Two main factors affect pest abundance in citrus plants: temperature and new growth. At temperatures between 68-86°F, female psyllids live 30-35 days and lay 300-800 eggs, while temperatures over 90°F reduce lifespan and eggs to less than 30 days and 70 eggs. Integrated Pest Management strategies like cultural, chemical, and biological controls are used to effectively maintain pest populations, with young trees requiring more protection than mature trees.