Pests cause damage to property and can spread diseases such as salmonellosis, encephalitis, and candidiasis. Clutter provides hiding places for pests and impedes preventive measures like keeping garbage cans covered and disposed of regularly.

When pest control is done right, spraying and chemical products are used minimally, if at all. Instead, methods like nematodes—microscopic worms that live in the soil—work to eradicate unwanted pests. Contact Pest Control Irving TX now!

Rodents are warm-blooded mammals that, like humans, thrive in many habitats. They can be found around the world in every climate from the Arctic snows to the driest desert and the wettest tropical forests. Despite their global distribution, rodents are notorious pests that cause billions in crop damage and act as secondary hosts for diseases that plague humans including the bubonic plague.

The most common rodents are mice and rats. These small mammals have robust bodies, short limbs, and long tails. Their incisor teeth are specially adapted for gnawing. They are also capable of digging burrows and constructing tunnel homes. Rodents are social animals that mating in pairs or groups with a high rate of interbreeding and have litters of altricial young (less developed at birth).

Mice and rats can squeeze through openings a fraction of their body size to enter homes and businesses. Inside, they seek warmth, food and water, storing food in accessible areas such as cabinets, drawers, or the backs of stove walls. They also build nests in attics, wall cavities, crawl spaces, under furniture, or the cushions of stuffed furniture. In the yard, they are attracted to mulch piles and firewood, but will make do with the garden if food is available.

In homes and businesses, the first sign of a rodent infestation is often rodent droppings or gnaw marks. They may also leave signs of gnawing on food packaging, in drawers or cupboards, in the walls, ceiling, or floors.

Integrated pest management for rodents includes regular inspection of indoor spaces and outdoor surroundings to identify areas that provide food, water, or shelter. This includes regularly removing leaves and debris that provide shelter, as well as storing garbage in tightly-sealed containers. It also includes the elimination of potential rodent access routes through landscaping, ensuring that all outdoor garbage bins have secure lids, and the securing of compost piles to prevent rodents from entering.

Other methods for controlling rodents include the use of traps and poisons, which can be effective if used correctly and in combination with other control methods. There are also biological controls that reduce the fertility of rodents, which require less human intervention and have fewer side effects than conventional chemical controls.

Insects

Insects are the most common and widespread of all land animals, occupying nearly every microhabitat on earth. They are extremely diverse and important as predators, prey, parasites, hosts, herbivores or decomposers.

They can be found in all types of environments and may live alone or in groups. Termites, for example, are social insects, living in colonies with their own king and queen. Other social insects, such as ants and bees, also live in organized groups. Insects vary in size from microscopic to about 12 inches long (0.3 meters). Many insect species have coloration that helps them blend in with their surroundings, or hard body armor to protect them. Many also have stingers to defend themselves or produce poisons to kill their enemies.

Pests can be found in homes, buildings, and agricultural fields and can damage crops or plants. They also can cause diseases that affect human beings. Rodents, for example, are vectors of a wide range of diseases including leptospirosis, murine typhus, trichinosis, salmonellosis, and cholera. They can also damage structures by chewing on wires, insulation, and wood. In addition, they can cause fires by chewing through electrical wiring.

There are many ways to control pests, including prevention, biological control, cultural practices, and chemical controls. Prevention involves removing sources of food, water and shelter for the pests. It also includes cleaning up discarded food, keeping garbage tightly closed, fixing leaks, and clearing away brush and debris where pests may hide.

Biological controls use natural enemies of the pests to reduce their numbers. These may include predators, such as birds and rodents; parasites, such as nematodes, which infect and consume other organisms; or pathogens that destroy or suppress the pests’ growth and development.

Cultural controls, such as crop rotation and good soil management, reduce the number of pests by making it harder for them to find food and shelter. Chemical controls, such as insecticides, herbicides, and rodenticides, can be targeted to specific pests or used in integrated pest management programs that also make use of biological, cultural, and physical controls.

