Integrated pest management (IPM) is basically common-sense pest control that aims to keep pest populations at levels below which they cause significant damage. IPM controls pests and problems through a combination of biological, cultural and chemical methods. However, a treatment is used only when it is necessary. Instead of completely eliminating pests, they are kept at non-damaging levels. Both the gardener and the garden benefit from a balanced IPM approach. Reduced chemical use reduces damage to non-target organisms like beneficial insects and plants, protects the broader environment and decreases threats to human health. It also prevents pesticide-resistant pests from developing and reduces pesticide costs. In the long term it is the most practical and viable pest control solution.

One of the most important ways to prevent pest infestations in the garden is by providing good growing conditions that encourage strong, healthy plants. A pest infestation can be a sign that cultural conditions need to be corrected. Improper light, poor soil drainage, overpruning, too much or poorly timed watering or fertilizing. Any of these can create a weakened plant that becomes susceptible to insects or disease.

Correct identification of pests, their food source and the damage they do is important. In other words, know your enemy. Their are three basic forms of insect pests: generalist, specialist, and opportunist. Generalist pests like some species of aphid, attack a wide range of plants. In this case it is wise to control the insect. Specialist pests like birch leaf- miner attack only specific plants. In this situation biological control, plant resistance and/or proper care can be more helpful than chemicals. Opportunistic pests target weaker plants. Again, attention to the plant and its required growing conditions will help immeasurably.

After the plants and/or the pests have been identified the next step is to monitor the situation, know the ideal healthy state of the plant, then you can compare how well the plant is faring. Always remember: most plants can withstand more damage than you would expect. However, if an ornamental plant becomes too unattractive, the gardener must decide whether or not it needs treatment.

When it comes to controlling the pest there are two basic approaches: offensive or defensive. The offensive approach involves taking charge of the situation - making sure plants have adequate light, water, nutrients and air circulation, planting resistant varieties and doing thorough clean-up in the spring and fall. The defensive approach involves dealing with the pest after it has arrived. Increasing plant health could be beneficial as could biological control (ie. introducing predators), removing the pest (by hand or pruning of infested areas), or using chemicals. When using chemicals always read the product label carefully, making sure you understand the plant and the pest as well as the required safety precautions. As an example, in the case of a leaf-hopper infestation on virginia creeper, chemical sprays may be a poor defensive approach. Leaf-hoppers are highly mobile and can easlily escape most of the chemical spray. Virginia creeper are very sensitive to chemicals and can burn easily. A better control method is to remove all leaf litter in the fall. This offensive method removes the protection that leaf-hoppers need. When adults move down to the base of the plant to overwinter, they will have no shelter from the cold and the pest population will be greatly reduced.

In summary, using integrated pest management (IPM) perspectives and principles is the most reasonable and effective way to ensure balanced, healthy and beautiful gardens as well a safer environment in which to live and enjoy them.