What term describes the complete elimination of a pest species?

The term that describes the complete elimination of a pest species is "Eradication." This concept goes beyond merely controlling or suppressing a pest population. Eradication signifies that every individual of the pest species has been removed from a specific area, effectively preventing any possible resurgence.

In the context of landscape maintenance and pest management, eradication can be particularly important in situations where a pest poses a significant threat to the health of plants or ecosystems. Successful eradication efforts typically require comprehensive strategies that could include chemical treatments, biological control agents, and cultural practices that target the specific life stage or habitat of the pest.

Understanding eradication is vital for landscape maintenance professionals, as it sets a high standard for pest management goals, distinguishing it from control and suppression, which manage population levels rather than completely eliminate them. Control refers to reducing pest populations to acceptable levels, suppression aims to decrease pest populations temporarily, and management encompasses a broader approach including various strategies for long-term pest avoidance.