What defines a 'host' in pest management terminology?

In pest management terminology, a 'host' refers to a living plant or animal that a pest depends on for survival. This relationship is critical because pests often rely on hosts for food, reproduction, and shelter. Understanding this dynamic is essential for effective pest control strategies, as managing the host population can directly influence pest populations. For example, in agricultural contexts, crops are often considered hosts to various pests, and effective pest management strategies focus on protecting these hosts while disrupting the pests' life cycles.

The definition of a host emphasizes the dependency of pests on their chosen organisms for sustenance and survival. This concept is foundational in pest management practices, where targeting the host can be an effective way to manage or mitigate pest damage.