What is the primary difference between preventative and curative pest management strategies?

The primary difference between preventative and curative pest management strategies is that preventative strategies aim to stop pests before they become a problem. This approach focuses on proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of pest infestations by creating an environment that is less conducive to pest establishment and reproduction. Examples of preventative strategies include crop rotation, habitat manipulation, and the use of resistant plant varieties, which all help to maintain healthy ecosystems and prevent pests from reaching economic threshold levels.

In contrast, curative strategies are employed after a pest issue has already developed, with the objective of controlling and eliminating the existing pest population. This can involve the use of pesticides or other interventions to address an outbreak. The aim is fundamentally reactive, responding to already existing infestations rather than preemptively working to avoid them.

Thus, the correct answer clearly highlights the proactive nature of preventative measures, which is crucial in integrated pest management practices aiming for sustainable pest control.