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IPM Pyramid of Tactics for Kids
IPM Pyramid of Tactics for Kids (PDF)
How to Use the IPM Pyramid of Tactics
This pyramid is designed to help your class visualize the steps and tactics used in an Integrated Pest Management approach to pest control. The goal of using IPM is to manage pests in the most effective, economical and environmentally friendly was possible. The pyramid can be used for discussing IPM in any environment: on pests and people, at home, in school, gardens, farms, parks or anywhere.
Steps of IPM
Rely first on the proper understanding of the pest organism and then decide what to do based on that information. The decision-making steps of IPM include:
Proper identification of the pest. (What is it?)
Understanding of pest biology. (What is its life cycle and food?)
Monitor environment to determine pest levels. (How many are here?)
Determine action threshold. (How many are too many?)
Choose tactics. (See pyramid.)
Evaluate results.(How did it work?)
Tactics of IPM for a specific situation are chosen once you have identified the pest and properly understand its biology and set your management goals. The Pyramid of IPM Tactics is a visual guide to help you think about what you can do to manage the pest. As with the "Food Pyramid," the foundation of good pest management is seen in the broad base at the bottom. Structural, Sanitation and Physical approaches involve the prevention of pest problems in the first place. Most emphasis should be placed on prevention.
As you move up the pyramid to higher levels you are intervening in an existing pest problem. This would include Biological and Chemical tactics. Biological means using beneficial organisms to suppress pest populations. Chemical controls can be considered in two levels: a "soft" least-toxic group (Level 1) and a harsher, conventional pesticide group (Level 2). Level 2 chemicals can be a part of an IPM approach, but should be used carefully and only if absolutely necessary. Notice that as you move up the pyramid in action, you are also moving up the scale of toxicity.
3-D IPM Tactics Model and Color-coding
The 3-D model pyramid shows the IPM approach as used in a school environment. Make copies, have your class color the different levels according to degree of emphasis, then cut it out, gluing and/or taping it together. Colors serve to reinforce the message.
Green for preventative and biological levels (go ahead!)
Yellow for soft or "bio-rational" chemicals (proceed with caution!)
Red for harsher or "conventional" chemicals (danger, use extreme caution!)
For additional information, contact the Pennsylvania IPM Program at (814) 863-8884.