The Basics of Pest Control

Pests can damage or interfere with our fields and orchards, landscapes, forests, and wildlands; rob us of the food we grow; or spoil our personal property. They may also transmit disease to humans and animals or contaminate our food or water supplies. Pests can be any plant (weed), vertebrate (bird, rodent or other mammal), invertebrate (insect, tick, mite, snail, or snail), nematode, pathogen (bacteria, virus, or fungus that causes disease), or contaminant (pesticide, herbicide, or human or animal waste).

When pests invade our homes, they can destroy personal property and create health hazards for people and pets. If you suspect that you have a pest problem, call your local Pest Control company right away. Ignoring the problem will only allow it to get worse, costing you more money and possibly resulting in structural damage to your home.

Before you begin pest management, it is important to know the basics of pest biology and ecology. Accurately identifying the pest and understanding its basic life history will help you select the best control strategy. This information will also guide you in determining the need for control and the proper timing of controls.

Integrated Pest Management is the most effective and environmentally sound way to manage pests. The goal is to minimize the use of pesticides, while providing for a productive and healthy environment. Pesticides are only used when necessary, and only in the amount needed. Control measures include prevention, suppression, and eradication. Preventive measures are designed to keep pests from becoming a problem in the first place. These measures include monitoring, proper site selection, and cultural practices.

The most common preventive techniques include physical controls and sanitation. Mechanical controls include traps, barriers, and weed-mowers. Sanitation includes regularly emptying water-holding containers and eliminating cluttered areas where pests may breed and overwinter. Another helpful preventive technique is the application of nematodes to the soil. These microscopic worms are naturally occurring in the soil and some, like the roach-eating nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, actually improve the health of plants by feeding on pests.

Biological Pest Control

A more natural approach to pest control uses organisms that naturally occur in the environment to attack or parasitize the pests. This method can be as simple as removing weeds by hand or as complex as introducing organisms into the landscape to suppress unwanted plants and insects.

When selecting a pest control service, look for one that conducts an inspection of your home and yard. This should include looking “under, around, and behind” areas where pests hide. Ask your pest management professional to explain their methods and be sure they look for the signs of infestation and damage that you might not have noticed. They should also explain their fee structure and answer any questions you have. Also, be sure to check the licenses of your pest management professionals and that they follow State and Federal regulations regarding pesticides. If they don’t, it could be a sign that they are not qualified to do the job.