Pest Control Methods

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Pests destroy crops, damage buildings and personal property, and carry diseases. Pest control methods include prevention, suppression and eradication.

scouting – regularly searching for, identifying and assessing pest numbers and damage. This includes monitoring for new pests and determining their tolerance levels (for example, seeing one or two house centipedes doesn’t warrant action). Click the Kansas City Pest Control to learn more.

Mechanical and physical controls kill or block pest populations directly or make the environment unsuitable for them. Examples include using traps for rodents, steam sterilizing soil, and barriers such as screens to keep birds out of gardens.

Pest Identification

Identifying pests is the first step in developing a pest management strategy. Whether you’re dealing with a weed, disease, insect, mite, rodent or vertebrate animal, accurate identification is critical for determining if action is needed and for selecting the most appropriate control tactics. It’s also important for ensuring that the correct pest species is targeted, because some pests are more susceptible to treatment than others.

In some cases, a precise pest identification may require consulting with an expert or sending samples to a specialized laboratory. However, most pests can be identified using simple guidelines. This will allow you to be prepared with the cultural practices, tools, or pesticides that are most suitable for controlling the identified problem.

Start by taking a close look at the pest and note its physical characteristics. Look at how many legs or wings it has, its size and shape, and its coloration. Then, compare the specimen to images in a pest guide. Click on the category that most closely matches the pest’s characteristics. The pest guide will provide information about the pest’s life cycle, behavior, habitat and food sources. It will also include a description of the signs and symptoms that might indicate an infestation and prevention or control measures.

If you are still unsure of the pest’s identity, contact a local County Extension office or pest management professional. They should be able to help you with an identification or refer you to a specialist who can. In some instances, a digital image of the pest may be sufficient for identification. In other cases, specialists will need a live specimen for confirmation.

Pests can vary in appearance depending on their stage of development or time of year. For example, a weed seedling will look very different than the mature plant. Insects will also change form as they develop from eggs to larvae to adults. This makes it especially important to accurately identify a pest, because pest management strategies should be timed to coincide with the most vulnerable stages of the pest’s life cycle.

It is also important to identify pests to order because some biological insecticides (like Bacillus thuringiensis) are activity-specific and will only be effective against certain orders of insects. Incorrect identification can lead to ineffective or even dangerous chemical treatments.

Pesticides

Pesticides are products that kill or repel certain organisms. They may be applied to plants, soil or air to prevent or control pests. They can also be used to destroy or remove debris caused by a pest. Almost any substance that is intentionally released into the environment to kill or control pests qualifies as a pesticide, including weed killers, herbicides, insecticides and even household products such as disinfectants and toilet bowl cleaners. Some pesticides are so toxic that they can also be harmful to humans, pets or livestock.

When choosing a pesticide, make sure that the product is registered for use in your area and that you understand its risks. Consult with your provincial or territorial environmental department for information.

Be aware that any type of pesticide application can leave residues that affect the health of adjacent plants or wildlife and that runoff can leach into waterways. Avoid excessive pesticide applications and always follow the directions on the label. Applying pesticides at rates greater than those recommended will not control the pest any faster and will waste chemicals, money and your time. Excessive use can also lead to the development of resistance in target insects.

Some types of pesticides, particularly organochlorine and organophosphates, are persistent in soil and food and can accumulate in human or animal bodies. They are generally being phased out or used only in critical applications. Other pesticides, such as pyrethrins and carbamates, break down more quickly and can be less hazardous to people and wildlife.

Beneficial organisms (predators, parasites and competitors) often keep pest populations below damaging levels. When these natural controls are removed by broad-spectrum, non-selective pesticides, primary and secondary pest populations usually rise to damaging levels at a much faster rate.

Consider using alternative methods of pest control, such as traps or bait stations for ants and wick or shielded applicators for some herbicides. Never store pesticides near food, feed or water for pets and children; if you must, store them in a locked shed or cabinet. Never spray during windy conditions, which can carry the pesticides away from their intended targets and into other areas where they are not wanted.

