Does the General Public Relate to the Term "Integrated Pest Management"?

Authors

• Cheryl A. Wilen, University of California Statewide IPM ProgramFollow
• Vincent F. Lazaneo, University of California Cooperative ExtensionFollow
• Scott Parker, University of California Cooperative ExtensionFollow

Volume

49

Issue

1

Abstract

We conducted a random telephone survey of single family residents in San Diego County to gather public opinion related to use of the term "Integrated Pest Management" or its abbreviation. Only a small percentage of participants (4.9%) had heard the term or its abbreviation. When various definitions of IPM were suggested, individuals preferred terms stressing environmental and human safety such as "Earth-Friendly Pest Management" and "Responsible Pest Management." Our survey results show that IPM educators should use different terminology when working with non-professional gardeners or the public in general in order for the audience to relate to the IPM concept.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Wilen, C. A., Lazaneo, V. F., & Parker, S. (2011). Does the General Public Relate to the Term "Integrated Pest Management"?. Journal of Extension, 49(1), Article 19. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.49.01.19