Which of the following is NOT a requirement during a pest identification process?

Submitting samples to a laboratory is not a requirement during the pest identification process. While laboratory analysis can provide valuable insights, it is not mandatory for identifying pests. The key elements of the identification process typically include understanding the pest's habitat, employing expert judgment to interpret findings, and observing the pest's behavior to gather sufficient contextual information.

Considering habitat is essential because the environment in which a pest is found can indicate the species and life cycle stages present. Employing expert judgment allows for more accurate identification based on experience and knowledge of the pests in a given area. Observing pest behavior also plays a crucial role in understanding how the pest interacts with its environment and its potential impact, which helps in making informed management decisions. These aspects combined can often lead to the identification of a pest without the need for laboratory confirmation.