What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing pest populations. It combines multiple strategies and methods to control pests in a way that is effective, economical, and environmentally sustainable. IPM emphasizes the careful assessment of pest populations and their natural enemies, utilizing a variety of management practices that may include biological control, cultural practices, mechanical control, and the judicious use of chemical options when necessary.

The core of IPM is to minimize reliance on any single method of pest control, particularly chemical pesticides, which aligns with sustainable practices and reduces potential negative impacts on human health and the environment. By incorporating different strategies, IPM aims to create a balanced ecosystem where pest populations can be managed without compromising the effectiveness of agricultural practices.

This approach contrasts sharply with options that suggest a singular reliance on pesticides or traditional methods that overlook pest management strategies. Instead, IPM promotes an adaptive management technique, allowing for adjustments based on ongoing monitoring and changes in pest populations or environmental conditions.