What is the purpose of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

The purpose of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to minimize environmental and health risks while managing pests. This approach combines various strategies and practices to control pest populations in a sustainable manner. IPM recognizes that completely eliminating all pests is neither practical nor environmentally sound, as some pests can play beneficial roles in the ecosystem.

By integrating methods such as cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls, IPM emphasizes the use of the most effective and least harmful measures first. This safeguards the environment and human health while keeping pests at acceptable levels. The goal is to maintain a balance that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, thus lowering risks associated with their use, such as pollution and health concerns.

In contrast, some of the other options do not encapsulate the essence of IPM. For example, striving to eliminate all pests entirely is unrealistic and can lead to ecological imbalances. Focusing solely on chemical solutions ignores the variety of control methods available and could lead to resistance among pest populations. Similarly, emphasizing only biological control would overlook the benefits of other strategies that may be more effective when combined.