What impact does pest suppression aim to achieve?

Pest suppression aims to control pest populations to an acceptable level rather than completely eliminate all pests. This approach recognizes that some level of pest presence is often tolerable, depending on the specific context and the potential for damage they can cause. Complete extermination may not be feasible or even environmentally sustainable, as it can disrupt ecological balances and lead to unintended consequences, such as the emergence of new pest problems or the loss of beneficial organisms.

Focusing on controlling pest populations means implementing strategies that reduce pest numbers to a point where they do not cause significant harm to the landscape, crops, or ecosystems. This balance is critical for maintaining healthy landscapes while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides, reducing costs, and protecting non-target species. The strategy aligns with integrated pest management (IPM) principles, which advocate for using a combination of biological, physical, and chemical methods to manage pest populations sustainably.