Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

How does IPM benefit environmental health?

1. By using only chemical pesticides

2. By reducing overall costs for farmers

3. By minimizing harmful impacts on people and wildlife

4. By encouraging monoculture farming practices

The correct answer is: By minimizing harmful impacts on people and wildlife

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) benefits environmental health primarily by minimizing harmful impacts on people and wildlife. This approach emphasizes the use of multiple strategies to control pests in a way that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. By focusing on prevention and using methods such as biological controls, cultural practices, and monitoring, IPM reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides. Consequently, this leads to lower risks of pesticide exposure for humans and non-target organisms, thus protecting biodiversity and promoting healthier ecosystems. The other options, while they may seem relevant in certain contexts, do not align with the fundamental principles of IPM. Relying solely on chemical pesticides could actually increase risks to health and the environment. Cost reduction for farmers is an indirect benefit but not the primary aim of IPM relative to environmental health. Encouraging monoculture practices is contrary to the IPM philosophy, which supports biodiversity and crop rotation to enhance sustainability and resilience against pest outbreaks.