In some scenarios, the risk posed by a pest is considered to be greater than acceptable to one or more of the forest values. When this occurs several potential response options may be considered. If control is needed, evaluation of all available control options are considered. The goal is to keep pest populations below specified thresholds that cause undesired levels of damage. These controls may consist of:
- Preventative,
- Suppressive, or
- Regulatory
and may include the use of:
- Mechanical (for example, direct removal of a pest),
- Biological (for example, parasitoids, viruses, bacteria, fungi), or
- Synthetic insecticides (for example, registered chemicals and biologicals)
DNRED works with all levels of government, researchers, universities, industry and special interest groups to identify the best available control options and ensure that they are biologically and economically sound, and socially acceptable. The control options identified not only control pest populations and reduce levels of expected insect damage, they also encourage natural enemies and, where possible, reduce the need for registered insecticides.
Once control and treatment options have been evaluated, a plan is formulated identifying areas at greatest risk and the resources that will be required.
Assessment of treatment
DNRED also conducts ground and aerial surveys to assess the effectiveness of various controls and treatments. Ground surveys typically include monitoring pre- and post-treatment insect populations and damage levels in both treated and untreated areas. Aerial surveys provide an overall view of the distribution and severity of defoliation within treated areas in comparison to levels that were forecast. Statistical analyses are conducted to measure treatment effects (for example, insect mortality, foliage protection) in order to assess and identify the most effective protection tools that will improve future pest management decisions.
A historical database representing early pesticide use in New Brunswick can be found here.