A good monitoring program is the key to successful IPM. A qualified scout should have the following capacities:

1. Monitors the crop at regular intervals.
2. Gives pest management advice based on observations and knowledge of pests and diseases, beneficials and other forms of integrated pest management.
3. Knows how pests and diseases develop and behave under various environmental conditions.
4. Knows how beneficials develop and behave under various environmental conditions.
5. Checks the quality of beneficials
6. Has knowledge of pesticides, their active ingredients, their side effects on beneficials, their efficacy under various conditions, the possibilities of mixing and alternating pesticides as well as the response of the crop.
7. Has knowledge of cultural practices that mitigate pests and diseases; Is familiar with crop sanitation measures that eradicate sources of infestation and the spreading of pests and diseases; Is acquainted with mechanical control measures; Knows application techniques and equipment.
8. Checks the effectiveness of the control measures.
9. Scouts at several growers's sites, and thus continually builds up experience.
10. Has regular contacts with research stations, institutes and producers of beneficials, pesticides and equipment.
11. Is up-to-date on new developments and legislation in the field of crop protection