Final answer:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes minimizing pesticide use and employing ecological pest control methods. Educating the customer on prevention aligns with IPM principles, whereas using 99% zinc phosphide should be a last resort.
Step-by-step explanation:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecological method aimed at minimizing the use of pesticides in controlling pests such as roof rats. This approach encourages alternative strategies, focusing on long-term prevention and pest control practices that are less harmful to the environment.
One step of IPM in dealing with roof rats could include educating the customer on prevention methods, which is a key part of an IPM strategy. These methods typically involve habitat modification, such as sealing entry points and removing food sources, rather than solely relying on chemical interventions. The use of lockable bait boxes falls under IPM as it helps to reduce risks to non-target species and can be a part of a non-chemical control measure. However, using a high concentration of a toxicant like 99% zinc phosphide is not typical of IPM protocols because it represents an aggressive chemical approach and should be used as a last resort, according to IPM principles.