What should be the primary concern when selecting a pesticide for use?

When selecting a pesticide, the primary concern should always be its effectiveness against the target pest as well as its safety for the environment. This focus ensures that the pesticide will perform its intended purpose—controlling or eliminating unwanted pests—without causing harm to non-target species, including beneficial organisms, pets, and humans. Additionally, considering environmental safety helps in minimizing the risk of contamination to soil, water, and air, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and public health.

Prioritizing effectiveness ensures that the pesticide chosen will provide sufficient control of the pest population, leading to successful pest management. Without effectiveness, even the safest product would fail to meet the user's needs, possibly leading to larger infestations and subsequent higher pest control costs.

While aspects like brand loyalty, personal preferences from friends, and price can influence purchasing decisions, they should not take precedence over the fundamental goal of pest management—selecting a product that reliably manages pests in a safe and responsible manner. The long-term benefits of effective pest control and environmental stewardship surpass the temporary advantages offered by other considerations.