Why are pesticides applied more often for structural pests than for agricultural pests?

The reasoning behind the frequency of pesticide application for structural pests compared to agricultural pests primarily relates to the concept of action thresholds. In pest management, an action threshold refers to the level of pest population or damage that requires a control action to prevent unacceptable damage or economic loss.

Structural pests, such as termites, rodents, and cockroaches, are often found in or around buildings where human activity takes place. These pests can quickly reach a level where their presence becomes intolerable, prompting immediate control measures. In many cases, even a small number of structural pests can lead to health concerns or significant damage to property, making it more critical to act quickly and decisively.

In contrast, agricultural pest management is usually guided by economic thresholds, where the decision to apply pesticides is based on the likelihood of economic loss caused by pests compared to the cost of control measures. Farmers may monitor pest populations and only apply pesticides when the potential economic damage exceeds the cost of treatment. This means that there is more flexibility in agricultural settings regarding when and how often pesticides are applied.

Consequently, the dynamic nature of pest presence in structures leads to a quicker response in applying pesticides for structural pests, making the action threshold more easily exceeded compared to agricultural situations.