Which of the following is an IPM strategy?

• A. Reactive pest control
• B. Minimal inspection and monitoring
• C. Preventative pest control
• D. Scheduled pest control services

Answer: (C)

Prevention is a central part of Integrated Pest Management. IPM focuses on keeping pest problems from arising in the first place, using a combination of proactive measures, ongoing monitoring, and targeted actions only when needed. Preventative pest control fits this approach because it reduces pest pressure before an infestation starts by addressing entry points, sanitation, proper storage, waste management, and other factors that attract or harbor pests. When the environment is less inviting to pests, the likelihood of problems drops and the need for treatments decreases, which is the essence of IPM.

Reactive pest control waits until pests are already present, which IPM aims to avoid. Minimal inspection and monitoring lack the data needed to make informed, preventive decisions. A fixed-schedule service can lead to unnecessary treatments if applied without considering actual pest presence and thresholds, whereas IPM uses monitoring data to guide when and what kind of action is appropriate.