We participate in an extension program offered by UCONN for the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM.) IPM is an effective practice that monitors pests to determine whether or not spraying pesticides is necessary. Practicing IPM differs from traditional farming by reducing the amount of unnecessary spraying of pesticides where as tradition methods of spraying is determined by a calendar based schedule, regardless of the need. UCONN describes IPM,
"Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests. IPM practitioners base decisions on information that is collected systematically as they integrate economic, environmental, and social goals. IPM applies to any situation, agricultural or urban, and is flexible enough to accommodate the changing demands of agriculture, commerce, and society.