Biological Control

Biological control uses natural organisms—microorganisms, insects, and plants—to reduce pest populations by predation, parasitism, or pathogenicity. It is an essential component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Unlike chemical pesticides, biological products are safer for the environment, people, and pets. They also have a broader mode of action than chemical pesticides and are less likely to induce resistance in the pest population. PPQ supports the importation, screening, development, and release of biocontrol agents offshore to prevent the establishment or slow the spread of invasive pests that threaten crop production, environmental health, or food security.

A key to biological control success is the selection of the right organisms for a specific pest problem. This involves identifying and evaluating potential natural enemies from the pest’s native habitat and from similar habitats where it has established itself as a nuisance. PPQ scientists conduct this evaluation through extensive literature searches and consultations with subject-matter experts.

Once promising organisms are identified, the next step is to rear them in large enough numbers to be released into the field. This may involve a multistage process of testing and quarantine to ensure the organisms are safe and suitable for use. Once the organisms are ready, they can be incorporated into an IPM program and monitored for effectiveness.

For example, the parasitoid genus Encarsia formosa is used to control greenhouse whitefly. This predatory mite is introduced in a sachet, drenched on card, or placed in the growing area where it attacks incoming pests before they can develop and cause damage. Other microbial biological control products, such as Bacillus thuringiensis and nematodes, are applied to the soil or sprayed on the plant for a controlled release.

Invasive pests are becoming increasingly a concern for farmers because of their economic and ecological impacts on crops, wildlife, and human well-being. Increasingly, growers are turning to biological controls to increase sustainability and decrease the dependence on chemical pesticides that have adverse effects on the environment, people, and pets. PPQ scientists continue to identify new organisms that can be used as biocontrol agents and develop them into reliable tools for managing invasive pests.

Natural Forces

Biological control involves the use of organisms that naturally injure or consume target pests to manage their populations. It is a useful component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program and can be used in conjunction with other types of control methods, such as chemical, cultural, and physical.

In natural ecosystems, population and assemblage levels are controlled by bottom-up forces that are influenced by resource limitations (e.g., limited food supply). A pest can be controlled by predators that attack it directly or by pathogens that infect and destroy it. A variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes are natural enemies. Some of these are available as biological or microbial pesticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillar and beetle pests; entomopathogenic nematodes, such as Steinernema and Heterorhabditis; and nucleopolyhedrosis and granulosis viruses.

Predation is the primary natural control of many pests, such as birds, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, insects and arthropods, and aphids. Some of these predators have been released for pest control, such as lady beetles, green lacewings and their relatives, and flies that parasitize aphid mummies. Predation often is more effective than other natural controls, such as pathogens, at controlling aphids, and it can reduce the need for chemical control.

Another major natural control, parasitoids, infect and kill target pests by feeding on them or injecting toxins into their bodies. Common parasitoids include wasps, flies, dragonflies and damselflies, beetles, some thrips, true bugs, and mantids. Parasitic plants are also important, such as the genus Diabrotica that produces fungus-like extracts that deter some pests, such as caterpillars and cutworms.

Cultural and physical controls make the environment less hospitable for pests by making it more unsuitable for their growth or survival. This can include cultural practices such as planting in rows, avoiding over-watering and excessive fertilization, rotating crops and removing weeds to eliminate their food and shelter sources. In addition, traps, screens, barriers, fences, and mechanical devices such as nets, radiation, and electricity can be used to prevent pests or to limit their movement.

Pest Control Prevention

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When choosing a pest control company, look for one that focuses on your specific type of infestation. Ask for credentials that show they hold proper licensing and training for the chemicals they use.

Action thresholds exist for many outdoor pest populations, forcing control when their numbers reach unacceptable levels. Preventive measures include eliminating shelter and food sources, regularly removing debris, and using nematodes (microscopic worms). Click the Pest Control In Bakersfield to learn more.

The first goal of pest control is to avoid or remove the conditions that lead to an infestation. For example, keeping windows and doors closed can prevent pests like mice or ants from finding their way inside. Clutter and debris should be removed from the outside of buildings to provide fewer places for pests to hide. Unsealed cracks and crevices should be caulked. Open trash containers should be replaced with those that have lids to keep flies, hornets and other pests from infesting them.

