Pests can damage our property and invade our privacy. They can also cause health issues, like fleas and ticks that spread diseases, and they can be just plain annoying, like ants or termites.

Rodents like rats and mice gnaw on electrical wires, causing a fire hazard. They can also carry diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis and salmonella. Contact Pest Control Mesquite TX now!

A pest is any creature that interferes with human concerns, whether it damages crops or livestock, ruins home and work environments or spreads disease. Creatures that are considered pests may also include wildlife such as birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians and invertebrates such as insects, mites, flies and wasps. In general, humans are intolerant of any creatures that cause damage or nuisance and disrupt human activities. For example, an elephant is unobjectionable in its natural environment, but it becomes a pest when tramples crops.

Some pests can be controlled through prevention. This includes assessing the environment and identifying areas where pests are likely to be found. It also involves noting any unusual weather conditions that could affect pest activity. For example, extreme temperatures can slow or halt pest reproduction and development. Weather can also affect the availability of food and water to pests.

Other pests can be controlled through suppression and eradication. This requires a close monitoring of pest populations to determine when control actions are necessary. It is also important to assess the impact of the pest on other organisms and the environment. Eradication can be difficult and is usually reserved for situations where a foreign pest has been accidentally introduced and has become established.

The type of pest that needs to be controlled will influence the kind of treatment that is used. For example, a physical or biological method of pest control is preferable to using chemical poisons, which are harmful to the environment and can even be toxic to people.

Insect pests are often the focus of pest control. This is because they are easy to detect and can be destructive. However, there are many other types of pests, such as fungi, viruses and nematodes, that can cause serious problems to plants and crops.

There are many factors that can affect pest populations, including climate, natural enemies, food and water supplies and the availability of shelter and overwintering sites. In addition, some landscape features such as mountains and bodies of water restrict the movement of pests. This is an important factor in pest control because it limits the number of organisms that must be killed to reduce the pest population.

Exclusion Methods

The best pest control strategy is to prevent the entry of pests rather than relying on toxic chemicals to eradicate infestations. Exclusion methods include a wide range of techniques that seal gaps and routes pests use to access buildings and structures. For example, screening windows and doors, sealing cracks and crevices, installing door sweeps and using copper mesh in ductwork are ways to exclude pests from homes and businesses. These strategies also reduce a home or building’s attractiveness to pests by eliminating crumbs and food sources that attract them.

Often, pests find their way indoors because of tiny holes or gaps that aren’t noticed. For example, rodents need only a 1/4″ gap to enter a house, and cockroaches can squeeze through spaces as small as 1/8″. Fortunately, there are many products available that can be used to seal these gaps and prevent pests from entering structures.

One of the most common pests to gain access to indoors are ants, which can be enticed by food sources in buildings and structures. The best way to discourage ants from entering is by reducing the food and water that is available on or near a structure. This is accomplished by regularly cleaning up messes, storing food in sealed containers and removing trash regularly.

Besides reducing the amount of food and water available, the use of pesticides can be reduced by excluding pests from indoor spaces. This is achieved by performing a thorough inspection to identify and map entry points for pests into a structure and then sealing these areas.

A successful exclusion strategy can dramatically reduce the need for chemical treatment. This is especially important for a large commercial property with numerous entry points into which pests can invade.

In order for exclusion to be successful, it must be part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The best IPM plans incorporate exclusion strategies, such as reducing the attraction of the building to pests by removing or trimming foliage, reducing food and water sources on or around the structure and controlling weeds that provide shelter to pests.

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals that destroy or prevent the growth of undesirable plants, insects, rodents and fungus. They may be made synthetically, or they may come from living things (biopesticides). They are available in many forms, including sprays, liquids, powders, granules and baits. They are used to control unwanted organisms on crops, in forests and in residential, commercial and public areas. They can also be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. Most provinces and territories require that applicators, vendors and growers of pesticides be licensed, trained and certified.

