Integrated Pest Management Q&A With so much information circulating on the


By Eric Wegner, president and co-owner of Complete Lawn Care, Inc


Internet, it’s hard to discern between facts and opinions and credible and non-credible sources, especially when it comes to pesticide products and their use. And sometimes, seemingly credible sources and studies aren’t always that. On top of that, it seems fashionable to label lawn care operators – once touted as stewards of the environment –as polluters of the earth.


Lawn care operators support the continued


development and use of new products and solutions – organic or synthetic. But a lot of current conversation points to one type of product and method as the best for the environment, applicators, and public health, and it’s important to realize that multiple methods, products and approaches can be used to reach the same end goal.


Question 1: Do applicators who use only one type


of product or approach – organic or synthetic - care more for the environment?


Tere’s a public disconnect in understanding what applicators do regardless of whether they follow organic or conventional application methods. Tere’s not so much of a difference in what we do as to what tools we choose to use. Lawn care professionals, whether we use a combination of pesticide products or choose only organic options, all have the same goal in mind – to positively impact how we grow and maintain healthy lawns in environmentally- friendly ways. Most of us practice an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which means we use the best treatment or prevention solution available – organic, conventional, or a solution that doesn’t require any products at all.


Question 2: Are pesticides used extensively in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?


With a plan for identifying, monitoring and as much as possible, preventing problems, IPM is our first line of defense in protecting against plant disease, insects, rodents, and noxious weeds. Controlling


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these hazards –grubs, ticks, mosquitos, poison ivy, etc. – and preventing them from reaching hazardous levels is important to the health of families, pets, and communities. Pesticides are just one tool within the IPM toolbox. At times we have to combine multiple methods – mechanical, biological, etc. to control a particular problem, but we are trained to evaluate the problem and determine the best treatment option prior to application.


Question 3: As a lawn care operator, what is your top priority?


At the end of the day, safety is our top priority.


Regardless of what type of product you choose to use—synthetic or natural—applying according to the label is key.


As a consumer, try your best understand the pest


or weed problems you face and the information that’s available. Ask questions and consult your local lawn care operator or extension agent on ways to safely and effectively treat the issues.


MELNA’s primary source of getting the most up-to-date information to its members is through our E-NEWS, which is sent every two weeks. If you haven’t been receiving the E-NEWS, please make sure you send you e-mail address to the MELNA Executive Director at MngmtPlus@ aol.com; and make sure that e-mail from that address is not going to your SPAM folder!


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