Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally and economically effective approach to pest management. IPM programs identify weed, insect, and disease pests, and then use current, comprehensive information on pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to make a decision about managing pests by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. The goal of IPM in turfgrass is to keep pest populations or damage at a tolerable level so there is no reduction in quality or safety of the turfgrass.
In turfgrass management, the essential tools for a successful IPM program include the pest triangle, prevention using proper cultural practices and scouting methods, and finally, the use of pesticides. Click here for a bulletin that discusses these three components in detail using various examples.