Eliminating food, water and shelter sources is also essential to preventing pest problems. Food should be stored in sealed plastic or glass containers, and garbage should be removed regularly. Overgrown weeds and grass should be cut regularly, and wood piles moved away from homes. These steps can also help reduce the number of rodents and other pests around a house, reducing damage and health concerns.

If the avoiding and blocking methods of pest control don’t work, a more aggressive approach is required. The IPM strategy emphasizes that treatments should be tailored to specific pest problems rather than a broad treatment program. For example, a homeowner with a cockroach problem should receive a treatment that includes baits and gels instead of spraying an entire building. This targeted approach lessens the risk of off-target impacts and allows customers to see that pest controls are working.

Using biological methods for pest control is another option that is environmentally responsible and can be used in conjunction with other methods. These include natural predators, parasites and pathogens, which can all be effective in eliminating some types of pests.

The final step of pest control is suppression, which involves reducing the number of insects or other pests to an acceptable level. This often goes hand in hand with prevention and eradication, as the aim is to get rid of pests before they cause significant problems or damage. In outdoor situations, eradication may be possible for persistent pests such as Mediterranean fruit fly or gypsy moth, but it is less common in enclosed areas where the removal of one type of pest can lead to the reemergence of other unwanted species.

Suppression

Pests are organisms (insects, weeds, bacteria, fungi, pathogens, vertebrate animals) that damage or degrade crops, flowers, lawns, food, and other plants; displace desirable species; and adversely affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They may also cause a loss of human health, welfare, or economic well-being. Pest control consists of three main activities: prevention, suppression, and eradication. Prevention is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to manage pests. It involves keeping pest populations below damaging levels through changes in management practices and preventing the spread of the pests to other areas. Suppression is used to quickly reduce a pest population to acceptable levels after the pests have reached damaging numbers. Suppression tactics include cultural controls, physical barriers, and chemical pesticides.

Cultural Controls include avoiding over-fertilizing fields, proper crop rotation, removing infested plant material, cleaning greenhouse and tillage equipment, and managing irrigation schedules to prevent prolonged periods of high relative humidity, which encourage disease pests. Physical Barriers can be as simple as putting up a bird net or spraying plants with a repellent. Plant-parasitic nematodes, which kill harmful soil grubs, are also effective.

Biological Controls consist of conserving and/or releasing natural enemies to keep pest populations below damaging levels. Examples of this practice, which is available to homeowners as well as commercial growers, include introducing predators to orchards, releasing the mite predator Solenopsis geminata to reduce spider mites in fruit trees, and spreading nematodes such as Steinernema carpocapsae, which kills grubs, to gardens.

Chemical Pesticides are used when prevention and suppression are not enough to control the pests. They can be sprayed on or around the plants in the field or housed in a greenhouse. Commonly used chemical pesticides are neem oil, azadirachtin, pyrethrins, and imidacloprid.

Monitoring pests is a critical activity to determine the success or failure of any corrective actions. In addition to assessing the presence and severity of pests, monitoring includes measuring plant growth and quality, observing the behavior of insects and birds, looking for signs of disease or insect parasites, and checking for resistance to pesticides. Monitoring can be as simple as counting the number of bugs found in a garden or as complex as interpreting data from a sophisticated computer model that takes into account all the variables involved in managing a pest problem.

Eradication

Eradication is the final stage of pest control. This word has several meanings in the dictionary, including: “to pull up or out by the roots, uproot, remove completely, extirpate.” Eradication of a pest problem should not be confused with elimination. Elimination is a long process that requires repeated steps of suppression, monitoring and control to prevent the reappearance of a specific pest population.

Physical

Traps, netting and decoys are examples of physical pest control solutions. These are generally easier to set up than chemical controls and can be effective in keeping pests away from areas where food is prepared. Physical methods are also less likely to introduce chemicals into the environment.

Biological

Biological controls include the use of natural enemies such as parasites and predators to manage pest populations. This approach often takes time to be successful because there is usually a lag between the increase in the number of pests and the appearance of the enemies that will manage them.

Chemical

Chemical pest control is more common than biological methods and includes repellents that keep pests away and insecticides that kill them. Some of these chemicals are designed to be safe for people to handle and touch, while others can pose health risks if they come into contact with the skin or eyes.

