Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is most often defined as an approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods of pest control in a way that minimizes pest damage and at the same time reduces the risk to an individual's health and the environment. For structural pest professionals the concept of IPM has been around for several years though seldom used. In spite of this, Public Schools, Hospitals, and Government offices are now requiring the use of IPM practices in their facilities in order to minimize risks to their students, patients, and employees, and today home owners are more aware and more concerned about the products being used in and around their home and family.