Integrated Pest Management in food production areas primarily focuses on controlling pests with what type of deterrents?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes a holistic approach to pest control, prioritizing non-chemical deterrents to minimize the impacts on the environment, human health, and beneficial organisms. This method includes a variety of strategies such as cultural practices (like crop rotation and habitat manipulation), biological control (using natural predators or parasites), and the use of resistant crop varieties.

Non-chemical approaches aim to disrupt the life cycle of pests without relying solely on synthetic chemicals, which can lead to resistance and ecological imbalances. By integrating multiple methods, IPM seeks to establish sustainable agricultural practices that enhance crop yield while protecting biodiversity and maintaining a healthy farm ecosystem. This reflects a commitment to sustainability, as it reduces reliance on chemical pesticides and fosters a more natural balance in food production areas.