Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

When is it essential to take pest control action?

1. When pests are not visible

2. As soon as the economic threshold is reached

3. When the cost of control is high

4. After a pest outbreak

The correct answer is: As soon as the economic threshold is reached

Taking pest control action as soon as the economic threshold is reached is crucial for effective pest management. The economic threshold is the point at which the number of pests present can cause economic damage to a crop or situation, meaning that the cost of the potential damage would exceed the cost of implementing pest control measures. By acting at this stage, you can prevent further pest populations from increasing and mitigate any potential losses, ultimately saving money and resources in the long run. Waiting until pests are visible may lead to a more significant problem, as the pest population could grow unchecked, leading to higher control costs or more severe damage. High costs of control are a concern, but they should not be the primary driver for action; rather, they are one of the factors to consider when addressing pest management. Acting only after a pest outbreak has occurred can also be too late, as damage may already have been done, making it vital to monitor pest levels and respond proactively as soon as the threshold is reached.