Each pesticide has a unique mode of action, and it is designed to disrupt the biological process of the target organism. Mode of action is important because it helps to limit resistance development.

The active ingredient in each pesticide is the chemical that is harmful to the organism it targets. The active ingredient is usually combined with other ingredients to form the pesticide product that is sold and applied. The other ingredients are usually fillers, stabilizing agents, solvents and additives. The label for each pesticide lists the ingredients and a safety statement. It also includes directions for application, storage and disposal.

Before a pesticide is allowed for use on food, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests it and sets limits for residues in foods that can be consumed safely. These limits are called tolerances. If a food contains a high level of pesticide residue, it must be seized and destroyed by the government.

The residue levels of most pesticides on fruits, vegetables and grains are far lower than those that pose a health risk. However, some people still get exposed to low levels of pesticides in their homes, schools and work places. Some people are even exposed to the residues in their drinking water.

Some people are especially sensitive to pesticides, and the exposure is more likely when the substances are inhaled, ingested or touched on the skin. These individuals can develop symptoms such as rashes, dizziness and headaches. Others are more affected by long-term exposure, which can cause neurotoxic effects and cancer. Most of the data on the toxicity of pesticides comes from industry-funded studies, and these findings can be skewed by biases.

Safety

When pest control methods are used incorrectly, they can pose health risks for residents and workers. Some pesticides can contaminate food and damage homes, while others can cause asthma, allergies and other health problems. Safe pest control requires that building owners, managers and maintenance workers follow proper safety precautions when applying these chemicals.

The hazards that workers in pest control manufacturing face can be mitigated by conducting risk assessments, providing training and personal protective equipment, maintaining good housekeeping, and encouraging workers to report any safety concerns to their supervisors. Taking these steps will help to reduce the potential for workplace accidents and injuries, which can have negative impacts on worker morale, productivity, and employee retention rates.

Physical hazards in the pest control industry include slipping and falling, injuries from handling equipment and machinery, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. These risks can be minimized by conducting regular risk assessment, providing adequate training and education, providing workers with appropriate PPE, and ensuring that work areas are adequately ventilated.

Pest control manufacturers also face hazards from exposure to infectious diseases, such as vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. These can be minimized by implementing and monitoring appropriate preventive measures, including training employees on infection prevention practices, educating them on the signs and symptoms of common vector-borne diseases, and encouraging workers to practice good hygiene habits.

When working with pesticides, it is important to read and follow the label instructions carefully. This will ensure that the pesticide is properly dilute and mixed, and that it is used in a manner that will not pose a risk to people or animals. It is also important to wear the correct personal protective equipment, and to make sure that work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned at the end of each procedure.

Finally, it is important to keep pesticides in a secure location that is inaccessible to unauthorized personnel and to store them away from chemicals and materials that are sensitive to temperature extremes. This will help to prevent accidental contamination and theft of the pesticides. Proper storage will also help to prolong their effectiveness.

Pest control is the action of keeping a pest population in check. Pest control techniques fall under three categories: prevention, suppression and eradication. Contact Best Pest Control Boise now!

Preventing pest infestations starts at home. Keep food and garbage in sealed containers, repair ripped window screens and seal cracks around the house. Regularly remove garbage and clean up soiled areas.

Pests are organisms that interfere with human activities and/or damage property, crops or health. They may be insects, mites, weeds, plant diseases or vertebrates such as birds, rodents and rabbits. The goal of pest control is to limit the damage caused by these organisms to an acceptable level. Pest identification is the first step in this process and enables the development of appropriate and effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Correct identification is essential for determining whether a pest problem exists, the number of pests present and their impact on your operation. Pests vary in their life cycles and behavior, making them more or less responsive to control methods. Accurate pest identification also allows the identification of a pest’s weak points or “windows of opportunity” that may make it easier to control them.

