What is the Difference Between Pest and Insect?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a pest and an insect lies in the classification and the characteristics they possess.
Insects are a type of arthropod with a body consisting of three sections: head, thorax, and abdomen. They are protected by a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton and have six legs, a pair of antennae, and two sets of wings (except for ants and flies). Insects can be classified into insect pests and beneficial insects.
Pests are small creatures or organisms that are notorious for destroying crops, food, causing diseases, and attacking livestock. Pests can be vertebrates, including rodents and birds, or invertebrates, such as insects and even some harmful plants. Pests are controlled by pesticides or other insects, while insects are controlled by insecticides.
In summary:
- Insects are a specific type of arthropod with a three-section body and an exoskeleton.
- Pests are any living creature that is undesirable due to a negative trait or behavior, including insects.
- Insects can be either pests or beneficial organisms.
- Pests are controlled by pesticides or other insects, while insects are controlled by insecticides.
Comparative Table: Pest vs Insect
The main difference between a pest and an insect lies in their definitions and characteristics. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:
| Feature | Insect | Pest |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An insect is a small creature with a body divided into three sections (head, thorax, and abdomen), protected by a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton, and has six legs, a pair of antennae, and two sets of wings (except for ants and flies). | A pest is any living creature that is undesirable due to a negative trait or behavior, and can include vertebrates, invertebrates, or even plants. |
| Classification | Insects can be classified into insect pests and beneficial insects. Insect pests are those that cause damage or harm, while beneficial insects help control pests and pollinate flowers. | Pests are small creatures, organisms that are notorious for destroying crops, food, causing diseases, and attacking livestock. |
| Control | Pests are often controlled using pesticides, alternative strategies include biological control where predatory insects can be introduced to keep pests under control, and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) that improves food safety and health of consumers. | Not all insects are pests, and not all pests are insects. |
In summary, not all insects are pests, and not all pests are insects. Insects can be beneficial or harmful, while pests are generally considered undesirable due to their negative impact on crops, food, and human health.
- Bug vs Insects
- Insecticides vs Pesticides
- Insects vs Spiders
- Insects vs Arachnids
- Bugs vs Beetles
- Cockroach vs Beetle
- Herbicide vs Insecticide
- Ants vs Termites
- Fungicides vs Pesticides
- Bed Bugs vs Fleas
- Parasite vs Parasitoid
- Insect vs Wind Pollination
- Mites vs Fleas
- Flying Ants vs Termites
- Wasp vs Bee
- Lice vs Fleas
- Predator vs Parasite
- Worms vs Parasites
- Bee vs Fly