When pests are found in turf, we often reach for the seemingly easy remedy, that is, pesticides. Insect and mite management in turf should include consideration of the three major control tactics:
When these three tactics are used together, the term Integrated Pest Management or IPM is used. Selection of the most appropriate tactic(s) is dependent on a multitude of factors such as environment, aesthetics, economics and pest populations. Though all of these factors are of importance, probably the most necessary factor to consider is the size and age of pest populations.
In using IPM, the turf manager should consider that the mere presence of an insect or mite is not sufficient reason to use a control tactic. Healthy turf environments will contain a variety of insects and their relatives. Many of these organisms may prey upon or parasitize potential pests. Others merely are helping in the cycling of decaying organic material. Therefore, using the IPM procedure will mean that some "bugs" will always be around.
New insecticides have been developed that require application in a "preventive" manner, before the insect pest population can be sampled. Application of these materials is considered appropriate where turf is at high risk of having pest outbreaks or where such outbreaks have been a regular event.