For example, insect identification will help you understand that some weeds are most easily controlled during their seedling stage (annuals) or when they are just starting to grow (perennials). Diseases such as nematode races and fungus diseases are typically easiest to control in early stages and before symptoms become evident.

In outdoor pest management situations, eradication is rarely the objective. Instead, prevention and suppression are more common goals in areas such as crop fields, gardens, parks and recreational facilities. In enclosed areas, eradication may be more feasible and is often the objective in places such as dwellings; schools; office buildings; and food processing, handling and preparation facilities.

A flashlight – Pests often hide in dark and secluded areas, where they can be difficult to see. Having a flashlight makes inspections of these secluded areas much easier. An extendable mirror – Similar to the flashlight, this tool helps inspectors see behind and under equipment and furniture where pests may be hiding. A magnifier – A magnifying device can be helpful when examining insect parts, frass (excrement) and other evidence of pest activity.

If you are unsure of the pest that you have encountered, consult an expert. A professional can provide you with the proper identification and information that will lead to an IPM strategy that minimizes harmful effects on the environment, people, plants and animals.

Exclusion

Pest exclusion is a proactive form of pest control that involves sealing the gaps, routes and pathways that insects and rodents use to access a home or business. It is one of the best lines of defense against infestations.

Whether it is eliminating cracks and crevices that harbor cockroaches or installing fine-mesh screens to prevent termite entry, a strong pest exclusion program should be an integral part of any integrated pest management plan. However, because pest exclusion requires a ladder you may not feel comfortable climbing, products that are difficult to use and tools you probably don’t have, it is often best left to a professional.

A well-executed pest exclusion strategy can reduce pest problems, and in some cases completely eliminate them, while protecting the health of people and pets, enhancing property value and improving indoor air quality. In addition, it will significantly reduce the need for more toxic and dangerous chemical treatments, which are often used as a last resort.

Exclusion techniques are especially effective for preventing mice, rats and other rodents from entering homes. In addition, they can be effective against cockroaches, bed bugs and other household pests. The simplest way to enhance your pest prevention efforts is by sealing any gaps found around doors, windows and utility holes with silicone caulk or expanding foam. Another easy fix is adding door sweeps and repairing and reinforcing window and vent screens. Lastly, keeping grass and other landscaping trimmed back and removing any leaf litter or clutter can help to make the area less attractive to pests seeking shelter and food sources.

Keeping the exterior of buildings and structures free of clutter and trash cans will also reduce pest hiding places and provide a more attractive environment for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, it’s important to clean up and remove garbage regularly. Leaving dirty dishes and tin cans on the curb can attract ants, rodents and other pests, while piles of rotting yard debris and logs can offer shelter to mice and other animals.

Baits & Traps

Rodents like mice, rats and squirrels cause damage to plants, furniture, floors and walls, and can spread a host of diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, leptospirosis and rat-bite fever. Before the situation worsens, it is wise to eliminate these critters as quickly as possible by using humane traps and enticing bait.

Most pests are attracted to a variety of foods, so using a wide range of baits may increase your chances of success. For example, mouse baits can include deli meat (cooked or uncooked), peanut butter, cheese and oatmeal. Raccoons can be lured with marshmallows, a favorite high-calorie treat. If a trap has been used previously by a rodent, change the bait to keep it fresh and effective.

Preventing a pest infestation is usually the primary goal in outdoor situations, because once a pest becomes established, it can be very difficult to eradicate. Eradication can be a goal, however, in enclosed environments such as greenhouses and indoor areas of residences, schools, offices and food processing or storage facilities.

Some pests, such as plant disease organisms, can be prevented if the environmental conditions that favor their growth are changed. For example, some plant diseases can be prevented by avoiding soil that is too wet, or by using appropriate fertilizers.

Another method of pest control involves the use of natural enemies, such as parasitoids, predators and pathogens to reduce pest populations. These natural enemies are often introduced from other locations to control pest invasions, and they may require some time to achieve adequate levels of control.

