Answer :
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aims to control pests primarily by non-chemical means and considers pesticides as a last resort, used selectively and minimally to minimize environmental impact.
When considering pesticides, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aims to control pests by eliminating food sources, entry pathways, and utilizing other methods before applying selective amounts of pesticides. IPM is an ecologically-based strategy focused on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of control tactics. The core principles of IPM include managing pests by keeping them below economically damaging levels, using non-chemical measures to keep pest populations low, and judiciously applying pesticides in a way that minimizes harm to beneficial organisms, humans, and the environment. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Control pests by eliminating food sources, entry pathways, and other methods before applying selective amounts of pesticides.
IPM encourages the use of multiple control methods, which might include mechanical, biological, and cultural practices, integrating these with chemical controls only when necessary. This approach is seen as a way to reduce the over-reliance on pesticides, which are considered a short-term solution and should be used as a "last resort" when other measures fail. Selecting and applying pesticides in a manner that reduces environmental disruption is crucial; hence, considerations include using non-persistent products and targeting applications.
