Which types of pests are typically targeted by aerial application?

Aerial application is primarily utilized for targeting pests that directly affect agricultural crops and landscapes, which includes insects, weeds, and plant diseases. This method is particularly effective because it allows for rapid coverage of large areas, ensuring that treatments reach their targets efficiently and uniformly.

Insects are a major concern for farmers, as they can rapidly reproduce and cause significant damage to crops. Aerial spraying can manage infestations effectively. Weeds, which compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight, are also commonly controlled through aerial application, as it can effectively distribute herbicides across expansive fields. Plant diseases, often spread by water or insects, require swift action to prevent crop loss, making aerial application a practical choice for prevention and control.

Other options, while they may involve pest management, do not typically require or benefit from aerial application. For instance, birds and mammals may need different control methods that do not involve aerial techniques, and rodents are usually managed through traps or baits on the ground. Invasive animal species management might also use different tactical approaches depending on the species and environment. Thus, the focus on insects, weeds, and plant diseases makes option B the best fit for the types of pests that aerial application aims to control.