For example, roaches can be controlled by using baits such as cockroach motels or rodent bait stations that contain poisons that are safely contained to minimize the risk of people handling them. Similarly, mosquitoes can be managed by draining any puddles that collect in the yard and by maintaining a regular schedule of changing the water in birdbaths and other ornamental ponds that may harbor larvae.

When working with any pest control company, be sure to read the labels of any chemicals they use in your home. This will provide information on the safest way to apply them and the proper procedure for disposing of leftover pesticides. It will also tell you what to do if you become ill after handling the product and what precautions should be taken.

Monitoring

The monitoring of pest control activities is the key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It allows the pest manager to identify pest populations and to determine when they reach damaging levels. It also helps to evaluate how well control tactics have worked and provides site history information that assists in anticipating future problems. This is done through visual inspection, trapping, and the use of a variety of other detection devices.

Pests can damage food through consumption and physical contamination with rodent droppings, insect parts and feces; through contamination with disease causing agents carried on the external surfaces of pests and through direct damage to the food itself and its packaging. Pests that pose a threat to food processing environments include small mammals, like rats and mice; crawling insects, like cockroaches and ants; flying insects, such as houseflies, blow flies, fruit flies and moths; and birds.

Monitoring can be done using a variety of methods including visual inspection, trapping and the use of other detection devices such as sticky boards, fly traps and pheromone traps. These can be passive traps that rely on the natural behavior of the target pest to capture them, or baited traps that contain a attractant that entices the pest. Monitoring should be performed on a regular basis, and the results should be trended over time to see if the monitoring actions are effective or need to be changed.

In the case of a pesticide, a record of the type of pest, how many there are and where they are in their life cycle will help to make sure that the correct type of chemical is used and that it is applied at the right time and place. This will prevent the use of unnecessary chemicals and minimize the chance of resistance development.

Sampling can be a complex task as it requires a balance between cost and benefit and the ability to adapt sampling during the growing season in response to changing conditions, pest behavior or the needs of individual fields. It is also important to structure the application of toxic substances so that they take advantage of complementarities provided by natural agro-ecosystem processes to limit negative spillovers.

Four Essential Things to Look For in a Mice Removal Service

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Mice leave droppings and nesting materials that may stain walls or carpeting. They also gnaw through wires, which can cause electrical fires.

A professional can help you reduce the risk of mice infestation by sealing entry points and regularly checking traps. It is also important to keep wood piles away from your house, repair leaks, and eliminate standing water. Contact Mice Removal Service Texas now!

Whether you’re dealing with a small infestation of mice that requires a few traps to be set or a larger rodent problem that needs more extensive control procedures, an inspection will reveal the size and scope of the issue. During this process, a pest control pro will walk through your property and identify entry points and signs of rodent activity. Different companies may approach this process in various ways, but there are four essential things to look for:

The first step in a mouse inspection is to find the sources of the infestation. These include food, water, shelter, and nesting sites. Oftentimes, you will see rodent droppings throughout your home, especially in kitchen areas, and you may hear them scratching at night. There may also be gnaw marks on wires, furniture legs, and drywall. The smell of urine is another sign that mice are present.

These signs should alert you to the need for professional help. If left unchecked, a rodent problem can spread quickly. You should hire a mouse exterminator to help you get rid of the mice and prevent them from coming back.

Once you’ve hired an exterminator, he or she will conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and any damages. They will also determine how the mice entered your property. During this inspection, they will use caulk or sealant to close off any entry points. Common entry points include cracks in door frames, window frames, and baseboards. They will also check for gaps around pipes, vents, and chimneys.

It’s important to remember that mice are able to squeeze their bodies through spaces the size of a dime, so any area that is large enough for them to enter can also be used as an exit point. You can help prevent future mouse problems by making sure to secure garbage in lidded containers and trim any shrubs or branches that are too close to your home.

Mice can also gain access through crawl spaces, basements, attics, and wall cavities. They are often found in these places because they provide shelter and easy access to food and water. Mice are most active at night, so if you hear scratching or scurrying noises in these places, you should contact an exterminator right away.

