Marin Master Gardeners - Good Bug or Bad Bug?

Good Bug or Bad Bug?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of managing pests using an ecologically-based system of least-toxic gardening. Gardeners are encouraged to select methods that provide long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems with minimum impact on human health, the environment, and nontarget organisms. IPM programs are based on preventing pest damage or keep pests at tolerable levels by using knowledge about the pests and what encourages or discourages them in the garden. Principal components of an IPM program include:

• Pest identification
• Methods for detecting, monitoring, and predicting pest outbreaks
• Knowledge of the biology of pests and their ecological interactions with hosts, natural enemies, and competitors
• Ecologically sound management methods of preventing or controlling pests.

Visit University of California Integrated Pest Management for information on specific pests and controls, and further information about IPM.

Pest Notes

Looking for up-to-date information on how to handle garden or household pests? Visit the UC Pest Notes website. This database supplies University of California's official guidelines for pest monitoring techniques, pesticides, and non-pesticide alternatives for managing pests in homes and landscapes.

Some of the subjects covered include:
• Pests of structures, homes, people, and pets
• Insect, mite, and mollusc pests of plants
• Weeds and unwanted plants
• Vertebrates
• Plant diseases.

If you are a person with a disability and require this document in an alternate format (example: Braille, Large Print, Audiotape, CD-ROM), you may request an alternate format document by using the contact information below. If you require an accommodation (example: ASL Interpreter, reader, note taker) to participate in any county program, service or activity, you may request an accommodation by calling 415-499-4204 (or CRS dial 711) not less than four work days in advance of the event.