What does "pest tolerance" refer to?

Pest tolerance refers to the level of pest presence that can be accepted without leading to significant economic damage. This concept is essential in pest management as it recognizes that complete eradication of pests is often impractical, costly, or unnecessary. Instead, managing pest populations to a point where they do not cause harm or exceed the threshold of economic damage is the primary goal. This approach allows for a balance between maintaining healthy crops, homes, or environments and minimizing the costs associated with pest control efforts. By understanding and applying pest tolerance, pest control professionals can make informed decisions that maximize benefits while reducing negative impacts.