When pests do occur, it is often necessary to determine how much damage they cause before taking action to control them. Eradication is rarely a goal in outdoor pest situations, but controlling them to below damaging levels is usually the aim.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are among the most difficult pests to control. They are well adapted to hiding and can survive without feeding for up to three weeks. These pests are primarily active at night and feed by biting their host through the skin at the joints of the legs and arms. They are also known to bite other areas of the body including the face, neck, and chest. Adults are about the size of an apple seed with a rounded head and a pointed abdomen. They are dark brown to black in color. The bites of these insects are often swollen and reddened and may itch. Infestations usually begin in a single room but can quickly spread to adjacent rooms.

They are more likely to be transported in from outside than many other pests and because of increased global travel, they have made a resurgence around the world in recent years. These pests tend to concentrate close to where people sleep but will crawl farther if necessary to find food. They are most common in hotel rooms, but have been found in schools, offices, libraries, restaurants, and other workplaces. Infestations in the workplace typically remain confined to workstations and seating and are less likely to result in the types of broader outbreaks seen in homes and apartments.

Insecticides used to control other pests do not seem to be effective against these insects. The best course of action is to hire a pest control company if you suspect an infestation. If a pesticide is used, it should be applied according to label safety directions and the space treated should be ventilated.

Before a professional arrives, separating the furniture in an infested room is helpful. This makes it easier to treat the entire area. Taking all clothing out of drawers, and double bagging them is also a good idea. Vacuuming all surfaces and cracks and crevices with a hose attachment is important. In addition, a desiccant like diatomaceous earth (not to be confused with pool or food grade) may help dry out the pests and may offer some control, but this is a slow process.

Wasps

Wasps are best known for their swarms and buzzing, but they’re more than just a nuisance. The fact is, only a small percentage of the 30,000 species of wasps actually live in nests, and they’re generally less aggressive and sting far fewer people than bees. Nevertheless, wasps should only be interfered with when they’re nesting in an area where they pose a threat or are bothering people with their presence.

Usually, this means keeping food covered and stowing away uncovered trash bins that attract wasps. It also means securing any cracks and crevices that could allow wasps to get into your house. You should regularly inspect the eaves, the mortar between bricks, and areas around vents and garages.

Another way to reduce wasp activity is by using a trap to lure them and keep them from swarming. You can make one of these traps in about five minutes by cutting off the top of a two-liter bottle and inserting it into the bottom, then securing it with tape or wood. This trap works by luring wasps in with sugar water, and you can hang it near a nest or common areas where they like to congregate.

In addition to traps, you can try spraying a nest with an insecticide specifically formulated for wasps and hornets. The trick is to observe the nest before applying, and if you can catch it when most of the wasps are dormant, it’s easier to kill them all.

Once the wasps are dead, you can remove their nest and dispose of it in a heavy-duty garbage bag or outdoor trash can with a tight lid. However, for a larger nest, it may be best to call pest control professionals who have the equipment and expertise to safely remove it without disturbing the wasp population.

Wasps can be aggressive if provoked, and their sting can be painful, even life-threatening. They typically sting if their territory is violated while they’re out foraging or pollinating, or if someone approaches their nest. It’s important to avoid attempting to dismantle or destroy nests on your own, especially when they’re located in an accessible place.

Pests are more than just a nuisance; they can cause property damage and pose a health risk. Some can spread diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis and Salmonella.

Pest control methods depend on the type of pest and the surrounding environment. They could include a physical exclusion, a chemical application or removal of material to address an issue. Contact Best Pest Control Boise now!

Identifying pests is the first step to controlling them. Pests can be insects, arachnids, or rodents, and each has its own characteristics, behavior, and potential for damaging property or posing health risks. Some of the most common household pests include ants, cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, rodents (such as rats and mice), flies, mosquitoes, and stink bugs.

