Why is it important to use both short-term suppression and long-term maintenance tactics in pest management?

• A. Long-term maintenance increases pest resistance
• B. Usually offers a quick fix, but the pest population will rebuild
• C. Short-term suppression alone is sufficient
• D. Short-term suppression prevents any pests from returning

Answer: (B)

Combining quick, short-term suppression with ongoing, long-term maintenance keeps pest problems under control both now and later. Short-term suppression lowers pest numbers fast, giving immediate relief from visible damage and helping turf recover. But those pests that survive can rapidly reproduce and rebuild the population, so the problem often returns if you stop at a quick fix. Long-term maintenance, on the other hand, keeps pressure on pests over time through regular scouting, applying treatments only when thresholds are reached, and using cultural practices, resistant varieties, and rotation of control methods. This sustained approach reduces reinfestation, maintains turf vigor, and slows the development of resistance by avoiding reliance on a single tactic.

The other statements aren’t correct because long-term maintenance doesn’t increase resistance, short-term suppression alone isn’t enough to prevent reappearance, and it’s not realistic that short-term actions completely prevent pests from returning.