In pest management, what is a sign of a severe infestation?

The presence of multiple traps with high catch rates is indicative of a severe infestation because it shows that numerous pests are actively present in the area being monitored. High catch rates suggest that not only are there many pests, but they are also engaging with the traps, demonstrating a significant level of activity. This kind of evidence is crucial for pest management professionals as it gives strong insight into the population density and helps to assess the urgency and scale of intervention required.

In contrast, isolated sightings of pests may not reflect the full extent of the problem, as it could indicate only a few individuals rather than a larger population. Similarly, finding a few droppings might suggest some level of pest presence but does not provide a clear picture of the severity or number of pests involved. Finally, the absence of visible signs of pests would typically point to either an effective management situation or a lack of infestation, making it an unsuitable indication of a serious problem. Thus, the identification of multiple traps with high catch rates is the most reliable sign of a significant pest infestation.