What does a pest threshold indicate?

A pest threshold indicates the level at which control measures should be initiated to manage pest populations effectively. This concept is crucial in integrated pest management (IPM), where the goal is to maintain pest populations below a level that would cause unacceptable damage to crops or plants. When pests exceed this threshold, it signals that intervention, which may include the application of pesticides or other control measures, is necessary to prevent economic or aesthetic damage.

Understanding pest thresholds allows pest managers to make informed decisions about when to act, balancing the economic costs of damage against the costs of treatment. Implementing control measures only when needed helps minimize unnecessary pesticide use, which is beneficial for the environment and public health.