What is the main strategy used in pest control that utilizes pesticides sparingly?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the main strategy used in pest control that emphasizes the careful and judicious use of pesticides. This approach combines a variety of management strategies and practices to control pests effectively while minimizing risks to human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment.

The core principle of IPM is to utilize pesticides only when necessary and to select the most appropriate pesticide at the right time, thereby reducing the overall amount of chemicals used. IPM incorporates various methods such as biological control (using natural predators), habitat manipulation, and cultural practices to manage pest populations in a sustainable manner. This strategy promotes long-term control and reduces the reliance on pesticides alone, which can lead to resistance and negative environmental impacts.

In contrast, pesticide rotation involves changing the types of pesticides used over time to prevent pests from developing resistance, but it does not necessarily imply sparing use. Organic farming focuses on avoiding synthetic pesticides entirely and using natural alternatives, while conventional spraying typically involves regular applications of chemical pesticides without the integrated strategies found in IPM.