When pests invade, preventative treatments are vital to keep pest populations low. This includes removing food sources and water, storing trash in sealed containers, and fixing leaky pipes.
Harsh chemicals sometimes require special preparation, such as covering furniture, removing children and pets, and thoroughly cleaning surfaces. Ecofriendly options often reduce these requirements and are safe for kids and pets. Click Here to learn more.
Pests are unwelcome intruders that can ruin the enjoyment of any home. More severely, some can destroy homes or pose certain health risks to inhabitants. Preventative pest control measures help keep the invaders at bay, keeping families safe from their damaging and invasive behavior.
One of the best ways to deter pests is to prevent them from accessing food sources. Ants, cockroaches, and rodents are attracted to crumbs and food residues, so cleaning counters and pantries regularly keeps them at bay. Store food in sealed containers, such as glass or plastic, is also a good idea. In addition, storing trash in sealed bins minimizes the attraction of odor-producing discarded foods and keeps critters from making a feast out of your trash.
Another preventative measure is to clean bird and pet cages, fish tanks, and terrariums regularly. Pests often enter homes in search of food and water, so these habitats should be kept as clean as possible to discourage pest infestations. In addition, repairing leaky plumbing can eliminate moisture problems that encourage pests in the first place.
The landscaping around the house can also influence pest activity. Keeping shrubs and vegetation trimmed away from the structure helps to create a buffer zone that reduces the likelihood of pests using these plants as bridges into the property. Regular gutter cleaning and drain maintenance also helps to limit moisture problems that encourage pests.
Other preventative measures include the use of a dehumidifier in basements and other damp areas of the house, as pests can thrive in moist conditions. Regular inspections of the roof and exterior structure are also a wise move, as pests may be able to access areas of the home by taking advantage of unsealed cracks and crevices.
Finally, it is a good idea to use natural repellents to deter pests. These products can be found at most health food stores and drug marts, and they include neem oil, peppermint oil, garlic spray, and boric acid. These products can be applied to the outside of the home or to various indoor surfaces, including cracks and crevices.
Pesticides
A pesticide is any substance that prevents, destroys or repels a pest. Pesticides are formulated into products such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides. Herbicides kill or control weeds, insecticides kill or control insects, fungicides kill or control fungi, and rodenticides control mice and rats. Pesticides can be sprayed, dripped or dropped onto plants and soil and may be absorbed through the leaves or roots. They come in various forms such as solid granules, powders and liquids. A pesticide contains an active ingredient and can also contain adjuvants and other materials that enhance its effectiveness.
Pesticides are generally classified into “families” according to how they act on the target pest. For example, organophosphates are used for insect control because they interfere with nerve-impulse transmission by disrupting the enzyme (cholinesterase) that regulates acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter). In general, this group of chemicals is less persistent in the environment than the more toxic organochlorine pesticides and can be diluted or broken down in the soil and water. However, they can still accumulate in human and animal fatty tissues.
The primary advantage of pesticides is that they can save farmers by protecting crops from unwanted organisms that could damage the harvest and cause disease. This is especially true in developing countries where large numbers of people depend on farming for a living.
However, the negative impacts of pesticides are significant. When they are released into the environment, they can harm many species of animals and plants, including humans. These effects can range from short-term symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea to long-term impacts such as cancer and reproductive harm.
The toxic ingredients in most pesticides are released into the air, water and soil where they contaminate other parts of the ecosystem. They can even reach destinations far removed from the area where they were applied, such as the water supply and the food we eat. They can also break down into other substances known as metabolites, which are often more dangerous than the parent material and can have a similar effect on the targeted pest or plant.
Baits and Traps
When dealing with pests, preventative measures and exclusion techniques are the best options. However, when they are not feasible or ineffective, traps and baits offer another way to control the problem without the use of pesticides. Both snap traps and bait stations are common tools used by Miche Pest Control to control a wide range of pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches, and flies.
Traps can be placed in a variety of places, indoors and out. When placed in appropriate locations they are very effective at controlling certain pest populations. For example, rat traps placed along known rodent runways will capture many of the animals while they are trying to reach food sources or nesting sites. They can also be placed inside buildings where they are attempting to gain access to food or water sources.
The primary goal of traps is population reduction. By catching and eliminating a large number of pests, traps can quickly reduce pest numbers to the point where they are no longer a threat. Traps can also be a useful tool in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments as they provide a visual body count.
Generally speaking, traps are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program. For example, insect light traps alone are not sufficient to control a flies, especially in situations where conditions that contribute to fly infestations have not been addressed (e.g. sanitation around dumpsters, bright exterior lighting, open doors, etc.).
Cockroaches can be difficult to control using traps alone because of their ability to hide in cracks and crevices. To increase their effectiveness, bait stations should be used in conjunction with traps. These are stations that have been designed to hold a bait while also keeping it protected from pets or children who might otherwise be able to reach and tamper with the traps. Typically, these traps have a system of baffles or compartments that make it difficult to tamper with the bait while also keeping it away from moisture.
When evaluating pest control services, ask how the company classifies pests and what their treatment philosophy is. It is important that the service provider understand the full life cycle of a pest and be able to develop a plan to control it, regardless of whether traps or baits are being used.
Green Pest Solutions
Pests destroy crops, wreak havoc on the human body and cost billions of dollars in damage annually. They can carry disease, trigger phobias and make your home feel less like a safe haven. But perhaps the worst damage they cause is to a property owner’s sense of security and well-being.
Fortunately, there are solutions. Many pest control companies are now offering green options that allow people to rid their homes and businesses of insects without relying on chemical pesticides. Green pest solutions utilize nontoxic methods to eliminate and control pest populations, often with the help of other natural substances such as botanical oils, diatomaceous earth, sage and lemon oil.
The foundation of a green pest management plan is integrated pest management (IPM). This process involves inspection, identification, exclusion and other steps that help prevent problems before they start. If control products are necessary, IPM protocols dictate that they should be FIFRA-exempt, if possible. Parker Eco Pest Control, for example, uses IPM for about 80 percent of its customers’ pest problems and only resorts to conventional chemicals when it is absolutely necessary – with the client’s consent, of course.
A good pest control company will also take into consideration the environmental impact of a pest problem and recommend any needed repairs or preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the need for chemicals. If an environmentally approved pesticide must be used, the pest technician will always seek out the lowest risk option to ensure safety for pets and humans.
Green pest solutions are an excellent option for anyone who wants to reduce their reliance on chemicals in their lives. While they aren’t as effective as traditional pest control, they can be just as safe and are much better for the environment. If you’re interested in a green pest solution for your home or business, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help. We look forward to hearing from you!