Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a concept that encourages the use of least toxic alternatives first, and the use of more toxic alternatives only after other methods have failed. The weakness of the IPM concept is that it usually relies on the efforts and decisions of individuals who are trained and experienced in the use of pesticides. Not surprisingly, the IPM concept is widely promoted and supported by pesticide manufacturers.

IPM is most valuable for indoor use because of the great opportunities for non-toxic pest mitigation which it promotes, and the significant health implications of using toxic pesticides inside where people live, work, eat and play. (By contrast, there is little rationale for an IPM approach when it comes to outdoor aesthetic pesticides such as those commonly used on lawns, gardens and sports fields.)

Sealing pest access routes, removing their food sources, improving housekeeping and using non-toxic methods such as diatomaceous earth (DE) or boric acid can all contribute to significant reductions in indoor pest problems.

Resources:

Much of the interest in IPM programs centers around schools, because of the unique vulnerability of children to environmental toxins. However, the information below is valid for any municipality wishing to adopt an effective IPM policy:

Beyond Pesticides, based in Washington, D.C. has been an active leader in reducing pesticides for many years. They have produced an excellent fact sheet on IPM in schools called "Alternatives to Using Pesticides in Schools: What is Integrated Pest Management?"

For general information about school IPM programs, including many useful links to help you get started, the EPA has a great site called Integrated Pest Management in Schools.

The IPM Institute has developed an extensive 165-page document called IPM Standards for Schools which can be downloaded from their website. A simple two-page explanation of the standards is available here.