Question

Discuss two basic philosophies of pest control. How effective are they?

Short answer

The two basic philosophies of pest control are Chemical and Biological Control. Chemical control, involving the use of pesticides, is typically effective in the short term but may lose efficacy over time due to pests developing resistance and it can potentially harm the environment. Biological control, involving introduction of natural pest enemies, is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable in the long term, though it may have unpredictable effectiveness and typically takes longer to see results.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Two Basic Philosophies of Pest Control

The two basic philosophies of pest control are the use of Chemical Control and Biological Control. Chemical Control involves the use of pesticides, insecticides, and other chemical substances to eradicate pests. Biological Control, on the other hand, involves the use of natural enemies of pests such as predators, parasites, pathogenic bacteria, and viruses to control pests.

Discuss the Effectiveness of Chemical Control

Chemical control is often effective in the short term as it can quickly eliminate pests. However, one major issue is that pests can develop resistance to chemicals over time, which reduces the effectiveness of chemical control. Another concern is the potential harm that these chemicals can cause to the environment and potential bioaccumulation in food chain.

Discuss the Effectiveness of Biological Control

Biological control is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable in the long term, as it involves introducing natural enemies of pests to an area. However, its effectiveness can be unpredictable as it depends on various factors such as the presence and success of these introduced species in the new environment. It also typically takes longer to see the effects of this type of control.