Answer :
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the strategy that uses a combination of chemical and nonchemical methods to control bed bugs and other insects, with a focus on reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.
This approach includes the use of targeted chemicals, such as pheromones to disrupt pest mating, as well as broader measures like biological control—where natural predators are introduced to control pest populations.
When pesticides are necessary within IPM, products that minimize adverse effects on the environment, humans, and non-target organisms are chosen, and their application is done to target specific areas with the lowest effective concentration.
IPM regards pesticides as short-term corrective measures and upholds that they should only be used when necessary, focusing on reducing the reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides.
By integrating multiple control methods, such as cultural, mechanical, physical, and biological controls, IPM aims to manage pests effectively while minimizing damage to the environment.
