What does the term "integrated pest management" refer to?

The term "integrated pest management" (IPM) refers to a holistic approach that combines various methods of pest control to manage pest populations effectively while minimizing the impact on the environment and non-target organisms. This approach integrates chemical methods with biological controls (using natural predators or parasites) and physical controls (like barriers or traps) to create a more sustainable and balanced pest management strategy.

By utilizing a combination of these methods, IPM promotes a more comprehensive and effective pest control system that considers the life cycle of pests, their natural enemies, and ecological factors. This multi-faceted strategy can lead to better long-term pest management outcomes and reduce reliance on any single pest control method, particularly chemical pesticides, which can lead to resistance and adverse environmental effects. This is why choosing a combination of controls is fundamental to the idea of integrated pest management.