The nematodes, microscopic worms that live in the soil, are useful tools in many pest control applications. They are available in a wide range of species, some beneficial and some harmful to crops. Beneficial varieties, such as the worm-like nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, kill aphids and other harmful insects by injecting them with toxic bacteria that breaks down their internal organs.

Other types of biological pest control include releasing sterile males to reduce overpopulation, or using chemicals such as pheromones and juvenile hormones to control insect development. The latter technique requires a good understanding of insect biology and ecology, as the chemicals must be applied in just the right quantities and at just the right time to be effective.

Chemical Treatments

There are a number of chemical products used in pest control, including sprays and baits. These chemicals are designed to kill pests by disrupting their nervous system, poisoning them or otherwise interfering with their ability to function. These chemicals are often very effective, especially when they are used in combination with physical barriers or exclusion methods. However, they are not without risks. Every chemical that is approved for use on the market must undergo extensive testing to make sure that it is both safe and effective when used according to the manufacturer’s directions. Additionally, some chemicals may be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly or if used in areas where children or animals are present.

Insecticides, for example, work by disrupting the nerves of insects, causing them to become paralyzed or die. They can be synthetic or natural. Examples of synthetic insecticides include permethrin, bifenthrin and pyrethrins (which are derived from the flowers of certain chrysanthemums). These types of chemical are very efficient, especially when used in combination with other preventive strategies like scouting and regular monitoring.

Rodenticides, on the other hand, are a type of chemical that kills rodents by poisoning them. These types of chemical are usually more lethal than other pesticides and should only be handled by trained pest technicians.

While many people prefer to use non-chemical pest control, some have no choice but to use chemical treatments. In these situations, pests may become resistant to the chemicals and the effectiveness of those treatments will decrease over time. This is why it’s important to work with a company that understands the benefits of both types of pest control and can provide a balanced approach with careful attention to safety.

Almost no homes are safe from pest invasions. These include rodents, arachnoids like spiders and insects such as millipedes and centipedes.

A pest control method depends on the type of pest and the environment. It can be as simple as using baits or traps or as complex as spraying chemicals. Contact Pest Control Overland Park now!

Pest identification is important to the success of any pest control program. Mistakes in pest identification often lead to incorrect or ineffective control strategies. Accurate pest identification provides information on the type of plant, insect, or animal that is being attacked and can help determine the best methods for controlling them. For example, the caterpillars of certain butterflies and moths, or some beetle larvae, can cause serious damage to a variety of crops. Knowing the specific species allows you to choose the most effective control tactics, such as using a product specifically for these caterpillars or moths.

In addition, many pest species go through significant changes in appearance as they move through the life cycle. For this reason, it is important to identify the pest in the earliest stage of its development. This enables the management specialist to time pest control actions at the point when the pest is most susceptible to the treatment.

Identifying a pest involves determining the type of organism and its characteristics, such as shape, size, color, and number of legs or wings. It also involves determining the environment in which it is found and the food source, if any. The most important factor in identifying a pest is the knowledge of its biology and life cycle. This allows the pest management professional to discover and exploit weaknesses in the pest.

The pest identification process should include a physical specimen and, if necessary, the use of a magnifying lens or microscope. Detailed information should be recorded, including the location where the pest was observed, the time of year, and any other pertinent facts about the pest that may affect its control.

If you cannot identify a pest or are not sure how to control it, contact your local County Extension Service. The entomologists can provide expert identification and suggestions for control measures. You can also send us your mystery pest and pictures of insect bites through our Free Pest ID Center for a quick identification and suggested controls. Be sure to compare recommended treatments and warranties among several companies before selecting a pest control service.

Pest Control Methods

Many different control methods are available to achieve pest management results. Some of these are natural, biological, chemical and cultural. Others are physical and mechanical. Some of these control methods involve changing the environment or limiting its availability to pests. Others use baits, traps and other devices to attract and kill pests.

