In pest control, what does "monitoring" not typically include?

Monitoring in pest control is a systematic process used to track the presence and activity of pests. It typically involves methods that gather data about pest populations without adversely affecting them, which helps in making informed decisions about management strategies.

Using traps is a common monitoring technique, as they can effectively capture pests and provide quantitative data on pest populations. Regular visual inspections are another crucial aspect of monitoring, allowing professionals to identify signs of pest activity and assess potential infestations. Recording pest activity is essential as it helps in analyzing trends over time and evaluating the effectiveness of pest control measures.

Continual pesticide application does not fall under the definition of monitoring. This practice is more about immediate pest control rather than observing and gathering data on pest populations. Effective monitoring aims to assess conditions that may lead to infestations and helps in determining if and when control measures should be applied, rather than applying pesticides perpetually, which could lead to resistance and other negative impacts on the environment.