Which of the following is a benefit of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategic approach to pest control that emphasizes the use of a variety of tools and techniques for managing pest populations in an effective, economical, and environmentally-friendly manner. One of the key benefits of IPM is its focus on reducing environmental impact.

IPM advocates for the use of biological control methods, cultural practices, resistant plant varieties, and other non-chemical means alongside chemical pesticides, as necessary. By integrating these diverse strategies, IPM minimizes reliance on chemical controls, thus decreasing the potential for pesticide runoff, harm to non-target organisms, and disruption of local ecosystems. This holistic approach is designed to control pests while safeguarding human health and the environment, making the reduction of environmental impact a fundamental benefit of IPM.

The other options, while they may appear relevant to pest management strategies, do not align with the core principles of IPM. Increased pesticide use, higher operational costs, and increased labor requirements typically reflect traditional pest management approaches rather than the integrated and sustainable practices promoted by IPM.