What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in relation to environmental health?

The primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to protect both human health and the environment while minimizing risks associated with pest control. IPM promotes a balanced approach by combining various control methods that are environmentally sound and sustainable. This approach recognizes that pests can be managed effectively without the need for total eradication, which is often both impractical and harmful.

IPM emphasizes the use of multiple strategies, including biological control, habitat manipulation, and cultural practices, in conjunction with judicious pesticide applications when necessary. This holistic perspective seeks to manage pest populations at acceptable levels while reducing potential adverse impacts on human health and ecosystems.

In contrast, pursuing the complete elimination of all pests can lead to ecological imbalances and increased resistance to control measures. Prioritizing chemical control methods or maximizing pesticide usage disregards the broader context of environmental health and can lead to unintended consequences for interrelated systems.