Integrated Pest Management aims to achieve what outcome?

• A. Zero pest population
• B. Minimal pesticide use only
• C. Acceptable pest impact
• D. Immediate eradication of pests

Answer: (C)

The point of Integrated Pest Management is to keep pest levels and the resulting damage at an acceptable level, rather than trying to eliminate every pest. IPM combines monitoring, thresholds, and a mix of tactics—cultural, mechanical, biological, and careful chemical options used only when needed—to manage pests in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way. This approach recognizes that some pest presence is normal and inevitable, and the goal is to prevent unacceptable harm while minimizing risks to people, non-target organisms, and the environment.

Zero pest population and immediate eradication aren’t practical or desirable under IPM, because they would often require heavy, repeated pesticide use and could cause more harm than good.