Integrated Pest Management
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:
-
Biological Control: The use of natural predators, parasites, pathogens, or other living organisms to manage and reduce pest populations.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Pesticides as a Last Resort: The use of chemicals only when absolutely necessary.
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.
Take Action!
If you are interested in signing up to be notified of invasive pull-parties and educational workshops, contact Rachel Schnabel at rschnabel@manchesterct.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pesticides?
Pesticides kill, repel, or control forms of animal and plant life considered to damage or be a nuisance in agriculture and domestic life. Used broadly, the term includes these types of chemicals:
- Herbicides destroy or control weeds and other unwanted vegetation. They are commonly used on lawns.
- Insecticides kill or control insects. They are used in agriculture, industry, businesses, and households.
- Fungicides control fungi and can be used on plants or other surfaces where mold or mildew grow. They may also have a role in protecting crops.
Are there IPM methods for lawn care?
Yes! Your lawn can maintain its great health and appearance by using organic lawn care methods, which reduce the water pollution and adverse health effects that typically come with using conventional lawn chemicals. See more information at CT DEEP's website on Organic Lawn Care.
How do Town staff manage risk when utilizing chemical treatment?
When using chemical treatment, safety of the public, and our children in particular, is our top priority. To that end, care is taken in using the best cultural practices and choosing the best materials to perform the job while limiting the risk to people and the environment. This includes reducing the potential to contaminate drainage basins and water supplies in the area.
Additionally, the Regional Center for Household Hazardous Waste Collection (where pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and more are accepted) is staffed by trained professionals from a licensed hazardous waste management firm.
How can I dispose of pesticides and other similar chemicals?
Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, poisons, fertilizers, no-pest strips, rodent killers, and slug baits are all forms of household hazardous waste that are accepted through our regional disposal program. For more information, visit our Household Hazardous Waste webpage.
How can I help prevent pests in my garden in the first place?
This source from CT DEEP provides useful information on how to repel pests from your home garden using household alternatives to chemical pesticides. Some methods to prevent pests include companion planting, employing physical barriers, and testing your soil.