The service, called E-Weather, helps pinpoint weather conditions that promote or hinder pest development in orchards. Growers then eliminate pesticide applications when no threat exists and precisely time sprays that are necessary. IPM in landscapes. The Southeast Pennsylvania IPM Research Group is a collaborative effort among Penn State Cooperative Extension, the University of Delaware and 23 leading organizations in the thriving green industry of southeastern Pennsylvania. Members are using temperature to pinpoint when and where specific ornamental pests are active.
Growers can then target control methods and frequently can use less toxic pesticides.
The group also produces a weekly insect scouting report. More than 47,000 of these reports have been used by professionals. About 70 percent of subscribers have adopted IPM methods to manage insect pests of landscape plants, and many have been able to reduce their pesticide use by as much as 36 percent. IPM goes to school. A pest control company used to visit the Carlisle Area School District in Cumberland County to spray for cockroaches and ants every month.