With each scouting trip, the scout must decide not only if pest numbers have reached treatment thresholds, but also when the next scouting visit should be planned. Scouting requires concentration and attention to detail. It isn't possible to do a good job of scouting while trying to do other tasks, such as shearing or fertilizing. When scouting, an individual should go to the field with only scouting in mind. For most Fraser fir pests, plan on about 20 minutes scouting time per acre.
More time is needed when scouting for more than one pest.
As the scout becomes familiar with the pests common to each block, scouting time may be reduced without reducing effectiveness. Scouting with a pest in mind . Whenever a block is scouted, all pests observed should be noted. However, usually when a scout makes a trip to a field, it is with the goal of finding a certain pest, or pests, commonly active during that time of year. Some pests are easy to scout for at the same time, such as rust mites and spruce spider mites.