How can a pesticide's effectiveness be evaluated?

Evaluating a pesticide's effectiveness is best accomplished by assessing changes in pest populations after its application. This method provides direct evidence of the pesticide's impact on the target pest species. Conducting a thorough pest population assessment before and after pesticide application allows practitioners to measure any reductions in pest numbers, which directly indicates how well the pesticide is working.

In contrast, relying solely on anecdotal evidence may lead to subjective conclusions that lack scientific validation. Price comparisons can indicate cost-effectiveness but do not assess efficacy. Additionally, weather patterns, while they can influence pest behavior and pesticide performance, do not provide concrete evidence regarding the effectiveness of the pesticide itself. Therefore, measuring changes in pest populations is the most reliable and accurate method for evaluating the effectiveness of a pesticide.