Final answer:
Effective pest control requires the correct identification of the pest to select the appropriate control methods, targeted to that pest's specific characteristics and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a basic principle of pest management in the field of biology, specifically within the area of agricultural science. One fundamental requirement for effective pest control is: identification of the pest to be controlled. Proper identification is crucial because it allows for the selection of the most appropriate control methods, which can be chemical, biological, cultural, or integrated approaches. For instance, using a pesticide designed for a particular pest will not be effective if the pest in question is another species entirely. Moreover, knowing the pest's life cycle, behavior, and habitat can lead to more targeted and thus more effective control strategies, reducing the need for broad-spectrum pesticides that may harm other organisms and the environment.