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

Adam Lampert*, Andrew M. Liebhold

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

14 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
Pages (from-to)279-287
Number of pages9
JournalEcology Letters
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

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

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Combining multiple tactics over time for cost-effective eradication of invading insect populations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this