A thorough pest-identification program can help you learn to recognize the most common pests and their infestation signs. The process of pest identification includes examining the pest’s body parts (leg counts, antennae), coloration, and size as well as looking at other features that distinguish one species from another. This may include specific patterns, pheromones, or droppings left by the pest that can be used to identify it.

It is also important to know the seasonal activity pattern of the pests you are trying to control. This can help you anticipate when pests will be most active, so you can take preventive measures or plan effective treatments. For example, spring is the resurgence season for many ant, termite, bee, and wasp species, while summer brings a higher activity level for mosquitoes and stinging insect species.

It is also helpful to understand what kinds of things attract certain pests, as this can help you determine how to protect your property and possessions from them. For example, garden pests are often attracted to outdoor food sources, while pantry pests like flour beetles and grain moths are drawn to indoor storage areas. Pests are also attracted to certain odors, with rat and mouse droppings having a strong urine smell while cockroaches and bed bugs have a characteristic vinegary scent. In addition, the presence of gnawed materials or chewed wires is a sure sign of a problem.

Identifying the Source of the Infestation

In general, pest control strategies focus on prevention and/or suppression rather than eradication. However, in many enclosed areas — such as dwellings; schools, office buildings, and health care, food processing, and food preparation facilities; art galleries, museums, libraries, and archives; and restaurants and hotels — the goal is to remove pests before they can cause damage. Eradication programs are also used for special circumstances, such as eradicating an insect pest that has become established in an area (such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and gypsy moth) or in cases where the infestation is considered a threat to human health.

The three main things that attract pests to a building are food, water and shelter. Keeping these items out of reach through regular inspections and close monitoring is essential. Moisture can also be a source of attraction, so it is important to keep sinks and work surfaces free from spills and leaks.

Pests also seek hiding places and undisturbed areas to establish their nests. Cluttered spaces, stacks of newspapers or piles of fabric can provide ideal harborage. Finally, cracks in walls, holes in insulation and poorly closed windows and doors can all offer easy entry points for pests.

Signs of infestation can be as simple as finding droppings or observing signs of rodent activity. For example, gnaw marks on wood, wires and other surfaces indicate a rodent presence, as will the discovery of nesting materials such as shredded paper or fabric. Rodents can also spread diseases through their urine, saliva and droppings. Infestations that are not promptly identified and treated can lead to structural damage, electrical hazards, fires and public health risks. In addition to taking preventative measures, a thorough understanding of the different types of pests and their identification signs can allow for quick reactions and swift action to eliminate them.

Identifying the Pests

To control pests effectively, you must know what you’re dealing with. In some cases, identification requires a physical sample, but in many situations, you can learn about the pest’s characteristics through symptoms it produces or signs of damage it leaves behind.

Look at the pest’s size and shape, color and number of legs. Six legs is typical of insects; eight is common for arachnids (spiders, mites and centipedes). Insects may change color as they mature or through various life stages. Also, be careful not to confuse pests with beneficial organisms or plants.

If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, search the Internet for information about that pest. Your local university, Cooperative Extension service or library may have fact sheets on most common pests. You’ll also want to understand the pest’s biology and life cycle. This will help you determine whether or not exclusion or suppression is a viable option.

Symptoms can include droppings, bites or other marks on skin or surfaces. You might notice small holes in the ground or in plants or fruit. Some pests also carry diseases that affect human health. These pathogens are spread through fur, droppings, saliva, feet or other parts of the body.

Performing regular inspections of the outside of your home can help prevent pest infestation. Ensure that screens on windows and doors are in good condition, and seal any cracks or holes to eliminate outside entry. Also, regularly remove trash from the home and repair leaky plumbing.

Identifying the Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or control insects, weeds, and fungi that damage crops. The federal government regulates the use of these chemicals in food production. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates each chemical to ensure it is safe for humans and the environment when used according to label directions. The EPA also establishes tolerances, which are the maximum residue levels allowed in or on foods.

