There are several measures of insect control success. The most appropriate measure depends to a degree on the goals of a producer. One of the most obvious is yield. However, yield in absolute terms can be misleading. Also, of importance is the cost of insect control measures, effect on variability or yield and potential impacts on late season insects pests or even insect pest implications in the following year. Assuming a goal of maximizing profit, a insect control tactic can be considered successful if (1) yield is increased for the same cost, or (2) costs are reduced for the same yield or (3) the value of a reduction in yield is less than the reduction in costs. These all suggest that profit across the cotton field is the best measure of insect control success.

However, government farm programs complicate the situation. The deficiency and diversion payment components of the program provide strong economic incentive to maintain high yields. This means government payments in the future are a function of yields this year.