What does the term "integrated pest management" (IPM) refer to?

The term "integrated pest management" (IPM) refers to a holistic approach to managing pests, which encompasses a variety of strategies and practices aimed at minimizing pest damage while reducing risks to human health and the environment. IPM combines different management practices such as biological control, cultural practices, habitat manipulation, and the judicious use of chemical pesticides when necessary.

This comprehensive framework allows for tailoring pest control strategies to specific situations and pest pressures, ensuring a balanced approach that considers the life cycle of pests, their natural enemies, and the ecosystem as a whole. By doing so, IPM not only prioritizes effective pest control but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices and reduced reliance on chemical interventions.

In contrast, focusing solely on chemical pesticides would ignore the broader strategies that can enhance pest management effectiveness and environmental safety. Strategies limited to organic farming and practices based only on trapping represent narrower approaches that do not encompass the diversity of tactics that IPM promotes.