There are several types of pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides. Each type has its own safety risks and effects on the environment, human health, and wildlife. Some are extremely toxic, while others are less harmful. A wide variety of methods can be used to reduce or eliminate the need for pesticides, including crop rotation, grazing animals, tillage and other mechanical methods, and biological or cultural controls.

When pesticides are necessary, the simplest and least-toxic method is to choose non-chemical alternatives. These include non-toxic options for indoor infestations such as boric acid in crevices or bait stations for fleas, and low-toxicity outdoor choices like diatomaceous earth and horticultural oils.

Many pesticides disproportionately harm people of color and low-income communities. They may be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. These harms can range from skin irritation to birth defects. A recent study found that black and Mexican American communities are disproportionately exposed to pesticides across the entire life cycle, from production to disposal.

In order to prevent the development of resistance, it is important not to apply the same pesticides repeatedly. This can be done by using insecticides with different modes of action or applying them in a rotation or tank mix. It is also important to note that a pesticide can develop resistance even when it has not been applied frequently or at high concentrations.

Taking Action

Pest control involves a wide range of activities and strategies to keep pests at bay, from removing their food to disrupting their ability to reproduce. These actions are usually necessary in enclosed areas like homes, schools, office buildings, or health care, food processing, and food storage facilities. In these situations, eradication is generally not the goal, but rather prevention and suppression are.

The first step is to identify the type of pest you are dealing with. Then use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to determine the best course of action. Using an IPM approach ensures that pesticides are used only when they are needed, keeps the environment safe, and minimizes the impact on other organisms and natural processes. This also reduces the chance that the beneficial insects necessary for healthy ecosystems will be killed or harmed during treatment.

Look for places where pests can breed and hide, including piles of trash or debris, stacks of newspapers or cardboard, and leaky pipes. Clean these areas on a regular basis. Organize and discard clutter, and make sure that garbage cans are sealed. Fix any doors that don’t shut completely and install weather stripping around outside doors.

Finally, use a combination of methods to prevent pests, starting with non-toxic options. If these don’t work, apply the appropriate chemical treatments to treat the affected area. Select a pesticide that is specific to the targeted insect or rodent and least likely to affect people or pets. Often, applying the pesticide at an earlier stage in the life cycle — or at a time of year when the pest is less active — will help achieve control more quickly and easily.

If you haven’t already, get involved with your community’s pest control efforts. Consider volunteering with the local extension service to educate your neighbors on the basics of pest control and preventative maintenance, or getting a business license and setting up a pest-control company that serves your local area.

Pest Control Chesterfield MO methods vary depending on the environment and the constraints of the structure or building. These can include a chemical application, physical exclusion or the removal of material to address an issue.

Chemical solutions are typically easier to apply and deliver instant results. These can include repellents that prevent pests from approaching and insecticides to kill existing pest populations.

Insects are the most numerous and diverse animals on earth. They make up more than half of all animal species described by science. Some insects, including ants, bees, wasps, butterflies and moths, serve useful purposes, while others harm people and plants. Some pests bite or sting, spread disease and damage crops and plants.

In the agricultural field, pesticides are used to control pests that threaten the health and productivity of plants and crops. A good starting point for any pesticide program is the proper identification of insect and other arthropod species that need to be controlled. Proper identification is necessary for accurate timing and dosage of pesticides. It also helps in the selection of a suitable pesticide to use and the correct method of application. It is especially important to be able to identify insects that are not pests, such as beneficial insects, so that they can be left alone.

Grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars and other insect species that chew their way through leaves, stems and fruit are considered pests of gardens and crops. They often leave holes in plant tissue and a trail of excrement as they feed. In some cases, the chewing of plant tissue may cause discolored spotting or pimples on the surface of a plant.

Pesticides are used to control these and other pests that damage plants or damage structures. Pesticides must be applied in a timely manner so that the plants have an opportunity to absorb the needed nutrients before the pests devastate them. In many instances, it is easier to control the pests by using an insecticide during the nymphal stage of their life cycle, just after they hatch from eggs. This is because the nymphs are small and difficult to see without a magnifying lens, unlike the adult insects that can be seen easily with the naked eye.

