Bio-Pest

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Integrated pest management (IPM) is an increasingly popular approach to controlling pest populations while causing the least amount of risk to people and the environment. IPM incorporates multiple pest control techniques, relying first on preventative measures and non-toxic controls. Some practitioners of IPM choose to use chemical controls, such as pesticides, as a last resort while others completely eliminate them. If chemicals are used, the least-toxic are the preferred choice.
By focusing on prevention and non-toxic strategies, practitioners of integrated pest management, eliminate unnecessary pesticide use.
Integrated Techniques of IPM

Prevention: Monitor for pests by inspecting sites; eliminate structural conditions that encourage pests; encourage good sanitation.

Mechanical controls: Use of tools and devices, such as lice combs, glue traps, snap traps, and vacuum cleaners to trap and/or kill pests.

Biological controls: Take advantage of natures predator/prey relationships and pests mating insects. Microscopic parasites, predacious insects, and synthetic pheromones are all possible tools.

Chemical controls: Non-toxic or low- toxic sprays can kill insects and their nests. Non-volatile baits and other low-toxicity pesticides are used before more dangerous pesticides are considered. Spot treatments or crack and crevice treatments are always more effective than broadcast spraying of pesticides.

Education: Staff, students, and residents can take part in preventing pests.

As crude a weapon as the cave mans club, the chemical barrage has been hurled against the fabric of life. Rachel Carson, Silent Spring 1962

as well as many other organizations work to limit the unwise use of pesticides in our environment.