Key takeaways
- Ten chapters that walk you through biological pest control and integrated pest management, from first principles to running a working IPM program.
- Originally written by Green Methods founder Mike Cherim and refined over more than 30 years of field work.
- A mix of foundational concepts, hands-on how-tos (scouting, transition, integration), and the business reality of biocontrol.
- Companion reference shelves: a 120-term Biocontrol/IPM Glossary, a Required Reading list, and Resource Links.
- Read straight through or jump to any chapter via the table of contents on the left.
These guides to biological pest control and integrated pest management were originally written by Mike Cherim, founder of Green Methods. Each chapter walks you through one piece of the practice — from the basics and history through scouting and transition, to the business of running an IPM program.
Intro: An Introduction to Biological Pest Control
This section used to be called GM 101 to mark it as a primer of sorts, and it began with this introduction. There’s a lot to know. This GM 101 section is a good preparation for what follows. It’s not necessarily an easy journey — though not terribly difficult either — but it is attainable.
The History of Biocontrol & IPM
You may be thinking this is some new-fangled, far-out thing, using bugs to control bugs and all. But it’s been around longer than you think. In practice by man, it’s been around since the late 1880s. In practice by nature, it’s been around since the dawn of time.
The Beginning: Starting Out in IPM and Biocontrol
These introductions are presented incrementally and the trip should be taken one step at a time. This content was derived from a book (no longer in print). This is one of those early chapters. This is it, the beginning.
The Transition to Biocontrol and IPM — Parts I, II & III
Moving ahead requires change. Between the state which is now to the one which will be requires a transition. Fight it and it can be difficult; don’t and it can be easy. Here’s what you can expect, broken down into three easy parts — think metamorphosis.
The Integration Part of IPM
Sitting squarely on the narrow shoulders of the good bugs is the single largest responsibility in a well-crafted IPM program. Matters can be taken into your own hands, though. You can help the good bugs along while hampering the pests for starters. But tweak things too much and you can re-take the responsibility. The I in IPM is for Integrated. Time to learn how.
Learn About Scouting for Pests
Scouting is an absolutely critical function in IPM you need to concern yourself with. This holds true regardless of how you manage your plant pests. First you’ll need some how-to, and then you’ll need to formulate a Successful Scouting Plan. It’s important.
Selling Biocontrol and IPM Practices
If you’re going to do this you should try to make it pay. Some say that biocontrol is more expensive than conventional methods. Others exclaim how much they save. Both sides seem to agree their plants look healthier. And this fact should be advertised — or announced as free editorial content in your local paper or television station. If you’re doing green, you may as well be selling green.
The Challenging Biocontrol and IPM Industry
Just like any other business, from the country cottage to the big city corporation, there is an industry behind it all. A trade organization, a magazine, the works. There is also a modus operandi. A way of doing business. Think about it — this is not socks sales or compact discs. These are living organisms. It’s probably a good idea to learn more about the industry, so you know before you go.
An Updated Perspective on Biocontrol and IPM
The years as they pass are enlightening and telling. New ideas form in our minds and we learn new tricks-of-the-trade — mostly from you, the user. The information on this site matures, and in turn we offer you our latest thoughts and some juicy tidbits.
Helpful Hints, Glossary & Required Reading
In addition to the Helpful Hints and Tidbits page the title-link leads to, we’re offering a lot more in this section. First, a great Glossary of biocontrol and IPM terms, then a Required Reading list, and some handy Resource Links.
For over 30 years, Green Methods has been a leader in the production and application of beneficial organisms used in biological pest control and integrated pest management programs. Our growth is, in large part, through word of mouth — and through distribution by other companies who rely on our quality.