Exclusion

While mice can chew through almost anything, a home or business owner can prevent these pests from entering by sealing any cracks, gaps, and crevices. In addition to reducing the need for chemical treatments, rodent exclusion also prevents the spread of diseases and parasites. Mice carry a variety of disease-causing pathogens including Salmonella, Bubonic Plague, Tapeworms, and Hantavirus. In addition, their droppings can carry fleas, ticks and other harmful microbes that can be transmitted to pets and people.

A professional can perform a thorough inspection and seal any openings that could be used by mice to enter the building. The inspection is the first step in the process and should be performed before a homeowner begins trying to exterminate any rodents themselves. The professional will look for signs of rodent activity such as droppings, chew marks, and gnaw holes in and around the property.

Depending on the size of the structure, the scope of the rodent exclusion project and the level of infestation, the cost can vary. The inspection will provide a clearer picture of the situation and help the professional determine the most effective solution.

The professional will typically inspect all exterior portions of the building, including rooflines. A ruler or tape measure will be helpful as the professional examines all areas for rodent entry points. Small openings can be difficult to see, so the professional will use a flashlight and a magnifying glass where needed. Typically, a mouse can squeeze through an opening that is 1/4 inch wide, while a rat can fit into a hole the size of a quarter.

During the exclusion process, the professional will use screen, flashing, door sweeps and heavy-duty sealants to block off all entrance points into the structure. It is usually necessary to replace weather stripping on doors and garage doors, and the professional may recommend the installation of gable and ridge vent covers for attics. The professional should always be sure to use water-permeable materials for weep holes and breathable material for soffit and ridge vents.

The most effective way to prevent future rodent problems is to implement a combination of outside and inside sanitation measures. These should include fixing leaky faucets, removing outdoor standing water, and clearing brush and debris to eliminate hiding spots where mice like to nest and feed. Inside, food should be stored in tightly sealed containers, and trash cans should be securely tied shut. Regularly vacuuming carpets and washing curtains will also reduce the appeal of these places for rodents.

Trapping

Mice are notorious for chewing holes through walls, electrical wires and food containers. Not only do they damage property, but they also carry disease-causing bacteria and contaminate food. Mice infestations must be addressed immediately to prevent extensive damage and to protect human health.

When you suspect a mouse infestation, the first step is to have your home inspected for signs of mice and to determine how they’re getting inside. A pest control specialist will perform a thorough interior and exterior inspection to find nests, entry points and signs of mouse activity. Then they’ll provide you with a plan for mouse extermination that includes trap placement, bait usage and mouse removal. All methods used align with Critter Control’s commitment to humane mouse pest control.

Depending on the severity of the infestation, mice exterminators may place traps around the perimeter of your house and in other areas where mouse activity is observed. Bait stations are another tool that’s effective for killing mice, as they contain poisoned bait that mice eat and die in. The traps are usually placed in areas that mice travel, such as under sinks and in kitchen cupboards.

In addition to placing traps, mouse exterminators will seal up entrance points. Mice can enter a house through cracks in the foundation, around door frames and window casings, through vents and through open ductwork. They can also enter through gaps in the siding and around the chimney. Preventing these types of entry points is one of the most effective ways to keep mice out of your house.

Make sure to tamp down wood piles away from your house and install door sweeps, grates over drains, screen vents and wire mesh over chimneys. You can also put weather stripping on doors and windows and install pipe collars where pipes meet walls indoors and out. In the yard, keep grass and shrubs trimmed, and store firewood away from your home. This will keep mice from using these items as shelter during the winter months. If you have pets, feed them in containers with tight-fitting lids and remove fallen berries or other food sources from outside the house.

Treatment

Mice are a major threat to commercial buildings as they leave droppings and urine in many areas of the building. These pests also cause damage by chewing through wires and wood. Additionally, mice carry diseases that can be transmitted through exposure. They include Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Salmonella, Bubonic Plague, Tapeworms, Lyme disease and other serious diseases. If you suspect a mouse infestation in your business, contact our professional exterminators immediately. They will quickly eradicate the infestation and provide you with tips on how to prevent future infestations.

