If you bring up the words “mosquito control” or “mosquitos” I’d say that at least 9 out of 10 people will immediately know what you are talking about. However, if you mentioned the words “Integrated Pest Management” to people, I’d argue that the same 9 out of 10 would look at you in confusion. So, what is Integrated Pest Management, and how does it tie into mosquito control?

For starters, let’s discuss the actual definition of the term. Integrated Pest Management is defined as an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. In comparison to mosquito control, which is only accounting for a small portion of the actual pest management system as a whole, IPM involves making a comprehensive plan to help combat mosquitos and pests alike.

One of the components that you may see incorporated into an integrated pest management system, is an Action Threshold, which defines when pest control will need to begin based on environmental factors, Monitor and Identify, so they can actively determine the pests that are causing the problem, and more.

Simply put, when discussing mosquito control and mosquito and tick prevention, it really only highlights a small portion of the pest management system as a whole. With weather patterns changing and the world as we know it moving to a hotter/wetter climate, you can expect Integrated Pest Management systems to gain more popularity and notoriety in the coming years.