Pests can cause serious damage to homes, crops, or landscape plants. They can also be a health hazard, spreading disease through their bites. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and rodents can all carry germs that can make people sick.
Effective Pest Control Doreen must include prevention and extermination, with the least use of chemicals possible. Some preventive steps include good sanitation, removing weeds and other debris, proper watering and fertilizing, growing competitive plants, using barriers and traps, soil solarization, and cultural practices (such as cultivation, mowing, and picking). If pests persist, try to identify the species to be controlled and learn about their life cycle and biology. This will help you select the most appropriate management method.
When you need to use chemicals, be sure to follow label directions exactly and wear protective equipment. Some chemical treatments can be dangerous to people and pets, as well as the environment.
There are a number of pesticides available to homeowners, and many are very effective at controlling specific insects or animals. However, some can be harmful to nontarget species as well. For example, some weed killers kill only the target plant, and can have unintended consequences for other species that rely on the same plant for food or shelter. Pesticides should be applied only when necessary and in the amounts required.
When you do need to use pesticides, it is important to select the safest and most environmentally responsible option. For example, baits can be very effective for some pests, and will not pollute groundwater or streams. If you need to spray, always choose spot treatments where the chemicals will not be blown into the air or drift onto unintended areas.
Another option is to use biological control agents. These are natural enemies that can be used to manage pest populations. For example, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis can be used to control caterpillars and grubs in lawns, and to control nematodes and other soil pests. Similarly, birds, bees, and earthworms can all be helpful in managing pests in the garden.
The most common form of pest control is extermination. This involves the direct killing of targeted pests, and can be very effective. It is best used when other methods are not feasible. For example, when a cockroach population becomes too large to control with less intrusive measures, an exterminator can pump your house full of gas that will quickly kill the critters. It is not a pleasant experience, but it can be very effective in eliminating the problem. Some people are hesitant to use this method, because of the potential health risks involved, but service providers take precautions to minimize the risk. They should be able to explain the process and answer any questions you might have. If you are still hesitant, ask for references.
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