What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is best understood as a sustainable approach to managing pests that utilizes a combination of practices. It emphasizes a holistic method to controlling pest populations while minimizing the adverse effects on the environment, human health, and non-target organisms. IPM incorporates various strategies such as biological control (using natural predators), cultural practices (crop rotation, habitat manipulation), mechanical controls (traps, barriers), and chemical methods (pesticides), integrating them in a way that enhances effectiveness while reducing reliance on any single method.

By focusing on prevention and the utilization of multiple strategies, IPM aims to manage pest populations below damaging thresholds rather than completely eradicating them. This approach acknowledges that some pests may be a natural part of the ecosystem and that their complete elimination is neither feasible nor desirable.

In contrast, other approaches mentioned in the options fail to capture the breadth and intent of IPM. Strategies based solely on chemical pest control ignore the importance of integrating other methods and can lead to negative environmental impacts and pest resistance. Methods designed to eliminate all pests do not account for the ecological balance required for sustainable agriculture, and strict organic farming techniques that prohibit all pesticides may overlook the potential benefits of responsible pesticide use when necessary.