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.