Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What is an economic threshold in pest management?

1. The point where pest numbers are acceptable

2. The level at which pest damage exceeds control costs

3. The time frame for treating pests

4. The population of pests that can be ignored

The correct answer is: The level at which pest damage exceeds control costs

An economic threshold in pest management is defined as the specific level at which the economic damage caused by pests exceeds the costs associated with controlling them. This concept is crucial for effective pest management because it helps determine the point at which intervention is financially justifiable. When pest populations reach the economic threshold, it signals that the potential loss from pest damage will outweigh the expenses incurred from implementing control measures. By using this threshold, pest managers can make informed decisions about when to apply pesticides or other control strategies to optimize both yield and financial return. The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of an economic threshold. Acceptable pest numbers may be subjective and do not consider economic factors, while a time frame for treating pests is not relevant to economic thresholds. Lastly, the idea of a population of pests that can be ignored does not incorporate the economic implications of pest damage and control costs that are central to the definition of an economic threshold.