Final answer:
The second basic rule of an integrated pest management program is to deny pests access to food, water, and shelter, part of an ecological strategy to control pest populations without over-reliance on synthetic pesticides.
Correct option is A
Step-by-step explanation:
The second basic rule of an integrated pest management (IPM) program is to deny pests food, water, and a nesting/hiding place. This approach is part of a broader set of strategies aimed at reducing reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides by managing pest populations to keep them below economically damaging levels. IPM focuses on non-chemical measures as much as possible to maintain low pest populations and resorts to pesticides as a last resort, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
Implementing IPM also involves understanding the ecosystem and its complexity, which can enhance natural pest controls such as predators and parasites, thereby reducing the need for chemical interventions. Such ecological considerations contribute to the sustainability and effectiveness of pest management programs while minimizing potential harm to humans and non-target species.