Economic vs Action Thresholds
Decision framework comparing pest damage costs to treatment costs, determining when intervention is economically justified.
Detailed Overview
Action threshold is the pest population level where treatment becomes necessary based on damage, health risk, or tolerance. Economic threshold specifically compares pest damage cost to treatment cost - treat when damage exceeds treatment expense. For termites: action threshold is one live termite (zero tolerance) because damage costs vastly exceed treatment. For occasional invaders (millipedes): action threshold may be high because they cause no damage - treat only if customer complaints excessive. For German roaches in apartments: action threshold is low (any evidence of reproduction) due to rapid multiplication and health concerns. For turf pests: economic threshold compares treatment cost to re-sodding cost - treat grubs when population exceeds 6-8 per square foot depending on turf value. For commercial accounts: threshold includes reputation damage and regulatory compliance. For food facilities: action threshold is extremely low due to audit failures and health code violations. PCOs balance cost of treatment vs cost of no treatment. Monitor pest populations to determine when threshold exceeded. Explain thresholds to customers so they understand when treatments recommended vs when monitoring sufficient.
When to Use
Establish thresholds at account startup based on pest type, customer tolerance, and economic factors. Use monitoring data to determine when thresholds exceeded requiring treatment.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Prevents unnecessary treatments and costs
- Provides objective basis for treatment decisions
- Helps customers understand why treatments recommended
- Reduces pesticide use to necessary interventions only
- Balances cost-effectiveness with pest control goals
Limitations
- Thresholds vary by pest, account type, and customer
- Difficult to assign dollar values to some pest damage
- Customer perception may differ from objective thresholds
- Some pests have zero tolerance regardless of economics
Related Concepts
Other principles that may be useful
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A prevention-based pest management method that provides long-lasting pest control, improves building conditions, and is less harmful to residents and pets than traditional pest control.
Pest Triangle
The four essential requirements pests need to survive: food, water, shelter, and ways to get around. Eliminating any of these makes an environment inhospitable to pests.
Threshold Levels
The point at which pest populations or damage reaches a level that requires action. IPM uses threshold levels to determine when treatment is necessary rather than treating on a schedule.