What are pests?
A pest is any organism that
spreads disease, causes
destruction or is otherwise a
nuisance. Some examples of
pests are mosquitoes, rodents,
and weeds. Not all insects are
pests. Many different kinds of
insects eat other insects and are
beneficial species. Examples of
beneficial insects are dragonflies
(which feed mainly on mosquitoes)
and lady beetles (which eat
aphids, scale insects, mites, and
other insects).
How many different types of
insects are there?
There are over a million different
species of insects known to
scientists. About 2,000 new
species of insects are discovered
each year! How many different
kinds of insects can you name?
What is IPM?
IPM stands for Integrated Pest
Management. IPM is the idea of
using several different methods
to control pests. Using chemicals,
such as pesticides, is only a small
part of the bigger picture. IPM
incorporates the use of such tools
as insect predators, new plant
varieties, and recommended
farming practices to help control
pest populations.
When should pesticides be
used to help control pest
problems?
Pesticides should not always be
used the first time you see a
pest. Sometimes pest problems
may clear up on their own due to
environmental factors and natural
control. However, when the cost
to repair damage done by pests
exceeds the cost to control the
pests, or if pest control is
critical, pesticides should be
considered as a possible solution.
Can I use any pesticide
anywhere I want to?
No, it is illegal to use pesticides in
a manner contrary to label
directions. There are specific
pesticides designed for use inside
of homes and others for outside
of homes or for specific sites.
Before applying any pesticide
read the label to find out the
correct use of the pesticide.
Misapplying pesticides can lead to
injury or serious problems