Artificial intelligence in pest detection: uses and limits

Recognize an insect on an image, count catches or organize observations: digital tools can contribute to tracking. However, there is a need to distinguish between a research programme, a test device for a species and a solution suitable for a dwelling.

What does the research show?

INRAE presents work on image recognition and predictive monitoring of pests in agriculture. These examples concern specific species and environments; they do not promise the same result against rats, cockroaches or bed bugs in a building.

Source: INRAE, Serving Plant and Animal Health, 30 July 2025.

Questions to ask before choosing a system

• What species does the device recognize and under what conditions has it been tested?
• Who checks alerts and identification errors?
• Which images or data are stored, by whom and for how long?
• What maintenance and human follow-up are planned?
• What total cost includes installation, subscription and maintenance?

Prepare a useful diagnosis

Indicate the place, date, frequency of observations and the documents concerned. A photo taken without exposing you can help prepare the exchange, but the conclusions and protocol must be confirmed according to the location.

See the guide for identification of rats and mice or discover the benefits of insect control.