You can help to control the spread of mice in your home by securing food in sealed containers, disposing of garbage regularly and eliminating clutter in basements and attics that create hiding places. You can also seal any cracks or openings in the foundation and walls with caulk or other materials. Make sure to use weather stripping on doors and windows, and fix any leaky pipes or faucets.

When you hire an exterminator to treat your home for a mice infestation, they will inspect your house and identify the type of mouse and how widespread the problem is. They will then use traps and other methods to remove the mice, their nests and droppings. The length of time it takes to perform the treatment varies, depending on the size of the mouse population and where they’re living.

Once the mice have been removed, the pest control specialist will use caulk or other sealants to close up any entry points into your house. These can be in places that are difficult to see, such as behind drywall or in crawl spaces or attics. They will also close up any cracks in the baseboards or around window frames.

You should choose a pest control company that uses integrated pest management strategies to control rodent populations and prevent their return. These techniques are safe and eco-friendly, and they prevent the need for toxic chemicals or pesticides. They also work to reduce rodent habitats, which helps to stop the spread of disease. Avoid companies that heavily rely on chemicals or pesticides for eradication, as they may not be effective.

Effective Ant Control Strategies for Your Home

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Pest control is the process of reducing a pest population to an acceptable level using methods that cause minimal harm. Pests include rodents, birds, insects, and other organisms that damage or spoil crops and property or transmit disease to humans.

Prevent pests by removing their food, water, and shelter. Cover garbage and compost, remove weeds regularly, and fix leaky plumbing. Contact Trapping USA Animal Removal & Pest Control now!

In many situations, prevention is the best pest control strategy. This is especially true for outdoor areas where pests may cause damage and health problems. For example, rodents can chew wires, causing electrical failure and fires. They can also spread diseases such as Salmonellosis. Insects can contaminate food or cause allergic reactions.

Prevention involves identifying and correcting conditions that favor pest infestations. Some conditions are obvious and easy to change, such as using screens on windows and keeping doors shut. It is important to regularly inspect the interior and exterior of a building, paying close attention to cracks and holes in walls and floors. When these are found, they should be promptly sealed.

Other conditions that can be controlled are weather, moisture, and temperature. All of these factors affect the growth rate of plant-eating pests and the behavior and survival of their offspring. Weather conditions such as rain, freezing temperatures, and drought can kill or suppress pest populations. Moisture and humidity affect the ability of some pests to develop and reproduce.

The use of natural predators, parasites and pathogens to control pests is often the most effective approach to pest control. These organisms can be introduced to a pest population in a form that will not harm people or pets. They can be used in combination with other control methods or on their own.

Chemical controls can be effective in some situations, but they should be used with caution. Always follow the pesticide label’s instructions and safety warnings. Never spray directly onto furniture or in places where people eat, sleep or play. Use traps or baits instead of surface sprays whenever possible. Always apply baits or traps out of reach of children and pets, and do not place them in places where they can easily be tampered with.

In addition, keep food and utensils away from surfaces where pests might hide, such as under sinks and in cupboards. Clean up spills and crumbs as soon as they happen, and avoid leaving out garbage in bags or containers that might attract pests. Finally, remove overgrown landscaping that might give pests an easier way indoors.

Suppression

If pest populations have already reached damaging levels, suppression tactics are used to reduce them quickly. This is often done through chemical, biological or cultural control methods. Chemical controls can provide a rapid knock-down effect, while biological and cultural practices usually make the environment less favorable for pests or interfere with their ability to reproduce.

Some natural enemies can attack and kill pests directly through predation, parasitism, herbivory or pathogens. These are called biological control agents, and their use in an integrated pest management program depends on accurate identification of the pest to be controlled (to the species level). Some organisms, such as nematodes, can be effective against several different pests but must be specifically chosen to target the pests that occur in a particular area.

Many gardeners are seeking alternatives to pesticides because of the negative health effects and ecological concerns that surround their use. For example, some fungi can be engineered to form a biological insecticide that’s applied to the soil. When insects come into contact with the fungus, they ingest it and die.

Cultural controls interfere with pest reproduction by removing the habitat or food sources they need to survive and thrive. Plowing, crop rotation, removing old plant material and cleaning greenhouse and tillage equipment can all deprive pests of their environment or inhibit their movement between areas. Altering irrigation schedules can also help prevent wet, highly humid conditions that encourage disease pathogens to develop.

