Before pesticide application, what specific aspect should a survey evaluate?

Evaluating pest levels and non-target organisms before pesticide application is crucial in integrated pest management (IPM). A thorough survey helps identify the presence and population density of pests, which informs the necessity and timing of pesticide applications. Understanding pest levels allows for more targeted and effective treatment, minimizing unnecessary pesticide use.

Additionally, assessing non-target organisms—such as beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life—ensures that the application does not harm these important species, which could have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. This aspect promotes ecological balance and helps in maintaining biodiversity.

In contrast, while marketing potential and the cost of popular pesticides provide useful information for business decisions, they do not directly influence the responsible application of pesticides in the management of pests. The effectiveness of application techniques is also important, but it should be considered in conjunction with the understanding of pest levels and non-target organisms to ensure safe and effective pest control.