Which of the following is a primary goal of Integrated Pest Management?

The primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to balance economic, environmental, and health considerations. This approach emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions that take into account not just pest control measures, but also the potential impacts on the ecosystem, human health, and economic viability.

IPM promotes the use of a variety of management strategies, which may include biological control, habitat manipulation, and cultural practices, in addition to, but not solely relying on, chemical methods. The idea is to control pest populations with minimal risk to humans, beneficial organisms, and the environment. This holistic perspective is central to IPM and ensures that any pest management strategy is sustainable over the long term.

In contrast, the idea of completely eliminating all pests from the environment is impractical and can lead to ecological imbalances. Minimizing the cost of pest control is a consideration, but it is secondary to the broader goal of sustainable management. Focusing solely on chemical solutions is contrary to the principles of IPM, which advocate for integrated approaches that do not solely rely on pesticides.