Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach to controlling a specific pest in a specific setting that makes use of current pest information, regular monitoring and record keeping to determine if and when action against the pest is needed. IPM uses a combination of control strategies (biological, chemical, cultural, educational, mechanical and physical) to prevent unacceptable damage or annoyance. The control options chosen should be the most effective with the least risk to people and the environment, yet provide viable options to produce a quality, economical, and safe crop or maintain a clean, healthy indoor or outdoor setting. IPM promotes prevention over remediation and integration of strategies over a solitary control tool.