Insects that go through the pupal stage, such as stink bugs and squash bugs, have piercing mouthparts to “suck” juice from plant leaves, stems and fruit. These are common pests of tomatoes, beans and squash and can cause discolored spotting and pimples on the surface of these crops.

Rodents

Rodents are a nuisance to humans, causing damage to structures and crops. They also carry diseases that affect people, pets and livestock. They chew through wires, pipes and other materials causing fire hazards. In addition, rodents urinate and defecate everywhere, ruining food and items stored inside homes. They can even tear up important paperwork and destroy family heirlooms.

Rats, mice, squirrels, voles and rabbits belong to the order Muricidae (Muridae is Latin for gnawing teeth). They are found in almost every terrestrial habitat on Earth, including human-made environments. They are diurnal or nocturnal and live in burrows, trees, waterways, on land or at sea. They are opportunistic feeders and predators of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Rodents have two pairs of ever-growing incisors, and many species are either herbivorous or semi-carnivorous, and can eat both plant and animal matter.

While a variety of rodent control methods are available, prevention is the best approach. Proper sanitation of indoor and outdoor areas can reduce the need for rodenticides. This includes storing foods in containers made of materials hard for rodents to chew, and keeping woodpiles and stacks away from the structure. Trash should be disposed of frequently, and garbage bins should have tight-fitting lids. Insecticides can also help prevent rodent infestations.

Despite best efforts, rodents may still enter buildings and other structures through small openings such as cracks, crevices and gaps. Doors should be kept closed and cleared of debris, and thresholds should be sealed to prevent rodents from climbing through them. Exterior vents should be covered with grates that exclude rodents. Floor drains should have screens to keep rodents from entering and climbing in. Gutters should be checked regularly, and water should not stand around air-conditioning units or in sinks.

Grass should be cut short, and brush and dense shrubbery trimmed to prevent rodent shelter and feeding sites. Buildings should be adequately insulated and weatherized, and insulation in roof cavities should be replaced as necessary. Woodpiles and stacks should be placed where they cannot be accessed by rodents, and lumber should be stacked at least 12 inches off the ground and away from structures.

Poisonous Animals

Animals that produce toxic secretions, known as poisons or venoms, are found in virtually every phylum. These substances serve a variety of purposes, from prey capture to predator deterrence. They may act directly through the tissues of the animal (e.g., ciguatoxin accumulation in predatory fish) or they may be delivered through the mouth (snakes) or expelled into the surrounding environment (cone snails).

Although snake envenomation has a negative public image, these creatures are essential to pest control. Without venomous animals, humans would be overrun by innumerable insects and other arthropods. The humble European mole, for example, uses a toxin in its saliva to subdue earthworms before digging up the garden.

Pest Control Technicians

Pest control workers use a variety of methods to eliminate bedbugs, ants, termites, rodents and other unwanted insects or animals. Their job duties include assessing an infestation, treating affected areas and providing preventive maintenance at homes or commercial properties. They often need to interact with clients and may describe treatment processes or recommend follow-up measures. Some technicians specialize in certain types of pests or techniques, while others receive more general on-the-job training. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually the minimum requirement for most positions.

Pest controls workers frequently work outdoors and indoors in all weather conditions. They may need to cut or bore through walls to access infested areas, make minor exclusions and set mechanical traps. They also spray or dust chemical solutions, powders or gases to kill or repel pests from buildings or outdoor areas.

Technicians also need to maintain their company vehicles and equipment, and keep records of client interactions and service visits. They should be familiar with the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for applying pesticides and should be able to operate power sprayers, foggers, pumps, drills, vacuums and other basic hand tools.

In addition to the physical demands of the job, pest control workers should be comfortable working in small spaces and confined areas where insect or rodent droppings may accumulate. They should be aware of potential health risks from exposure to pesticides, as well as other substances such as feces or urine. They should wear protective clothing and use personal safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and respirators as necessary.

