Integrated Pest Management Flashcards

Which IPM concept refers to the pest population level at which control action must be taken to prevent economic damage?

Answer: Action threshold

The action threshold (also called economic threshold) is the pest density at which management action should be initiated to prevent reaching the economic injury level.

In IPM, what is the primary purpose of pest monitoring?

Answer: To determine pest species identity, population density, and distribution

Monitoring provides data on pest identity, numbers, and location needed to make informed management decisions.

Which biological control strategy involves releasing large numbers of natural enemies to suppress a pest population temporarily?

Answer: Augmentative biological control

Augmentative biological control involves mass releases of natural enemies, either inundatively (for immediate knockdown) or inoculatively (to establish a reproducing population).

A pest management professional is treating a restaurant for German cockroaches using gel bait. Placing bait in cracks and voids near food preparation areas is an example of which IPM principle?

Answer: Targeted application to reduce non-target exposure

Targeted placement of gel bait in harborage areas minimizes pesticide exposure to non-target organisms and food surfaces while maximizing efficacy.

What does 'pest exclusion' refer to in structural IPM?

Answer: Sealing entry points to prevent pests from entering a building

Exclusion involves sealing gaps, cracks, and openings to physically prevent pest entry, a key structural IPM tactic.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'pest suppression' versus 'pest eradication' in IPM?

Answer: Suppression reduces pest populations to acceptable levels; eradication eliminates the pest entirely

IPM typically aims for suppression—keeping pests below economic or nuisance thresholds—rather than complete eradication, which is rarely practical or necessary.

When developing an IPM program, what is the significance of pest identification to the species level?

Answer: It allows accurate assessment of pest biology, behavior, and appropriate control tactics

Accurate species identification is critical because pest biology, life cycle, behavior, and susceptibility to control methods vary significantly between species.