What is the primary objective of integrated pest management (IPM)?

The primary objective of integrated pest management (IPM) is to use a combination of techniques for pest control. IPM is a holistic approach that incorporates various methods, including biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls, to manage pest populations in a way that is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable. This strategy recognizes that eliminating all pests is not feasible or desirable; instead, it aims to maintain pest populations below levels that cause unacceptable damage while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment.

This approach also emphasizes monitoring and assessing pest populations and the environment to make informed decisions about the most effective control methods. By integrating multiple strategies rather than relying solely on one method, such as chemical treatments, IPM enhances the effectiveness of pest management and reduces the potential for resistance and other negative environmental impacts often associated with conventional pesticide use.