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

DOI

10.34068/joe.49.01.19

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.

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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"?. The Journal of Extension, 49(1), Article 19. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.49.01.19