New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What are the three key strategies of Integrated Pest Management?

1. Trap, Kill, Release

2. Starve them, Build them out, Destroy them

3. Repel, Exclude, Eliminate

4. Clean, Control, Communicate

The correct answer is: Starve them, Build them out, Destroy them

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that emphasizes long-term prevention and minimal environmental impact. The correct response highlights three key strategies: repel, exclude, and eliminate. Repelling pests involves using barriers or deterrents to keep them away from food sources and environments where they can cause harm. This can be achieved through various means, like using natural repellents or installing physical barriers. Exclusion focuses on preventing pests from entering a facility or space in the first place. This often includes sealing cracks, closing openings, and ensuring that doors and windows close properly. By creating a pest-proof environment, the likelihood of infestations can be significantly decreased. Elimination refers to the active removal of pests that are already present. This can involve a variety of methods, including traps, baits, or, in some cases, pesticides, but always done in a manner that considers the broader ecological impacts. By employing these strategies together, IPM seeks to manage pest populations effectively while safeguarding human health and the environment, making it a sustainable pest control method. The other choices do not capture the integrated and proactive nature of pest management as effectively as this one does.