An invasive species is threatening a new area. What pest control approach should you use?

• A. Eradication
• B. Suppression
• C. Prevention
• D. Containment

Answer: (A)

When an invasive species arrives in a new area, the most effective move is to aim for eradication if the population is still localized and small enough to remove completely. The idea is to wipe out every individual so the species cannot establish itself, which stops the damage early and prevents ongoing control costs or future spread. This requires rapid detection, thorough surveys, and immediate, coordinated removal using the most appropriate methods available.

Suppression reduces numbers but stops short of eliminating the pest, so it won’t prevent future establishment. Prevention focuses on avoiding introductions and isn’t the right choice for dealing with an incursion that’s already occurring. Containment keeps the species within a defined area after it has established, which isn’t ideal when the goal is to prevent establishment in the first place.