Pests can damage plants, create health hazards and destroy property. Rodents, for example, chew furnishings and can spread diseases like salmonella and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Dry rodent feces can also pose a health hazard when inhaled.
A good strategy for controlling pests involves prevention, suppression and eradication. Scouting (regularly searching for and assessing pests) can help to control the problem early on. Visit Our Website to know more.
Accurate pest identification is the first step in any pest management program. It is essential for making informed decisions about the best pest control methods to use. It is also necessary for ensuring that any pesticides used are effective and not harmful to people, animals or the environment.
Proper pest identification depends on knowing the pest’s characteristics, such as how it looks, where it lives and what it eats. Identification should be done to the species level whenever possible. This is because different species within the same order, family or genus often exhibit very distinct behaviors and have unique host plants and natural enemies. Additionally, some insect pests are only damaging at a particular time of year or in certain environmental conditions, and identification to the species can help in identifying these special circumstances.
Pests include insects, such as ants, beetles and caterpillars; plants, such as weeds, diseased trees and shrubs; or vertebrates, such as rodents, birds and reptiles. Pest damage can reduce crop yields or lead to a loss of property values. It can also result in poor health and safety, as some pests carry pathogens that can cause human diseases, such as bacterial or viral infections.
A pest management strategy should begin with a thorough inspection of the site where the pest is occurring and careful monitoring to determine whether or not it is causing a problem. If it does, then a plan is developed to correct the problem. The plan may include cultural, biological or chemical controls. If cultural or biological controls are not successful or available, then the plan may include additional pest control measures.
An integrated pest management (IPM) program is the preferred method for pest control. It follows a logical plan that begins with a good understanding of the pest’s life cycle and damage potential. Then, it identifies the pest’s food sources and habitat and evaluates what environmental conditions are necessary for its survival and growth. IPM programs prioritize the use of less risky pest control methods. They start with cultural and biological controls, such as the removal of a chronically infested plant or using pheromones to disrupt pest mating, before resorting to more risky chemical control strategies.
Pest Prevention
Pests can spread diseases, contaminate food and cause property damage. Control measures include prevention, suppression and eradication. A preventive strategy is the best way to reduce the chances of a pest infestation. For example, storing food in airtight containers and sweeping and wiping down surfaces can prevent flies, rodents, bees and hornets from gaining entry. Other steps may include removing woodpiles from the sides of your house, keeping gutters clear and regularly cleaning garbage cans and other receptacles to eliminate hiding places for pests.
Preventive pest control techniques are often less toxic and more environmentally friendly than extermination methods. Many are also more practical for the homeowner. Some of the most effective prevention techniques include:
Performing regular interior and exterior inspections can help spot problems before they become serious. Look for cracks and openings around doors, windows and vents. Check the foundation, siding and roof and repair them as needed. Keep woodpiles away from the house and trim grass and shrubs to reduce raccoon, squirrel and other pests’ access to your home.
Eliminating feeding and breeding sites is also essential for pest prevention. Store foods in airtight containers and clean up spills and crumbs immediately to deprive pests of their food sources. Thoroughly clean rarely used cupboards and storage areas several times a year to eliminate food sources for moths and other pests that attack woollens.
Controlling a pest is a matter of reducing its numbers to an acceptable level while doing as little harm as possible to non-target organisms (plants and animals that are not the pest being controlled). This involves a combination of strategies including prevention, exclusion, trapping, baiting and spraying.
Suppression and eradication are usually necessary when the pest has already reached unacceptable levels. Suppression methods include eliminating all the adults and destroying all eggs. Eradication methods are more difficult and require more extensive use of pesticides. Choosing the right type and application of pesticides is critical to success, as well as following label instructions, safety guidelines and proper sanitation when using chemical products. A pesticide resistance management plan is also important to help ensure that pesticides continue to be effective in controlling unwanted organisms.
Pesticides
When we hear the word “pesticide,” we normally think of insect killers or other chemicals that kill, prevent or reduce damage by weeds, rodents, mildew, germs and more. However, pesticides also include any substance or mixture that is distributed or sold to prevent or destroy a specific pest or to modify a plant’s growth (regulator), drop a plant’s leaves prematurely (defoliant) or act as a drying agent (desiccant).
Before any new pesticide can be sold, used or even shipped, it must undergo a thorough scientific evaluation through Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). This includes testing on animals and plants and in soil and water. The PMRA takes into account the impact of pesticides on sensitive sub-groups such as children, pregnant and nursing mothers, seniors and other vulnerable populations.
Once approved for use, pesticides must be labeled indicating how they are to be used. The labels should include safety precautions, restrictions and application instructions. If you choose to apply pesticides, read the label carefully and follow all directions. Never exceed the recommended amount or mix pesticides together.
Pesticides can be harmful to people, pets and the environment if not used correctly. They can also be used in the wrong places, such as on crops or in homes, where they may not kill the pests they are intended for. The pests can often develop resistance to the pesticide, requiring a different chemical or higher dose. Pesticides can also pollute water and air, contaminate food, erode soil and harm wildlife.
Long-term exposure to low levels of pesticides is thought to increase the risk for cancer, nervous system disorders, infertility and other serious diseases. Many municipalities have bylaws to regulate the use of pesticides on municipal (and sometimes private) lands.
Avoiding the need for pesticides by practicing preventive measures and using non-chemical methods first is the best approach. Whenever pesticides are necessary, only use products that meet the standards set out in your municipality’s bylaws. When applying pesticides, always wear protective equipment as instructed on the label. Stay out of the area while the pesticide is being spread and for a time afterwards.
Professional Services
Professional pest control companies offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties. Their trained technicians can eradicate infestations of ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents, mosquitoes, ticks, and termites, among many others. They use natural and chemical solutions to control pests in and around buildings or structures, and they also employ traps and exclusion strategies.
Pest infestations can cause serious damage to homes, businesses, and agricultural areas. They can also pose health risks for people and pets. Some species, like rats and cockroaches, can spread diseases, including hantavirus and E. coli. Other pests, like bees and wasps, can sting people and pets, causing painful and dangerous reactions. Pests can also contaminate food and surfaces in kitchens, which poses serious health risks.
When hiring a professional pest control company, look for one that is licensed and insured. The company should also provide copies of pesticide labels, as well as information about the pests it treats and how these treatments are applied. It is also helpful to find a company that offers a guarantee on its work. This means that it will continue to treat your property until the pest problem is resolved.
A good pest control company will be able to identify possible sources of infestation, such as damp basements or leaky windows. They can also advise on ways to prevent pest problems in the future. For example, they may recommend that you seal entry points into your home to keep out squirrels, who can chew through wiring and other items. They can also help you get rid of roosting sites for bats, which can carry diseases that affect humans and animals. They can also use traps and exclusion techniques to remove pests, such as skunks and opossums. In addition, they will be able to give you tips on gardening to make your outdoor space less appealing to insects and other pests.