To be effective, pest control techniques must be matched to the type of pest you are trying to manage. This requires careful identification. It also means understanding the biology and behavior of the pest, as well as the environmental conditions that promote and support it.

The desired outcome of any pest control program must be defined in advance. This helps you decide which control method to apply first, and when. It can help you avoid wasting resources on ineffective treatments, and it may save money by reducing the number of products needed to reach your goal.

For example, if you want to reduce the numbers of cockroaches in your home, you might begin by sealing cracks, caulking windows and doors, and using other preventive measures. For commercial facilities, exclusion is a common pest control technique that works well for rodents and other vertebrates. Other options include pheromones, attractants and repellents.

You must also determine if you want to eradicate the pest, or if suppression is more realistic and appropriate. Eradication is rarely a realistic goal in outdoor pest situations, but in enclosed areas such as homes, schools and office buildings, it is often feasible.

If you want to eliminate the pest, you must decide how much damage it is causing and what level of harm you are willing to accept. You must also consider esthetic considerations, as well as health and safety concerns. If the threat is great enough, you may need to take immediate action.

Once you have determined your desired outcome, it is time to develop a strategy to achieve it. This should be based on the pest identification you have performed, and it should include preventive measures, eradication and/or suppression. Your strategy should also account for factors such as the impact on human health and the environment, and the cost and risk of control measures.

Pesticides

A pesticide is a substance or mixture that kills or controls pests (insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants or fungi). It may also prevent damage to crops, plants or trees and can be used on food, agricultural commodities, wood and wood products and animal feed.

There are many different kinds of pesticides. They are grouped into families based on their chemical properties and how they act on a particular pest. Some are biodegradable and break down quickly in soil, water and living things, while others persist in the environment for months or even years before breaking down.

Most commercial pesticides are synthetic chemicals. They are produced in laboratories and formulated into liquids, powders, solid pellets or gases that can be applied to the ground, air, plant leaves, fruit or inside a building. Most of these chemicals are highly toxic to humans and other non-target organisms, and are a significant threat to the environmental quality.

The effectiveness of pesticides can be greatly reduced if they are not used in combination with other control methods. In fact, some pesticides depress or eliminate the populations of natural enemies that normally keep pest species at lower levels. When these natural controls are eliminated, the pest population is free to increase to damaging levels more quickly.

Using pesticides in combination with other control measures, such as mechanical removal and habitat modification, often provides more effective results than applying pesticides alone. However, it is important to remember that pesticides can only be used in places where the pest can live and grow. If the pest is living in a protected area, such as an enclosed structure or inside a piece of furniture, then pesticides cannot be used to control it.

A pesticide can be either organic or chemical. Organic pesticides are made of things found in nature or derived from living plants or microbes. These types of pesticides can be very effective when they are used correctly. They are generally less toxic to human beings and other organisms, but they can still be harmful if they enter the body in large amounts.

Prevention

Preventive pest control is the most effective way to deal with pest infestations. It reduces the amount of chemical treatment that is required and helps to ensure that pest infestations don’t recur after the initial treatment.

Incorporating preventative measures is a great way to keep pests from bothering you, and it also saves money by decreasing the number of treatments that are necessary. Preventative pest control includes things like sealing entry points, properly storing food items, and maintaining landscaping to minimize pest habitats.

It Saves Time and Money

In addition to saving money, preventive pest control saves you time because it allows you to live your life more freely while the issue is being dealt with by professionals. It can also help you to avoid the risk of harming yourself or your pets if you try to treat an infestation on your own with DIY pesticides that may be toxic if mishandled.

It Addresses the Root Cause of the Problem

Pest infestations often occur because something on your property is creating the perfect environment for them to thrive. This can be as simple as a leaking water heater that is attracting ants or as complex as a fungus that is damaging crops. Unless the root of the problem is addressed, it’s likely that pest infestations will recur. Prevention addresses the underlying issues that allow pests to thrive and stops them from returning once they’re dealt with by other methods.

