What is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as it pertains to organized mosquito control can be defined as: An effective and environmentally sensitive approach used to manage mosquitoes, relying upon a combination of scientific knowledge and common sense.

The practice of an integrated mosquito control program requires that a number of parameters must be included in the decision making process, including:

• Current, comprehensive information about the life cycles of the numerous mosquito species inhabiting a given area, and the interaction of those mosquitoes with people, other animals and the surrounding environment;
• A knowledge of mosquito Best Management Practices (BMP's), including but not limited to source reduction, mosquito habitat modification and the use of biological and/or chemical products to control larval and adult mosquitoes.
• Mosquito control decisions based upon surveillance results, habitat inspections and a rigorous sanitation program.
• A strong educational component for staff members and the community at large that emphasizes the elimination of potential sources of public health nuisances and possible disease transmission.

Applying this knowledge to effectively control mosquitoes by the most professionally effective, economically viable methodology while also minimizing the potential for negative impact on people, other organisms and the environment with adherence to and compliance to all applicable Federal laws, State statutes and local codes and ordinances.

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