Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Environmental Systems
ISSN
0047-2433 (print) 1541-3802 (electronic)
Volume
12
Issue
2
Date
1/1/1982

Article Facts

Title
Interdependent Pests: The Economics of Their Control
DOI
10.2190/F59H-4BH5-16GV-M7PB
Author
Clem Tisdell
Pages
153-161
Online Date
05/09/2002

Article Links

Interdependent Pests: The Economics of Their Control

Clem Tisdell

DOI: 10.2190/F59H-4BH5-16GV-M7PB

Abstract

Population levels of two or more pest species are frequently interdependent and this has consequences for the optimal control of any single one targeted for control. When the controlled pest species is a predator on another pest or is in competitive relationship with it, the optimal (most economic) control of the target species is smaller than in the absence of the interdependence. On the other hand, if the controlled pest species is the prey of predator that is also a pest, or is in symbiosis with another pest, greater control of the target species is required (from an economic standpoint) than in the absence of this interdependence. Conditions for the most economic control of a targeted pest species are outlined and it is observed that governments sometimes fail to take account of the interdependence of pest populations in their pest control policies.

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