Final answer:
The statement that a pest-control method should be used only when the cost is less than the expected loss from the pest is false, as Integrated Pest Management also considers ecological and long-term effects, advocating for sustainable and ecologically based control measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a pest-control method should be used only when the cost is less than the expected value of loss from the pest is false. While cost-effectiveness is a significant factor in pest management, it is not the only consideration. Pest control decisions, particularly in the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), also take into account ecological consequences and long-term effectiveness.
IPM emphasizes the use of ecologically based control measures, such as biological control agents and environmental management strategies, and regards pesticides as a last resort. These methods focus on sustainability, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, and promoting the health of ecosystems.
Biological control tools, such as introducing species that prey upon and destroy pest species, offer a more sustainable way of controlling pests by leveraging natural predator-prey relationships. Nonetheless, the use of pesticides can sometimes be justified when biological controls are not sufficient to prevent significant damage to crops, ecosystems, or economic livelihoods.
The key is to minimize any disruption they cause to the environment and to utilize them in the most targeted manner. Importantly, it is not merely a question of cost, but one of long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility.