Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

The primary goal of integrated pest management (IPM) is to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels. This approach recognizes that it is often unrealistic and undesirable to attempt complete elimination of all pests. Instead, IPM focuses on managing pest populations in a way that minimizes their impact on human health, the environment, and economic resources while still allowing for some level of pest presence.

IPM employs a variety of strategies, including biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls, tailored to the specific situation and environmental conditions. By emphasizing pest management rather than eradication, IPM promotes balanced ecosystems and reduces dependence on chemical pesticides, minimizing potential negative side effects on beneficial organisms and the environment.

In contrast, complete elimination of all pests is not only impractical but can also lead to pest resurgence or increased resistance. Solely focusing on chemical controls ignores the benefits of other management practices and may lead to higher costs and environmental harm. Promoting the growth of harmful pests would contradict the principles of pest management, which aim to protect crops and maintain ecological balance.