Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses a combination of practices to reduce pest damage while minimizing disruption to the environment by keeping pest populations below economic or aesthetic thresholds. It involves monitoring pest levels and only using pesticides when an action threshold is reached based on potential losses equaling treatment costs. IPM evaluates and combines chemical, biological and mechanical control measures using best management practices like erosion control, irrigation management and cultural pest control. Pesticides are classified based on their toxicity and the pests they target, with labels providing safety information and directions for proper use and disposal to protect humans, animals and the environment.