ABSTRACT
In this chapter we will examine why pest management must be recognised as an environmental and public health issue, rather than merely a service that some Local Authorities may choose not to provide. We discuss some pests of public health significance and pest management strategies including integrated pest management (IPM) which although originally developed in the agricultural context is also relevant to urban pests. It should be noted that even where a pest may not be implicated in the spread of disease, if it increases the risk of asthma or generally causes stress and adversely affects wellbeing and mental health then it is still of public health importance.
