What does a "reactive (curative) application" aim to achieve in pest management?

A "reactive (curative) application" is focused on addressing a pest issue once it has been identified, rather than trying to prevent it beforehand. This approach is utilized when signs of pest damage or presence have become apparent, and the objective is to mitigate their effects and eliminate the existing problem. This type of management typically involves applying treatments or controls to already affected areas or plants to reduce pest populations and prevent further damage.

Preventative applications are different in that they aim to stop issues from developing in the first place, which is not the goal of a reactive approach. Similarly, while it may seem that controlling pests after significant damage has occurred aligns with a reactive approach, the focus of a reactive application is specifically on addressing the problem once it is recognized, which is a more precise definition. Regular monitoring without treatment emphasizes observation rather than action, which contrasts with the proactive nature of the curative method that seeks to resolve an immediate issue. Thus, the core emphasis of a reactive (curative) application lies in curing the pest problem after it has been detected.