Agricultural professionals like farmers, fisherman and ranchers have been using IPM techniques for centuries. Crop rotation is one example because it disrupts the life cycle of many pests. In many agricultural settings, the principles of IPM apply. See some IPM methods below.
- Use knowledge about the pest's habits, life cycle, needs and dislikes.
- Use the least toxic methods first, up to and including pesticides.
- Monitor the pests' activity and adjust methods over time.
- Tolerate harmless pests.
- Set a economic threshold to decide when it's time to act.
- Determine if promoting beneficial insects may help prevent or control pests on your crop.
In agriculture, IPM strategies can be large-scale, even nation-wide. Quarantines and import inspections help to exclude pests from counties, states, or whole regions. Open communication helps everyone monitor the activity of important pests. Weather information can be used to predict pest activity, as well. The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports a network of IPM Centers around the country to promote research and information sharing.