Prevention is also about identifying natural enemies that can help control the pest population. These natural enemies can include birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and insects that feed on or parasitize pests to lower their numbers. In addition, some soil organisms, such as the nematode genus Heterorhabditis and the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, can suppress pest populations without the need for chemicals.

Other factors that can help to naturally control a pest population are climate conditions and the availability of food, shelter, and water. For example, some plant diseases only affect plants during specific windows of opportunity in the growing season. Understanding this information can allow farmers to adjust their planting schedules and use other methods to mitigate the problem, such as performing early releases of the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps on thrips or aphids.

Pests are unwanted organisms that damage or interfere with our fields and orchards, landscapes, and wildlands; cause injury to animals; displace native plants; or disrupt ecosystem processes. A pest may be a plant, an insect, disease pathogen, nematode, or vertebrate. For more information, click the link https://armispestmanagement.com/ provided to proceed.

IPM strategies begin with prevention and include cultural, mechanical, biological and, if necessary, chemical control options. Treatments are used as little as possible and in the least volatile formulations to minimize their impact on non-target plants and organisms.

Pests can damage or devalue plants, food sources, lawns, gardens, and human structures. They also displace native species, alter soil health and nutrient content, and negatively affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

To control pests, schools need to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an environmentally friendly approach that reduces children’s exposure to harmful chemicals and provides a safer learning environment. Schools can save money in the long run by implementing IPM and avoiding costly pesticide treatments.

The first step in an IPM plan is monitoring or scouting the landscape, field, garden, or building on a regular basis to identify pests and their damage. This information helps determine whether the problem warrants treatment and what methods to use. Monitoring includes correcting cultural problems, using mechanical or biological controls, and when necessary, applying chemicals that are specifically labeled for the particular pest.

Preventing pests involves selecting plants that are well-adapted to the local environment and planting them in their best locations to provide the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients. Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers with the proper size, shape, and color is important to the health of the planting and its resistance to diseases and pests.

Another important preventive measure is inspecting the planted landscape regularly for signs of pests, including eggs, larvae, and adult insects. Inspecting plants in the landscape or at a school regularly will help to identify pests early, when they are easier to treat. When IPM monitoring reveals that a pest is present, the next step in an IPM plan is to set an action threshold. A defined threshold focuses the size, scope, and intensity of any control measures.

Some pests have natural predators or parasitoids that keep their numbers under control. Other pests, such as Japanese beetles and gypsy moths, have no natural predators and must be managed by humans. Biological control methods, such as the introduction of pathogenic bacteria that destroy or debilitate the pests, are used to manage these pests.

Crop rotation, the practice of planting different types of crops in sequences over time, can reduce the number and diversity of pests in a landscape or crop. This practice can also slow the spread of some pests by preventing them from migrating between crops or finding new host plants.

Suppression

Pests include undesirable plants (weeds), vertebrate animals, invertebrates (insects, mites, snails, nematodes), bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens that damage, devalue, or displace desirable crops, lawns, and gardens, or harm human health or property. They may also disrupt terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems.

Suppression methods seek to control or eliminate pests by removing or blocking access to essential elements required for pest growth and reproduction, such as food, water, and shelter. Some suppression techniques include cultural practices, soil modifications, and plant varieties that are resistant to a particular pest.

Biological control includes introducing or releasing organisms that naturally prey on or parasitize pests to reduce their numbers. This is a key component of integrated pest management (IPM), which couples preventive methods with biological controls. It is important to purchase organisms from a reputable source and learn how, when, and where to release them to ensure success. For example, a purchased predatory lady beetle from California will likely not perform well in North Carolina because it instinctively flies far away from the source of its food.

Chemicals are sometimes necessary for successful pest management, especially when other control options fail. They can be natural or synthetic, and they include herbicides to kill weeds, insecticides to kill insects, and fungicides to control diseases. Chemicals must be used in accordance with label instructions to minimize risks to people and beneficial insects.

