This knowledge allows you to anticipate conditions that trigger pest problems, and thus prevent them from occurring or catch them before they become serious. At first, using IPM methods may seem more difficult than just spraying a pesticide whenever you spot a pest. But as you become more familiar with IPM, the process will become easier and you can feel confident that you are creating and improving the natural balance in your garden and making your home and garden a safer place for the people and pets in your household. How to Treat Using IPM IPM emphasizes combining or integrating a number of treatment methods into a comprehensive plan for managing the pest. Because of the complexity of the natural world, it is seldom possible to effectively control a pest with one treatment method.
Pesticides are only one kind of treatment.
IPM does not prohibit the use of pesticides. Pesticides are a very useful tool, but they are chosen carefully to be the least-hazardous to people, pets, and the environment. Pesticides are only used in 'spot' treatments, where and when they are needed. Spot treating with a pesticide is like using a small hoe to weed your garden instead of a bulldozer. There are a number of different treatment methods or controls available to the IPM practitioner.