What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

• A. Eradicate all pests completely
• B. Manage pests with minimal risk to people and environment
• C. Increase pest populations for research
• D. Use pesticides as the first option

Answer: (B)

Integrated Pest Management aims to control pests while keeping risks to people, non-target organisms, and the environment as small as possible. It uses a combination of strategies—monitoring pest populations, setting action thresholds, and applying cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls in a coordinated way. The focus is on preventing problems and reducing pest levels to economically acceptable, tolerable levels rather than trying to erase every pest. Pesticides, when used, are chosen for the least risk and applied only when needed and at the right time to minimize effects on health and ecosystems. This approach emphasizes long-term sustainability over blanket eradication.