Agricultural pests are winning the battle against the poisonous chemicals in pesticides. As each new chemical pesticide is used, the insects or rodents gradually become used to it. The pests change themselves so that they are not killed by the poison. Therefore, farmers, scientists, and food planners are trying a new method to control the pests that attack crops. This method is called Integrated Pests Management, or IPM.
Integrated Pest Management is a plan that combines several different methods to destroy insects and rodents. These methods are specifically developed for individual areas and crops. The control methods include using the pests’ natural enemies, controlling the pest’s breeding environment, and developing stronger varieties of seeds. Chemical poisons are used only when necessary. The IPM method accepts the fact that it is useless to try to destroy pests completely with chemical poisons. Its aim is to control pest populations so that crops can still grow well.