This document discusses Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is an effective and environmentally friendly approach to pest control. IPM uses monitoring, pest forecasting, and economic thresholds to determine when control actions are needed. It integrates multiple control methods - including cultural, physical, biological and chemical - to manage pests at economically justified levels while minimizing risks to people and the environment. The goal is to encourage natural pest control and grow healthy crops with minimal ecosystem disruption. Stages in crop protection typically move from natural controls to overuse of pesticides and then back to more integrated approaches.