One of the best ways you can keep pests like insects, disease  or weeds from infesting your lawn is with integrated pest management. The idea behind integrated pest management, also known as IPM, is to have a complete approach to pest control and management, as opposed to simply using bug spray or weed controls after the fact.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines integrated pest management as “an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.” The EPA says that a solid IPM program will “use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment,” as well as with using pest control methods, to minimize the damage when it comes to lawn pests. The idea behind integrated pest control and management is, in part, to keep pests from getting a foothold on your lawn in the first place, and to get rid of them quickly and efficiently if they do.

Lawn Doctor professionals use a variety of methods with integrated pest management. This consists of four parts: correct plant selection, cultural care, monitoring, and control products. Let’s take a look at how these four parts contribute to a holistic integrated pest management program:

Correct plant selection

Did you know that some plants can keep pests at bay? For example, the castor oil plant can keep moles at bay, and cedar oil can repel mosquitos. Choosing the correct variety of grass can also be an effective way to minimize lawn disease.  Your Lawn Doctor lawn care expert can recommend the best plants for your yard to keep pests away.

Cultural care

Cultural care consists of things like watering, fertilizing, mowing, and the rest of good lawn maintenance. Your Lawn Doctor professional may be able to help you with some of these items. Exercising proper lawn care is half the battle when it comes to pest management.

Monitoring

You need to pay attention to what is going on with your lawn, before it is too late. Be on the lookout for signs of pest infestation. The quicker you notice something, the easier it can be fixed. You can either read up on your own regarding warning signs involving pest infestation, or you can talk with your Lawn Doctor lawn care professional.

Control products

If integrated pest management is working correctly, you may be able to get rid of pests in the beginning stages, and keep them from gaining a foothold on your lawn in the first place. To that end, there are a variety of products, both natural and chemical, which can help eradicate pests from your lawn. Talk to your Lawn Doctor professional about which control products are right for you.