Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

What does "integrated pest management" (IPM) involve?

1. Using only chemical control methods

2. Combining various control tactics to manage pest populations

3. Focusing only on the economic aspects of pest control

4. Applying pesticides exclusively at high doses

The correct answer is: Combining various control tactics to manage pest populations

Integrated pest management (IPM) involves combining various control tactics to manage pest populations effectively and sustainably. This holistic approach considers multiple methods—biological, cultural, physical, and chemical—to manage pests while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. By utilizing a variety of strategies, IPM aims to reduce reliance on any single method, particularly chemical pesticides, and instead promotes a more balanced approach that incorporates monitoring pest populations, understanding pest life cycles, and applying interventions when necessary. This method enhances pest control efficiency and helps prevent the development of pest resistance to specific control strategies, ensuring long-term pest management success.