Striped Cucumber Beetle

Pests & IPM

What is IPM?

Integrated pest management (IPM) combines science and common sense to reduce the environmental and economic impact of pests in agricultural settings, homes, schools, gardens and landscapes. Through a comprehensive approach, IPM provides strategies and solutions that minimize risk to humans, animals and the environment. 

I = INTEGRATED

IPM is integrated because it brings together, or integrates, a range of biological, organic, cultural, mechanical, and chemical options for pest problems.

P = PEST

Although IPM used to focus on insect pests, the range now includes fungi, bacteria, viruses, weeds, wildlife, and more.

M = MANAGEMENT

And it’s about management because you can only manage pests—you can’t eliminate them, no matter what people say.

Diagnostic Services

Plant, insect, and disease identification and diagnostic services are offered at CCE-Dutchess for $20/sample. For more information: Horticulture Hotline & Diagnostic Lab.

If necessary, samples can be sent to Cornell University for identification, at a charge of $25/sample. For more information about submitting a sample, visit: The Cornell University Diagnostic Laboratory.

Biological Control (or Biocontrol for short)

Reducing pest populations (or maintaining them at a low level) using living organisms (natural enemies, biocontrol agents) or the things they produce. It is one component of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that helps you reduce risks to yourself and the environment.

What is biocontrol? - Aphids and ladybugs are biocontrol examples you are probably familiar with. Ladybugs (natural enemies, biocontrol agents) eat the aphids (pests) that might otherwise damage plants.

Types of Biocontrol

How to use biocontrol - You can use biological control to keep pests in check. How? By leveraging the powers of natural enemies.

Biology behind biocontrol - Any time you use a pesticide, you must read and follow the label directions and comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to pesticide use. Also be sure that any pesticide used is approved for use in your country and state/province.

Biocontrol Agents- Organisms that do biocontrol

Biocontrol Tools

Getting to know your natural enemies:

Biocontrol Blog

Subscribe to Biocontrol Bytes and receive notifications when new information about using biocontrol is posted.

See biocontrol in action!

Follow Amara Dunn’s biocontrol Instagram account. @biocontrol.nysipm

Useful Links:

IPM for Homes - Cornell brochure with IPM strategies for managing insect pests in the home and garden

Insect Diagnostic Lab Factsheets - Descriptions of a variety of insects and related organisms, and control recommendations.

Produced by Cornell University’s plant pathology faculty, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and horticulture experts across New York and the Northeast.

Branching Out - Branching Out provides timely, reliable field reports with up-to-date recommendations to help you improve your woody ornamentals pest management program.

NYSIPM News - The latest news from New York State Integrated Pest Management. 

Last updated January 28, 2024