Which best management practice will help prevent contamination of surface water and groundwater by pesticides?

Following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles is essential for preventing contamination of surface water and groundwater by pesticides. IPM emphasizes a combination of practices that include monitoring pest populations, using thresholds to determine the need for treatment, and selecting the least harmful control methods. This multifaceted approach reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizes pesticide use, and promotes the use of alternative methods such as biological control, cultural practices, and habitat manipulation.

By integrating these principles, applicators can make informed decisions that not only target pest control effectively but also consider environmental impacts, leading to reduced likelihood of pesticide runoff or leaching into water sources. This holistic strategy plays a crucial role in safeguarding water quality while managing pest populations efficiently.

In contrast, applying pesticides before rain events could lead to increased runoff and contamination, using larger application rates might escalate the risk of environmental harm, and choosing non-chemical methods exclusively could limit effective pest management strategies, potentially resulting in higher pest populations.