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Before selecting a pest control company:
- Learn about the pests that bother you and the methods available to control them.
- Consider the company’s service guarantee and unnecessary stipulations.
- Read the pesticide product labels carefully.
Pest Identification
Pest identification is the first step in controlling and preventing pests from damaging plants, property, or public health. Whether the pest is a weed, insect, rodent, or microbe, accurate identification makes control easier and more effective. Incorrect identification can lead to improper control tactics that cost time and money and may put people or the environment at risk.
To accurately identify a pest, look for distinctive characteristics. Consider size, color, number of legs or wings, length of antennae, and other traits. Also, note where the pest is found and how it moves. Then, compare the pest to images of different species on the internet or in printed reference guides. This can help you determine the correct name for your pest, and will help you decide how to proceed with its control.
Many pests can be controlled with non-chemical methods or by using lower-toxicity chemicals. It is important to follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines and practices, which emphasize less reliance on pesticides. IPM also promotes preventative steps to keep pests away from homes and gardens, such as sealing entry points, removing sources of food and water, and preventing pest habitats.
Some pests can cause serious diseases. Some spread harmful bacteria that can contaminate food and surfaces, and others carry viruses that can make people sick. In addition, a pest infestation can damage or degrade a garden or home, and it can disturb wildlife.
To prevent pests from entering your home:
- Seal gaps around doors and windows, and repair cracks in the foundation.
- Remove debris and trash from the yard, and clean outdoor garbage cans to discourage pests.
- Keep standing water out of the yard by regularly emptying bird baths and clogged gutters.
- Clean up rotting logs and other materials that provide hiding places for pests.
Pest Control Methods
Pests are organisms (plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, or viruses) that damage or spoil human food sources, crops, lawns, gardens, homes, and other structures. They also disrupt natural ecological processes, displacing native species and changing soil health, water quality, and availability.
The main types of pest control methods are physical, biological, and chemical. Physical methods kill or repel the pests, while biological and chemical methods make the environment unsuitable for the pests or interfere with their ability to reproduce. Chemicals include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other substances that can kill or disrupt the pests’ nervous systems, metabolism, reproductive systems, or other functions.
Chemicals should be used sparingly, as they can be dangerous to humans, pets, and other organisms. In addition, using many different chemicals can cause resistance in the pests. Physical and biological pest controls, on the other hand, are less likely to cause resistance. For example, trapping mice or other rodents and removing their nests can eliminate the problem without the need for spraying.
Other preventive measures include sealing and closing off points of entry into the home, such as cracks and crevices. It is also important to remove or cover anything that attracts the pests, such as trash, compost, or garbage. Many pests thrive in dark and damp places, so it is a good idea to check for leaks in indoor or outdoor pipes, or any standing water near the house that may be attracting mosquitoes, flies, or ants.
Regular pruning of trees and shrubs helps to keep them healthy and reduces their attractiveness to insects. Fumigation is another pest control method that can be employed to rid buildings of termites, stored products pests, or other organisms. This type of treatment can be done safely by a pest control company that follows the safety guidelines established by leading industry organizations.
Choosing a Pest Control Company
Pests aren’t just annoying, they can damage your property and cause health problems. For example, rodents can gnaw through wires and bring hantavirus, leptospirosis, Salmonella and other diseases into your home. And bees or wasps can sting and bite. Choosing the right pest control company to help you prevent them is a vital step in protecting your family and property.
Choosing the best pest control company starts with doing your research. You want to find out what services they offer and the types of pests they treat. You also want to make sure they have a license to operate. Many states have agencies that license pest control professionals and log complaints. You can usually check the status of a pest control license online.
You should also find out if they use an integrated pest management approach, which means that they’ll try to prevent infestations rather than just treating them. This can save you money, as well as protect your children, pets and the environment.
It’s important to choose a company that takes customer service seriously. They should be willing to work with you and explain the process, as well as answer any questions that you might have. This includes sharing information about the pest and explaining why one method is better than another.
A good pest control company will be able to identify the pests that are causing your problem and provide you with a detailed inspection report. They will also explain the treatment options and costs, as well as any guarantees that they might offer. They should also be able to provide you with copies of pesticide labels, which will allow you to see how the product is supposed to be used.
Finally, it’s important to find out whether or not the pest control company has insurance. This will help protect you in case an accident happens during the treatment process. Most pest control companies will carry general liability insurance, as well as workmen’s compensation insurance. If a company does not have insurance, you should consider hiring a different company.
Pest Prevention
Pests can pose health and safety risks, especially if they’re uncontrolled. Cockroaches, rodents, and other vermin can spread disease, while spiders and insects can sting or bite. Some pests also cause structural damage. In addition, certain pest control methods can be harmful if not handled correctly. Preventative pest control methods can help reduce these risks.
Whether in the home or at a commercial establishment, preventing pest infestations is usually less expensive and more environmentally responsible than controlling them once they’re established. For instance, a restaurant can keep pests away from the food by sealing cracks and caulking windows and keeping trash containers tightly closed. Food establishments should also inspect food shipments for signs of pests and wash out all bins frequently.
Many pests need three things to survive: food, water and shelter. Removing these necessities can prevent them from thriving, and it can also stop them from spreading. For example, storing food in sealed plastic or glass containers can deter pests from entering the kitchen. Keeping garbage cans tightly closed and regularly removing them from the property can also prevent pests from entering homes or businesses.
Other preventive measures involve removing the conditions that promote pests. These conditions include overcrowding and excessive plant or animal competition. Preventive measures can be as simple as eliminating overcrowded compost piles, or they can be as complicated as relocating vegetation to an area where it won’t compete with crops or buildings.
Some pests are controlled by natural forces that affect all organisms, including humans. These forces include climate, natural enemies, natural barriers, availability of food and water, and the presence of shelter. The interaction of these factors determines whether pest populations increase or decrease.
It’s important to consider the impact of any pest control method on both living and nonliving environments in the treatment site. For example, a lawn treated with an herbicide can negatively impact the surrounding grass and shrubbery, as well as nonliving elements like soil and air quality. In addition, pesticides can be harmful to people if they come into contact with their skin or respiratory system. This is why it’s important to read product labels and always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying pesticides.