Field Identification of Common Insect Pests and Beneficial Arthropods
Career Options in Entomology
Inspection
Inspection
The first step in the IPM decision-making process is a thorough inspection. This is done not only to identify the pest, but also the habitat in which it exists and the nature of its interactions with people. Identifying both the pest and its environment are key to determining the seriousness of the problem and the steps that must be taken to manage it.
Making sound decisions about pest control options requires:
accurate identification of the pest involved
recognition of environmental conditions that support or have the potential to support the pest population
