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The goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to avoid which of the following?

  1. The complete elimination of all pests

  2. Adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment

  3. Over-reliance on chemical pest control methods

  4. Increased use of pesticides

The correct answer is: Adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment

The goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to minimize adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment. IPM promotes a holistic approach to pest control that encompasses a variety of strategies, including biological control, habitat manipulation, cultural practices, and the careful use of pesticides only when necessary. By emphasizing ecological balance and the health of non-target organisms, IPM seeks to create sustainable pest management solutions that protect both the environment and human health. While options regarding the elimination of all pests and the reliance on chemical methods may be important considerations within the broader context of pest management, the central aim of IPM explicitly focuses on reducing harmful impacts on all living entities and maintaining ecological integrity. Therefore, creating practices that protect human and ecological health is at the heart of the IPM philosophy.