In IPM, the goal is to suppress pests rather than eradicate them.

• A. Eradication
• B. Prevention
• C. Suppression
• D. Elimination

Answer: (C)

In IPM, the goal is to keep pest populations at levels that do not cause unacceptable damage, rather than trying to remove every pest from the environment. This approach is known as suppression: reducing pest numbers to below the economic injury level and then maintaining them there through a mix of monitoring, thresholds, cultural practices, biological controls, physical barriers, sanitation, and targeted interventions when needed. Complete eradication is usually impractical because pests can persist, migrate, and reenter areas, and attempting it can disrupt beneficial species and waste resources. Prevention supports suppression by lowering initial pest pressure, but the overarching aim is to suppress pests to acceptable levels.