What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focus on?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that emphasizes the combination of various management strategies to effectively reduce pest populations while minimizing risks to people, property, and the environment. This method relies on understanding the life cycles and behaviors of pests, along with incorporating a range of control options that include cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical strategies.

By focusing on the integration of these varying techniques, IPM seeks not only to manage pests sustainably but also to reduce reliance on chemical pesticide applications. This multi-faceted approach allows for the targeting of specific pests while preserving beneficial organisms, reducing the potential for pesticide resistance, and promoting environmental health.

In contrast, the other choices emphasize a more singular or immediate approach to pest control, which doesn't align with the foundational principles of IPM. For instance, relying only on a single type of pesticide or embracing an aggressive eradication mindset contradicts the IPM philosophy of sustainable and long-term pest management.