Pest Control is the practice of managing pests by using physical, biological or chemical methods to prevent them from damaging crops, livestock, property or people. It starts with monitoring to identify the pests, their numbers and what damage they’ve done. Then the appropriate management strategy can be implemented. This may include spraying with chemicals, applying sticky barriers, putting out traps or installing screens on windows. It often involves multiple tactics over time, and the approach will vary depending on the pests and the site.
Chemical Pest Control
Spraying with liquid or gaseous chemicals that kill or repel pests is one of the most common forms of Pest Control. This includes herbicides (weed killers) and insecticides, which are designed to target specific pest species. In some cases, such as when a crop is threatened with extinction by a particular pest, these chemicals can be used on a large scale to eradicate the problem. This form of Pest Control is controversial, and some individuals are hesitant to allow others to use such powerful products on their properties. It is important for anyone who uses Pest Control to know how to use these products safely, and follow the instructions on the label.
Mechanical Pest Control
Some pests can be controlled with physical Diamond Pest Control or mechanical means, such as removing rubbish that attracts rodents, sealing cracks and gaps, and regularly trimming shrubs and weeds. This may also include installing netting or screens to protect fruit trees from birds and other animals. These measures are usually more effective than simply relying on traps or bait, which only work if the pests are in a certain place at a given time.
Biological Pest Control
Using living organisms to control pests is another common method of Pest Control. For example, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is used to control the caterpillar larvae of gypsy moths and tomato hornworms. Other bacteria are used to target grubs in lawns, and nematodes can be used to control aphids and other soil insects. These biological control agents are generally considered to be safer and more environmentally friendly than conventional chemicals.
Physical Pest Control
Rodents – including mice and rats – are a common cause of problems that require Pest Control. They can contaminate food, destroy buildings and chew electrical wires leading to fires. They can also spread diseases such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Plague and Salmonellosis. Rodents often enter properties through holes in walls, pipes and floors, and can be prevented by keeping a tidy facility or warehouse and storing food and materials properly.
Other Pest Control Techniques
There are many other ways to control pests, such as releasing natural predators (birds, bats and other animals) into the environment, or encouraging beneficial insects to move into an area by planting the right flowers, vegetables or herbs. These methods tend to be more effective against a single pest than the use of chemicals, and they can also reduce the need for spraying or baiting. It is important to consider the impact of any treatment on the wider environment, however, and to choose options that will have the least disruption to other organisms.
