What does integrated pest management (IPM) aim to achieve?

Integrated pest management (IPM) aims to achieve a comprehensive approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical control measures for managing pest populations effectively and sustainably. This strategy recognizes that pests can be managed through various methods that are not solely reliant on chemical pesticides.

By integrating different pest control strategies, IPM seeks to minimize the risks to human health and the environment while maintaining agricultural productivity. Biological controls can include natural predators or parasites of pests, cultural controls may involve crop rotation or habitat manipulation, and chemical controls are applied judiciously when necessary.

The objective of IPM is to use the most effective and environmentally friendly tactics that consider ecological balance, pest life cycles, and the economic viability of pest control practices. It promotes a holistic view of pest management, ensuring that practices are sustainable in the long run and do not lead to pest resistance or harm to beneficial organisms.