Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

Key pests are classified as species that are consistently present in a given area and pose an ongoing threat to the crops or settings that pesticide applicators are managing. This constant presence necessitates regular control measures to manage their populations effectively and prevent significant damage. Such pests can lead to economic losses if left unchecked, thus making their management a priority.

On the other hand, occasional pests do not require the same level of attention; they may appear sporadically and can often be managed with less frequent interventions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for pest management strategies, allowing practitioners to prioritize their efforts and resources on those pests that pose the greatest risk throughout the growing season. Hence, the regular control requirement for key pests underlines their importance in pest management practices.