Mechanical and physical control methods involve devices or tools that physically remove or disrupt a pest population or its eggs, larvae, adult or other life stages. Traps, screens, barriers, fences, radiation and even electricity can be used to prevent or limit the movement of pests into an area or to interrupt their breeding.

Agricultural and organic growers are turning to biological pest control to reduce or eliminate the use of synthetic and systemic chemical pesticides. Beneficial nematodes, for instance, are a good tool to reduce thrips and whiteflies in vegetables and cutworms in turfgrass. However, these living organisms must be carefully chosen to target specific pests and to have sufficient numbers to rapidly suppress pest populations.

Eradication

When the goal is to eradicate pests, the approach must be aimed at removing the root cause of the problem. For example, killing all the ants in your house does no good if the ant hill where they came from is still nearby. In a similar manner, eliminating a plague of fleas may require fixing leaking pipes in the house or resolving other issues that make the area attractive to them.

The best way to do this is through “threshold-based decision making,” which is a form of scouting and monitoring. Noticing a few wasps flying around doesn’t merit taking action, but if you start seeing them in significant numbers every day, it might be time to investigate and find their nest.

Physical, biological, and chemical methods can be used to control pests. These include things like trap crops (such as zinnia for Japanese beetles) and altering irrigation practices to reduce the number of insects attracted to certain plants. In the case of chemicals, there are sprays that can be applied to kill and repel pests as well as baits and crack-and-crevice treatments. These are generally used only in extreme situations or when a particular pest can’t be controlled through other means.

It’s important to note that pesticides should only be used by qualified pest control professionals. They must have a license to apply them and be aware of the risks involved. Additionally, they must be able to provide a material safety data sheet for each chemical that they use.

If you have a pest problem, it’s tempting to reach for the weed killer or insecticide to get rid of them immediately. However, if you take a step back and try to figure out why they are there in the first place, you might be able to avoid using any chemicals at all.

For instance, if you have a lot of pests in your yard, it might be because of a lack of food, water and shelter for them. Make sure to remove these elements from the area as much as possible by fixing leaking pipes, trimming overgrown bushes and brush and sealing trash cans.

Monitoring

Pest control is the continuous effort to remove or prevent pests from impacting human health and safety, property, crops and production, the environment, or business operations. It includes a variety of strategies, including preventive tactics such as sanitation, training, and inspections; correcting conditions that make an area attractive or conducive to pests; exclusion methods such as screens, barriers, and traps; and chemical controls including insecticides, rodent baits, fungicides, and biological agents.

Monitoring is the key to a successful pest management program. It involves checking or scouting for pests to identify what kinds of pests are present, how many there are, and what damage they are doing. It also includes tracking environmental factors that influence pests such as weather and food or harborage availability. Monitoring can also help determine whether a pest infestation is at or near threshold levels and aid in selecting the proper control tactic.

Thresholds are the levels at which pest populations or conditions indicate that control is needed to prevent unacceptable injury or damage. Using monitoring information, thresholds help guide the choice and timing of control actions. Monitoring is also used to verify that the level of pests has decreased after treatment and to evaluate the effectiveness of control tactics.

In agriculture, monitoring usually is done by experienced crop scouts who walk through fields to look for pest activity and to evaluate the severity of any disease or weed outbreaks. This activity is important because it helps producers decide if and when to apply preventive or suppressive pest control measures and to ensure that the proper application rate of chemicals is achieved.

Monitoring in enclosed environments, such as in food processing and storage facilities, schools, offices, and health care facilities, often combines visual inspection with trapping and communication with staff that use the space. Some traps are “passive,” relying on the presence of pests to trigger them, while others have attractants such as baits or pheromones that exploit specific species behavior.

Other types of mechanical or physical controls kill or block pests or alter their environment, such as traps and barriers for rodents and weeds; steam sterilization of soil for diseases; or refrigeration or radiation for pathogens. Computer models sometimes can be useful in forecasting when pests are most likely to occur or reach critical numbers and guiding choices for monitoring, suppression, and control strategies.