Which term describes reducing pest populations to an acceptable level rather than eliminating all pests?

• A. Elimination
• B. Containment
• C. Suppression
• D. Reduction

Answer: (C)

Suppression is the term for bringing pest populations down to an acceptable level rather than trying to wipe them all out. In IPM, the goal is to keep pests below the economic threshold—the point at which they cause damage or nuisance—using a mix of cultural, biological, and sometimes chemical methods, along with ongoing monitoring. The idea is that some pests may still be present, but their numbers stay low enough to prevent harm. Elimination would mean eradication of every individual, which is usually impractical. Containment focuses on preventing spread to new areas, not on reducing the existing population to a tolerable level. Reduction is vague and doesn’t specify reaching a defined threshold.