Definition:

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM): A planned pest control program in which several methods are integrated and used to keep pests from causing economic, health-related, or aesthetic injury. Pesticide application is not the primary method of control, but is one of several elements that also include cultural, mechanical, and even structural alterations. IPM includes all practices that help to prevent, suppress, or eliminate pests to a tolerable or economic level. IPM programs stress communication, monitoring, inspections, and evaluation (keeping and using records).