Efficient Monitoring for an Urban IPM Program

Abstract

Integrated pest management (IPM) is gradually becoming part of commercial tree services. Many IPM programs for various insect and disease problems have been developed during the past decade and they can be adapted into a business. Unfortunately IPM has not yet become fully integrated into tree service companies. Two drawbacks to an urban IPM program are monitoring costs and the public's reluctance to purchase monitoring as part of a total tree care package. A study was performed to determine how a monitoring program could be made more efficient and inexpensive enough to encourage homeowners to purchase this vital part of any IPM service.