What type of management focuses on using a variety of pest control techniques?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the correct answer as it is a comprehensive approach that combines different strategies and practices to manage pests effectively and sustainably. IPM focuses on understanding the life cycles of pests and their interactions with the environment, incorporating both biological and chemical controls, along with cultural practices and habitat manipulation.

This multifaceted approach emphasizes the use of pest-resistant varieties, the establishment of natural predators, and the careful application of pesticides only when necessary, minimizing adverse effects on human health and the environment. The goal is to achieve optimal pest control with the least disruption to ecosystems, promoting a balance that helps in long-term pest management.

Other forms of pest management, such as reactive, conventional, or general pest management, typically rely more heavily on specific methods—especially chemical pesticides—rather than incorporating a variety of strategies that are characteristic of IPM. These alternative methods may not consider the ecological balance or sustainability aspects, which are foundational to IPM principles.