What is the primary goal of pest management strategies in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

In Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the primary objective focuses on maintaining pest populations at levels that do not cause significant economic damage to crops or property. This approach is based on the understanding that some pests will always be present, and the goal is not to eradicate them entirely. Instead, IPM seeks to monitor pest populations and implement strategies that mitigate their impact, ensuring that the costs of pest damage do not exceed economic thresholds.

This method is sustainable and recognizes that complete elimination of pests is impractical and can lead to unintended consequences, such as pest resurgence or resistance, environmental harm, and increased use of chemicals. Therefore, maintaining pest damage at economically acceptable levels is key in guiding pest management decisions to achieve balance and effectiveness in agricultural and urban ecosystems.