What is Integrated Pest Management?

IPM strategy is so much more than adding beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, to the garden. It’s a full field of studies that requires essential research for lasting effects and balance. Every environment is different, so when implementing IPM strategiesone must dive deep into studying their own microclimates and the details of what is present in the area.

5 Things to Study Before Implementing Your IPM Strategy

1. Temperatures

Temperature is the key component. Managerial pests, such as ladybugs, only thrive in a 30-degree window. Any extreme temperatures will wipe out populations, especially when importing predators from afar. Bugs have programs that are endemic to their environment and will leave as soon as they are released if not given the proper climate to thrive. The presence of aphids alone will not keep them there if the location is not suited for them. Also, molds, mildews, and many forms of infection have temperature thresholds for growth.

2. Flora and Fauna

What types of trees and plants do you have in the surrounding environment? Is it a conifer evergreen forest, a desert, or an oak plateau? The native plants and surroundings dictate the plans and predators or controls that need to be implemented. Often, heavy construction or weed removal can cause a pest to switch to feeding on cultivated plants. Trap plants, such as milkweed, provide a meal for insects that, when removed, will seek other haustoria to exist within. Studying the native plants and organisms in your area will give you valuable insight into potential imbalances you may need to address.

3. Sun and Shade Exposure

What type of UV spectrum does your grow site receive? Is it in full sun all day, or are there times when light mapping is needed? Most pests and problems thrive in dark, warm spaces, so pay attention to the corners of your map to identify potential areas that need balancing.

4. Humidity and Atmosphere

Do you live in a humid or dry climate? Consider how windy the area is and which direction it blows from. Wind is a pest’s preferred mode of travel, so pay attention to the surroundings to spot potential pitfalls from nearby objects. Possibly, a local job site nearby bulldozes a field. Those critters and fungal bodies will become airborne and seek refuge in close environments.

5. Soil types and pH

Certain soils, in tandem with the flora, harbor issues such as overwintering insects, dormant molds, and viruses. Other soils may be clay-based and have little to no drainage, thereby increasing the risk of failure. In partnership, the pH of soil and water can either exacerbate or resolve issues depending on the specific infection.  Raising PH often eliminates many pests and fungal bodies that cannot thrive in acidic conditions.

​The IPM Strategy Dance

Integrated Pest Management is not an application, spray, or blanket remedy. It is a dance of nature, where every aspect contributes to the beauty of a successful garden site. With IPM, we study organic existence and help nature heal itself by using what is found in our natural ecology.

The very first rule of Integrated Pest Science is monitoring. To be present on your earth, you must watch and see how everything interacts in the garden. For example, knowing that ants protect aphids is vital information. It lets you know that you must balance the ant presence to allow predators to battle the aphid population. It is all the symbiosis of life.

Everything has a Predator, Cause, Effect, and a Balance

Creating a natural and organic space is paramount. Do not use pesticides or herbicides; let Mother Nature balance herself. Chemicals weaken the ecology and allow infections to take over. The most effective IPM strategy is to focus on attraction and conservation. Cultivate flowering plants and nectar-rich botanicals such as fennel, dill, alyssum, and other herbal essence emitters. Allow trap or banker plants and weeds to thrive at the edges to give pests an alternative habitat and to invite predatory wasps.

Do not overharvest the forest near your growing sites during the farming seasons, as this major environmental imbalance takes nature a while to repair, and any pressure that may have been naturally present becomes concentrated.

When we establish a conservative, balanced organic grow site, it fosters long-term homeostasis for the garden. Instead of purchasing predators such as lacewing and ladybugs, invite them in with ecological preservation and let Mother Nature work her magic.

Pest-Repelling Cultivars to Help Your IPM Strategy

Consider bordering gardens with the following plants for an effective IPM strategy:

Marigolds: These beautiful flowers produce a phytochemical called Thiophene, which repels nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies.

Nasturtiums: These act as an effective trap crop and often attract pests from other plants.

Basil: Repels tomato hornworms, mosquitoes, and flies.

Lavender: This strong aromatic plant deters moths, fleas, and flies.

Mints: Effective control of ants, aphids, cabbage moths, and mice.

Rosemary: This plant helps repel rust flies and cabbage moths.

Alliums: Onions, garlic, and chives ward off aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms.

Dill: This beautiful plant repels aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs while attracting ladybeetles, parasitic wasps, and predator mites.