Creating a pest management decision matrix for the seven steps of IPM

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has become a common term among scientists and industry since its inception. IPM is a site-specific philosophy or decision-making process that includes accountability (record-keeping) and is aimed at sustainable reductions in pest sightings. Although individuals are aware of IPM, many individuals do not know how to implement the steps into their program. With the development of an IPM plan for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, Georgia, we incorporated a seven step decision matrix that can be utilized by individuals faced with pest management problems. This matrix will be most beneficial as a guide leading towards understanding and incorporating the IPM process into many pest systems.