C. Detecting and Monitoring Pests. Decisions as to what pest management practices to use should be based in part on pest detection and monitoring results. This requires careful, systematic searching for signs of pests and for conditions that favor pest buildup. Monitoring over a period of time may help you detect pests and determine sources of infestation and patterns of spread. Monitoring is also helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of management programs.
Pest populations take time to build to damaging levels.
By understanding the factors that regulate population development, managers can see development occurring and take action before populations get out of hand. The purpose of visual inspection is to find evidence of pests or pest-prone situations. Weeds and insects may be more concentrated near the edge of a nursery, so these should be the places to look first. When doing an inspection, it s helpful to prepare a diagram of the nursery and keep track of problem areas over multiple years. Observe any conditions that may cause problems during pest management operations.