Pests & Plant Disease

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment.  This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM, but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.

WSU Regional Small Farms IPM Specialist

As a farmer in Clallam, Jefferson or Kitsap Counties you have access to IPM services through our Regional IPM Specialist, Laurel Moulton. To request assistance please fill out the Farmer Technical Assistance Request form.

Laurel Moulton, Horticulture Specialist, Regional Small Farms Team
Moulton specializes in integrated pest management troubleshooting for small farms with diversified cropping systems in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties. She has worked in horticulture and botanical fields for 20 years, in such diverse disciplines as providing IPM education to home gardeners and small farms, producing native plants and native plant seeds for restoration, conducting research in native vegetation and agricultural systems, managing noxious weeds, and working as a farm laborer.

Additional Resources:

• WSU Integrated Pest Management Extension Implementation Program – is a coordinated outreach effort by a team of Washington State University Extension Specialists to bring IPM knowledge to agricultural and urban pest managers across the state of Washington.
• Integrated Pest Management for the Home & Garden
• WSU’s Urban IPM and Pesticide Safety Education resources

Where to Send Plant & Insect Samples For Commercial Farmers

The Washington State University Puyallup Plant & Insect Diagnostic Laboratoryis committed to helping the citizens of Washington State resolve their troubles with plants and insects through accurate problem diagnoses. We also provide applicable management options to a numerous state clientele like commercial growers, pest control operators, home gardeners, consultants, county agents, Master Gardeners, and research personnel.

The laboratory is currently equipped to handle samples from Washington State, particularly western Washington State, and not from other areas of the country. To achieve an accurate diagnosis of the problems, samples should be accompanied by detailed information about the problem. Go to “Submit a Sample” for additional information.

Please note that services will not be provided without payment of diagnostic fees. They cannot accept cannabis samples due to WSU compliance with federal policy.