What are pests that cause damage on a regular basis referred to as?

Pests that cause damage on a regular basis are referred to as key pests. This terminology is significant because it identifies those pests that consistently pose a threat to crops and landscapes, necessitating ongoing monitoring and management efforts. Understanding which pests fall into the key category allows agricultural professionals and landscapers to focus their resources effectively, implementing control measures tailored specifically for these pests to mitigate their impact.

While terms like common pests, major pests, and frequent pests imply a repeated presence or a level of importance, they do not specifically convey the same level of regularity and significance in terms of economic impact or management necessity as "key pests." Key pests are typically the ones whose populations require management intervention to prevent economic loss or significant damage to plants and landscapes. Thus, the term "key" emphasizes their critical role in pest management strategies.