Which objective of pest control aims to reduce pest numbers to an acceptable level?

The objective of pest control that aims to reduce pest numbers to an acceptable level is suppression. This approach focuses on managing pest populations to minimize their impact on crops, humans, or the environment without necessarily eliminating them completely. This is particularly important because some pests may be part of the ecosystem, and complete eradication is often impractical or undesirable.

Suppression techniques can include various methods such as the application of pesticides, cultural practices, and biological controls, all aimed at lowering the population to levels where they cause minimal harm. This allows for a more sustainable approach to pest management, balancing control efforts with environmental and economic considerations.

In contrast, eradication seeks to completely eliminate pests, which may not be feasible for all pest types and can lead to disruptions in the ecosystem. Prevention focuses on avoiding pest problems before they arise, while biological control utilizes natural enemies; both are proactive approaches rather than the reactive focus of suppression.