Why is it crucial to understand the life cycle of target pests in non-soil fumigation?

Understanding the life cycle of target pests is crucial in non-soil fumigation primarily because it enables you to time and apply the treatment effectively. Different pests have specific life stages—such as eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults—that can influence their susceptibility to fumigants. For instance, some stages may be more vulnerable during specific environmental conditions or developmental phases. By knowing when these stages occur, you can strategically plan fumigation applications to maximize effectiveness, ensuring that the treatment targets the pest at a critical point in its life cycle.

Timing the application to coincide with the vulnerable stage of the pest results in a more successful reduction of the pest population, ultimately leading to better pest management outcomes. This understanding also helps in predicting pest resurgence and informs the timing of follow-up treatments if necessary.