Keeping accurate records is important for pest control technicians, as they must document their treatments and submit them to managers or supervisors. They may also need to fill out paperwork such as a pesticide application report or other documentation required by state or local agencies. They must be able to identify the type of pest and its behavior, as well as any conditions or environmental factors that might have contributed to the infestation. This information can help managers determine whether additional services are needed. This is especially crucial if the pests have caused structural damage or public health concerns, such as gnawed wires that could create fire hazards or disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella, leptospirosis and hantavirus.

Pests can cause problems in gardens and homes, damaging plants and food sources. They can also spread disease. For example, cockroaches can carry bacteria that cause illness in people like salmonellosis.

Always follow product labels and heed safety instructions when applying pest control chemicals. Store chemicals safely and away from children and pets. For more information, click the link https://pestcontrolkansascitypros.com/ provided to proceed.

Identifying pests is one of the first steps in developing an effective pest management program. The goal of identifying pests is to distinguish them from non-diseased or beneficial insects, to determine the cause of damage, and to assess the severity of the problem.

In integrated pest management, the identification of pests is the foundation of all other activities. It is important to correctly identify the pest species present, as this will influence the methods used to control them. For example, different pests attack crops at different times of the year and in different stages of growth. Different pests also have varying feeding habits and life cycles. Observing how pests attack plants and collecting physical specimens will help to provide accurate pest identification.

Some pests can be controlled by removing their food sources or by altering the environment where they live. For example, eliminating access to water and shelter will make it more difficult for pests to thrive. Other types of pests, however, may require the use of chemical controls. In these cases, pest identification is extremely important as it will ensure that the proper pesticides are applied to the correct locations and at the right time.

If you are unable to identify your mystery pest, Rentokil’s free Pest ID Center can analyze your physical specimen or pictures of the pest or insect bites and provide an identification within two hours. Simply send your specimen or pictures to the Pest ID Center, and an entomologist will contact you with results and suggestions for treatment. For more information, visit our Pest ID Center page. If you are a business customer, our Pest ID tool is a convenient way to keep your pest control professional informed of the exact pests that are affecting your property.

Pesticides

A pesticide is a substance or mixture of substances that kills or controls an unwanted pest, such as insects, rodents, weeds, mildew and germs. It may also modify a plant’s growth (regulator), cause it to drop its leaves prematurely (defoliant), or act as a drying agent (desiccant). Pesticides are usually chemicals, but they can be made from animal products, plants and bacteria.

Pesticides are regulated at the federal, provincial and municipal levels through various acts, regulations, guidelines, directives and bylaws. These regulations ensure that pesticides are used safely and effectively, and that they do what they claim to do.

Most pesticides are grouped into chemical families based on their structure and how they work on a particular pest. Each pesticide has a specific label that indicates how and where it can be used, what types of pests it can control, and the risks associated with its use. Pesticides are sold in liquid, solid or gaseous forms.

There are two basic types of pesticides: biodegradable and persistent. The former are broken down quickly by microbes and other living things into harmless compounds, while the latter linger in the environment for days, weeks or even longer. Some pesticides are very fast acting, while others, such as space sprays and termite treatments, require a few hours to take effect.

All pesticides carry some health risks and should be handled carefully. They are most dangerous to agricultural workers who spread them and to people in the immediate area during, or shortly after, spreading. They can also be absorbed through the skin and inhaled. They can also contaminate the environment, causing damage to crops, wildlife and water supplies. For these reasons, a pesticide must always be used according to its label instructions.

Biological Control

Biological control involves the use of living organisms to reduce pest populations. This can include predators, parasitoids and disease pathogens. In addition, many microorganisms produce and exude substances that directly inhibit or toxic to pest species. This type of biocontrol is often referred to as microbial pesticides.

