Why are immature stages usually the best target for control?

• A. They are more mobile and disperse quickly
• B. They are less mobile, confined to specific areas, and killing immatures reduces future adult reproduction
• C. Adults are harder to observe
• D. Adults are less susceptible to pesticides

Answer: (B)

Targeting immature stages is most effective because they are usually less mobile and stay confined to specific areas. This makes them more likely to be reached by a spray or soil-applied product, so treatment directly reduces the pest’s future generations. By killing immatures now, you lower the number of adults that can emerge and reproduce, leading to greater long-term suppression of the population. In contrast, adults move around more, can escape treatment, and even if killed in one area, may recolonize from nearby sources.