Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a process that utilizes regular monitoring to determine if and when a treatment is needed. It employs physical, mechanical, cultural, chemical, biological and educational programs to keep pest populations low enough to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance. Pesticides should be only one of many options considered for solving a pest problem, and when required, target-specific, low impact pesticides and application techniques should be employed. Furthermore, pesticide applications are not made according to a pre-determined schedule but are only made when and where monitoring, or a previous history of pest incidence has indicated that the pest will cause unacceptable economic, medical or aesthetic damage. The IPM program must as a result be environmentally, socially, and economically compatible to meet current public expectations.

What is Integrated Pest Management? (PDF—UMass Extension)