Insect pests can be infected with fungi, protozoans and bacteria that slow or stop their growth, interfere with their reproduction, or kill them. Insects are also parasitized by a variety of eusocial wasps and flies. In addition, nematodes (including some that infect insect pests with their symbiotic bacterial symbionts) and predatory mites are common natural enemies of insects.

The presence of these natural enemies limits the population size of a pest and reduces its damage to plants. Unfortunately, many natural enemies have been devastated by the use of pesticides. Insect pests that were historically of minor economic concern can rapidly become damaging when their natural enemy populations are depleted.

Ideally, biological control should be used in conjunction with other strategies to manage pests. This can include cropping practices that provide food or shelter to natural enemies, the use of herbicides that do not interfere with microbial or plant diseases and reducing the use of pesticides where possible.

Importation or classical biological control involves expeditions to the locations of pest origin to collect and bring back the appropriate natural enemies. These are then reared and released. They are usually highly specific to attacking the target pest to avoid causing unintended harm in the environment where they are released. They may be released in a process called inundative releases or via inoculative releases.

Fortuitous or adventive biological control is when natural enemies that are already present in the new environment naturally suppress the pest population. This is less risky than importation biological control but can be more costly since no advance planning or monitoring of the population of the introduced natural enemy is carried out.

Chemical Control

Chemical pest control involves using chemicals to kill or repel unwanted organisms. These can be sprays, powders or granules. They are generally the fastest way to reduce a pest population and may be needed if other methods fail. Pesticides are highly effective against many pests, especially those that destroy crops. However, they can damage the environment and pose health risks when not used properly. Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin and can also move into water or air where they can negatively affect animals, plants and people. They can also cause environmental problems when disposed of improperly, which is why working with licensed and trained professionals is so important.

Heavy or regular use of chemical pesticides can lead to resistance in the targeted insect species. This can mean that higher concentrations or more frequent applications of the pesticide are required to achieve the same results. This can be particularly difficult to achieve with insects like aphids, which produce numerous generations per year and build populations that overwhelm plants. To prevent this, a rotation of different modes of action is used to keep the pests from developing resistance.

Another type of chemical pest control involves the use of microbial organisms that are naturally hostile to targeted insects. These organisms can be introduced in the form of bacteria or fungi that are parasites or predators to the pest species. There is often a lag between the introduction of new enemies and the reduction in pest populations, but if successful, these organisms can help to keep pest levels below damaging amounts.

Microbial organisms are a great choice for environmentally friendly pest control as they are less toxic to people and the environment than traditional chemical pesticides. Bacillus thuringiensis, better known as Bt, is a common example of a useful microbial pesticide that targets specific types of insects without harming the environment or humans. Other organisms, such as the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, have been specifically developed for use in controlling fleas, grubs and other garden pests.

Physical Control

As the name suggests, physical pest control is about removing the pest from the environment by trapping or killing it and then removing it from your premises. This includes putting up physical barriers and ‘pest proofing’ to stop pests entering your business in the first place, such as blocking holes or doors. It also includes things like removing bird and fox food sources in urban areas to reduce pest populations, and using traps, such as sticky insect traps or pheromone-based rodent traps.

This type of pest control is a common choice for those who want to avoid using chemicals and it can be particularly effective in controlling birds, such as pigeons, or rodents, such as rats. However, it’s not as effective in stopping plant diseases or weed growth and should only be used as part of an integrated pest management approach.

Another physical method of pest control involves introducing natural enemies into the environment to fight off pest infestations. This can be done through predators, parasites or pathogens. It’s often a more sustainable option as it doesn’t use any chemicals, but there may be a time lag between a pest population increase and the emergence of the enemy species to control it.

Monitoring is an important part of any pest control strategy and it’s usually a combination of scouting, trapping or counting. This helps you determine the right course of action to take, such as preventing the pest from causing more harm than is acceptable, controlling the pest population, or eradicating the pest entirely. It can also include assessing environmental conditions, such as soil moisture or temperature, that may favour the pest and help you decide whether any preventative measures are required.