Texas Public Health Pest Control Practice Test

The primary goal of urban pest management is to effectively manage pest populations to safeguard human health and protect property. This approach emphasizes controlling pest numbers to minimize the risks they pose, rather than striving for complete eradication. By focusing on management, it allows for a balanced approach that considers the ecological role of pests, the practical limitations of pest control methods, and the socio-economic factors involved in urban areas.

Urban environments often contain a variety of pests that can pose health risks, such as rodents and insects that can transmit diseases or cause property damage. Therefore, urban pest management practices aim to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels while utilizing strategies that are sustainable and environmentally conscious.

In contrast, the other options reflect goals that do not accurately describe the focus of urban pest management. The idea of eliminating all pests is impractical and undesirable, as some pests might play important roles in the ecosystem. Increasing pest diversity could lead to more problems, and promoting organic gardening practices, while beneficial in its own right, does not encompass the broader objectives of managing pest populations specifically in urban environments.