Which statement best describes IPM?

• A. Eradicate all pests
• B. Ecological approach to pest management
• C. Mechanical control only
• D. Use only pesticides

Answer: (B)

IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, which is an ecological approach to managing pests. It treats pest problems by combining multiple strategies based on understanding pest biology and the ecosystem, rather than relying on a single tactic or trying to wipe out all pests. The goal is to prevent economic damage while minimizing risks to people, non-target organisms, and the environment. In practice, this means monitoring pest populations, using action thresholds to decide when to intervene, and applying a mix of methods—biological controls such as natural enemies, cultural practices like sanitation and crop rotation, mechanical controls such as traps or barriers, and only using pesticides when necessary and selecting products that minimize harm to non-target species and resistance. The other options are too narrow or extreme: eradication is rarely feasible, focusing on mechanical control alone misses the broader strategy, and using only pesticides ignores monitoring, thresholds, and integrated methods.