What is the difference between prevention and suppression in pest management?

The distinction between prevention and suppression in pest management centers on their objectives and methodologies. Prevention specifically seeks to avert the occurrence of pests by employing strategies such as biological controls, habitat modification, and cultural practices that create unfavorable conditions for pest establishment. For instance, implementing crop rotation or using resistant plant varieties can effectively keep pests at bay from the onset.

In contrast, suppression comes into play when pests are already present. The goal of suppression is to reduce the populations of existing pests to manageable levels, thereby minimizing their impact on crops or human health. This often involves the use of pesticides or other intervention methods to target and eliminate pests that have already infested an area.

Understanding this difference is crucial for effective pest management. It highlights the importance of a proactive approach through prevention to avoid future infestations, while also recognizing that suppression may be necessary to handle immediate pest problems that arise. This comprehensive understanding enables pest managers to develop integrated strategies that utilize both prevention and suppression techniques, depending on the specific circumstances they face.