Integrated Pest Management (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Study Guide

What is integrated pest management?

Definition of integrated pest management (IPM)

• Integrated pest management (IPM) is a combination of methods used to control pest species while minimizing environmental damage or disruption

• Unlike conventional pesticide use, IPM focuses on sustainable and ecologically friendly solutions

  • IPM reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides

• IPM methods include biological, physical, and limited chemical controls

Methods of integrated pest management

Biological control

• Also referred to as biocontrol

• Uses natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations

• Example: Ladybugs feeding on aphids helps protect crops naturally

Physical control

• Also referred to as mechanical control

• Involves mechanical methods like traps, barriers or manual removal of pests

• Example: Installing insect netting to prevent pests from reaching crops

Cultural control

• Altering farming practices to reduce pest infestations

  • Examples include intercropping and crop rotation

• Intercropping:

  • Planting different crops together to deter pests

  • Disrupts the ability of pests to locate their preferred host plants

  • Different crops emit varied scents and chemicals, confusing pests and reducing large infestations

  • Additionally, some plants act as natural pest repellents

• Crop rotation:

  • Changing crops seasonally to prevent pest life cycles from continuing

  • Alters pest habitats, making it harder for resistant species to thrive

  • Can reduce the buildup of pesticide-resistant pest populations

Chemical control (limited use)

• Using targeted pesticide applications only when necessary

• IPM favors selective, low-toxicity pesticides to minimize harm to beneficial organisms

• Rotating different pesticides that target pests in different ways can slow development of pesticide resistance

Advantages & disadvantages of integrated pest management

Advantages of integrated pest management

Reduces the environmental impact

• Minimizes pesticide use, lowering the risk of chemical contamination in soil, water, and air

• Helps protect non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators

Promotes long-term pest control

• Reduces the likelihood of pesticide resistance by using multiple control methods

• Encourages natural predator populations, which help regulate pest numbers over time

Enhances water and soil quality

• Reducing pesticide application prevents chemical runoff into waterways, protecting aquatic ecosystems

• Healthier soil from sustainable farming practices improves crop resilience

Cost-effectiveness in the long term

• While initial investment in IPM may be high, long-term savings occur due to reduced chemical dependency and healthier crops

• Farmers can experience higher yields and improved soil fertility with sustainable practices

Disadvantages of integrated pest management

Complex to implement

• Requires detailed knowledge of pest species, their life cycles, and interactions with the environment

• Farmers must monitor and adapt strategies continuously, which can be labor-intensive

Higher initial costs

• Some IPM methods, such as introducing biological controls, require higher upfront costs than chemical pesticides

• Training and education are needed for farmers to effectively implement IPM strategies

Slower pest control results

• Compared to chemical pesticides, IPM methods may take longer to show noticeable reductions in pest populations

• Some farmers prefer faster-acting solutions, especially for large-scale outbreaks