Combining multiple tactics over time for cost-effective eradication of invading insect populations

Adam Lampert, Andrew M. Liebhold

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because of the profound ecological and economic impacts of many non-native insect species, early detection and eradication of newly founded, isolated populations is a high priority for preventing damages. Though successful eradication is often challenging, the effectiveness of several treatment methods/tactics is enhanced by the existence of Allee dynamics in target populations. Historically, successful eradication has often relied on the application of two or more tactics. Here, we examine how to combine three treatment tactics in the most cost-effective manner, either simultaneously or sequentially in a multiple-annum process. We show that each tactic is most efficient across a specific range of population densities. Furthermore, we show that certain tactics inhibit the efficiency of other tactics and should therefore not be used simultaneously; but since each tactic is effective at specific densities, different combinations of tactics should be applied sequentially through time when a multiple-annum eradication programme is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)279-287
Number of pages9
JournalEcology letters
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Bioeconomic
  • extinction
  • gypsy moth
  • insecticide
  • invasion
  • management
  • mating disruption
  • model
  • optimisation
  • sterile male

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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