodents, or weeds that can harm your crops. Instead of immediately reaching for chemicals to get rid of them, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) takes a more sustainable approach. IPM is like a toolbox filled with different methods to keep pests in check without harming the environment or our health. Here's what's in that toolbox:

  1. Biological Control: The use of natural predators, parasites, pathogens, or other living organisms to manage and reduce pest populations.

  2. Cultural Practices: The use of agriculture and gardening techniques to prevent or manage pests. These practices can include crop rotation, proper irrigation, pruning, and raking.

  3. Resistant Crops: The use of plant varieties specifically developed to have natural defenses against pests and diseases. These crops can deter or withstand attacks from pests.

  4. Pesticides as a Last Resort: The use of chemicals only when absolutely necessary.

Untitled-design-34.png

Manchester's IPM Approach

Select employees of the Public Works Department hold a commercial supervisory certificate through the State of Connecticut for pesticide application. Following state guidelines, the Town utilizes applications throughout the year to address pests and invasive plants. Each year staff attend training and seminars regarding new information about pests, invasive species and treatments, as well as updates for safety training and procedures.

Residential IPM Resources

Homeowners can implement their own IPM programs or request that their landscapers use IPM when performing pest management on their property. The key to successful pest management at home is to change the conditions that would otherwise allow pests to thrive. A successful home IPM program is often simple! Check out the CT DEEP resources below to get started.

 

Municipal IPM Resources

In municipal, commercial and campus settings, development of a written IPM plan to establish individual responsibilities, pest action thresholds, a system of communication, and pesticide hierarchy is recommended and, in some cases, required by law. Check out the CT DEEP resources below to learn more.

 

Invasive Species Resources

Invasive species are a form of pest. They are non-native organisms that disrupt ecosystems, often with devastating consequences. Curious to learn more about their impact and management? Check out the links below.

Invasive Plants in Your Backyard thumbnail

 

Take Action!

If you are interested in signing up to be notified of invasive pull-parties and educational workshops, then sign up to receive our Pulling for a Purpose Newsletter!

Sign Up Here

rawImage.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions