What’s a Pest?

Pest can be defined as any organism that interferes with production and utilization of crops and livestock used for food and fiber that diminishes the value of these resources.

The term pest applies to all noxious and damaging organisms, including insects, mites, nematodes, plant pathogens, weeds and vertebrates (Economic Research Service, USA).

Pest Management

Pest management involves a set of techniques to reduce pest populations or prevent their detrimental effects. Pest management techniques include cultural, mechanical, physical, biological, host plant resistance, quarantine, chemical control and integrated pest management (IPM).

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible a manner as possible and maintains the pest population levels below those causing economic injury. More information can be found in the following:

• http://www.highplainsipm.org
• https://www.northeastipm.org
• http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/tipm.html
• https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles