Oklahoma Applicators License Core Practice Exam

What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combine to reduce pest populations?

1. Only chemical controls

2. A single method of pest control

3. Multiple pest control tactics

4. Only natural methods

The correct answer is: Multiple pest control tactics

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecological approach that focuses on using a variety of pest control tactics to manage pest populations in a sustainable manner. The key principle behind IPM is to combine multiple strategies that can include cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical methods. By integrating these various approaches, IPM aims to minimize the reliance on any one control method, particularly chemical controls, which can have negative environmental impacts and potentially lead to resistance among pest populations. Instead, IPM allows for a more balanced and holistic management system that considers the life cycle of pests, their natural predators, and the ecosystem as a whole. This comprehensive strategy helps to ensure that pest control is effective, sustainable, and minimizes risks to human health and the environment, making it superior to relying solely on chemical methods or any single pest control strategy.