Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety Practice Test

What is a key factor in defining a potential pest?

1. Its ability to migrate over long distances

2. Its typical absence of economic damage under normal circumstances

3. The frequency of its appearance

4. Its resistance to common pest control methods

The correct answer is: Its typical absence of economic damage under normal circumstances

A key factor in defining a potential pest is its typical absence of economic damage under normal circumstances. This means that the pest may not cause significant harm or destruction to plants, crops, or ecosystem, and therefore may not be considered as a major threat. The other options, such as the ability to migrate, the frequency of its appearance, and its resistance to pest control methods, may be considered important factors in a pest's severity, but they do not solely define a potential pest. For example, a pest may have the ability to migrate over long distances, but if it does not cause economic damage, it may not be considered a potential pest. Similarly, a pest may have high resistance to common control methods, but if it does not appear frequently or cause significant economic damage, it may not be considered a potential pest. It is important to consider all factors and evaluate the overall impact of a pest in order to define it as a potential threat.