What is the difference between “pest control” and “pest management”?

Many years ago, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) started as Integrated Pest Control (IPC). The word “control” refers to killing the pest (usually with a synthetic pesticide). It does not consider prevention of the pest problem. Pest “control” is just meant to solve a problem after it occurs (curative method). Usually it has no long-term effect; the pest problem will come back after some time.

Over time, the word “control” was replaced by “management”. The goal of a pest “management” program is to prevent pests from damaging the crop. Pest management does not necessarily mean eradication of a pest but rather preventing pest numbers from building up to a point at which they become a problem.

In IPM, pest management decisions are always based on need and effectiveness rather than a schedule. A key element of IPM is planning ahead, to monitor and anticipate and prepare for pest problems before they occur.

It is important to realize that IPM is not only meant to manage pests, but rather to manage the entire agro-ecosystem system in a balanced way and to preserve bio-diversity on the farm.

Grow a healthy crop

Healthy plants are stronger and thus better equipped to withstand attacks by pests and diseases. Many factors have an effect on the health of the crop:

• Good variety

• Healthy seeds and healthy seedlings

• Land preparation

• Correct spacing

• Soil improvement

• Fertilizer management

• Water management

• Crop rotation

Understand and conserve defenders

The term “defender” is sometimes used instead of “natural enemy”, because a natural enemy of a pest is a defender of the crop. In Integrated Pest Management farmers:

• Know defenders and understand their role through regular observations of the agro-ecosystem

• Avoid the use of poisonous chemicals that kill the natural enemies of pests

Observe the field regularly

In Integrated Pest Management farmers manage the crop based on information about the actual field situation. They don’t use “calendar spraying” to control pests. Therefore farmers:

• Monitor the field situation at least once a week (soil, water, plants, pests, natural enemies, etc.)

• Make decisions based on the field situation

• Take direct action when needed (e.g. collect egg masses, remove infested plants, etc.)

Farmers become experts in crop management

Farmers have to make daily decisions about the management of their crops. IPM farmers have learned to make these decisions based on observations and analysis of the field situation. But as field conditions continue to change and new technologies become available farmers will need to continue improving their skills and knowledge:

• Farmers are capable of improving farming practices by experimenting

• Farmers can share their knowledge with other farmers