Cultural practices are those factors influenced by humans and their environments. This includes proper watering techniques, improved and reduced fertilization applications, proper mowing practices that include mulching, and regular aeration to improve the soil. These are all practices that affect the success of an IPM plan in your home landscape.
Cultural practices span a wide spectrum from deterring pest activity to encouraging pest attack by using various biological techniques.
Biological techniques involve the use of living organisms or their byproducts to control some pests. Parasites and predators can be useful in controlling a number of outdoor insects. Fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms have been used successfully to control turf and ornamental pests. Insect growth regulators and chitin synthesis inhibitors, which abnormally affect growth and development.