IPM also includes a method called “pesticide rotation,” which involves planting different crop types in consecutive years to exclude certain pest species. For example, brassicas and cruciferous vegetables grow best in sequences that exclude cabbage pests; strawberry plants thrive when planted in fields that do not contain potato pests. This method is a good alternative to eradication, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to the environment. Also, it is important to keep records of pest problems and the actions taken to manage them. These records will be valuable in determining whether IPM has been successful and if additional steps are needed. This will help prevent the overuse of pesticides. Also, as landscape plants mature, the shading they create can change the relationship between them and their pests, so reevaluation of IPM strategies is important.

Eradication

In the context of pest control, eradication refers to destroying an entire pest population. Eradication may be accomplished by using a combination of methods, such as chemical and non-chemical controls. Non-chemical methods include sanitation, physical controls, biological controls, and cultural practices.

Eradication requires a thorough understanding of the pest’s life cycle, its behavior, and the environmental factors that influence its growth. Accurate identification of the pest is also important. This information will help determine the best method for controlling it.

When a pesticide application fails, it could be because the pest is resistant to that particular chemical, or because the wrong pesticide was used. In addition, the pest may be at a stage of its life cycle when it is less susceptible to the chemical, or the location where it is found is unfavorable for spraying.

If the pesticide was applied correctly, it may not have been effective because of bad weather conditions, or because it wasn’t applied at the right time in the insect’s life cycle. The pest may also have moved to another part of the field, or it may have migrated from an area that was treated.

Biological controls are the use of organisms that naturally reduce or eliminate pest populations, such as predatory insects that feed on pests or parasites that lay eggs in or on the pest. This type of control is useful for a wide variety of crops. However, biological control is expensive, and it can be difficult to implement in large fields where many different species of pests are present.

The IAEA supports the development and transfer of radiation-based technologies, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) and inherited sterility, to prevent insect-related risks to human and animal health, crop and livestock production and ecosystems. The IAEA’s Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture researches, develops and applies SIT, inherited sterility and other biological control techniques worldwide.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a method for reducing pests and their damage to an acceptable level through the coordinated use of several control tactics. These tactics include prevention, suppression, eradication and monitoring.

Monitoring

The monitoring phase of IPM involves checking your crop regularly for pests and other damage. This includes making accurate identifications of the pests and assessing their abundance. It also involves recording your observations on a field data sheet that allows you to track pest populations and related crop injury over time. This information can help you determine when it’s necessary to control them.

The goal of monitoring is to identify the presence and intensity of pests and their damage in your greenhouse crops and growing area. This helps you decide whether and when to apply preventive or suppression controls to keep the pests at or below the economic injury level (EIL). It also allows you to evaluate your choice of control tactics for effectiveness and risk.

A variety of pests can be found in greenhouse crops and growing areas, including insects, diseases, nematodes, and weeds. Some are continuous, meaning they are always present, while others are sporadic or migratory and require control only under certain conditions.

Depending on the type of greenhouse, crop, and management practices used in the greenhouse, different methods can be used to monitor for pests. Typically, the most effective way to monitor is through visual observation. This includes searching plants for pests and carefully examining plant parts, such as leaves and stems. This technique is best for pests that are hard to detect by other means, such as aphids and some psyllids.

You can also use synthetic pheromones to monitor for pest populations. These are manufactured copies of the natural pheromones that insect species release to attract each other or to mark territory. By combining these with mating disruption or mass trapping techniques, you can reduce pest numbers and improve control.

The Ministry of Agriculture has an extensive pest monitoring network that allows us to closely monitor the number and severity of insect, disease, and weed populations across Saskatchewan. These results are used to support research initiatives and to inform trade discussions. They are also archived and used to provide historical trends to allow us to better understand how pests relate to climate changes, agri-business activities, and other factors that influence their abundance.