Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What is one key advantage of biological control methods in IPM?

1. They are generally less costly than chemical methods.

2. They provide immediate results.

3. They do not require monitoring.

4. They are toxic to target and non-target organisms.

The correct answer is: They are generally less costly than chemical methods.

Biological control methods in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offer a significant advantage because they tend to be less costly in the long run compared to chemical pest control methods. By utilizing natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations, these methods can reduce the need for repeated applications of chemical pesticides, which can accumulate in expenses over time. Moreover, biological control contributes to sustainable pest management practices by promoting ecological balance, which can lead to fewer pest outbreaks and reduced dependency on chemical inputs. This aspect not only aids in managing costs but also supports environmental health, making it a suitable choice for long-term pest control strategies. The other choices do not accurately reflect the benefits of biological control. For instance, while they may reduce costs in the long term, biological methods do not typically provide immediate results, which often leads to a delay in seeing positive impacts. Additionally, effective biological control requires careful monitoring to ensure that the biological agents are functioning effectively, contrary to the idea that monitoring is not required. Lastly, biological control agents are specifically chosen for their ability to target pests, and they generally pose less risk to non-target organisms compared to chemical methods, contradicting the notion that they are toxic to both target and non-target species.