Georgia Institute of Technology
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

In addition to utilizing green cleaning methods to reduce the occurrence of pests, Georgia Tech uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of the following common-sense practices designed to reduce the amount of pesticides used in landscape management: Cultural practices - Selection of native plants, analysis of soil type, location and soil preparation, and planting beds free of weeds and disease material Identification - Accurate identification of the pest problems and the use of recommended products at proper rates Intervention - Physical (mowing, pulling and pruning) or chemical (pre-emergence and post emergence) 1. Set Action Threshold and Scouting: Determine acceptable damage threshold in the event of infestation and scout. 2. Prevention: Plant pest resistant varieties; native plants; keep plants healthy; fertilize and water regularly with proper soil preparation. Apply mulch 2 times per year to prevent weeds and increase soil moisture content. 3. Monitor and Identify Pests: Ensure proper pest identification, monitor life cycle and stages of pests, track seasonally to document increase/decrease of pest infestations. 4. Control: When possible, control pests with cultural, mechanical and conventional chemical control. Chemical intervention should be used as a last resort, and when used, should be applied at the recommended lower rate.