Pest Control A Balance Of Prevention Suppression And Elimination

Pests are rodents, birds, insects or other organisms that interfere with our enjoyment of the environment or that damage property or crops. Local Exterminators Plantation involves a balance of prevention, suppression, and elimination. The goal is to minimize the negative impacts of the pests while maximizing benefits to humans and other organisms that share the same habitat.

Pesticides are among the tools used in pest control. The most important preventive measures include proper sanitation, picking ripe produce promptly, cleaning up food messes, and sealing and repairing the places where pests hide. These measures can reduce the need for chemical treatment.

In outdoor settings, the natural enemies of pests (predators, parasites, pathogens) usually keep pest populations at damaging levels. Supplementing these natural controls is sometimes necessary, however, especially in closed environments such as homes and businesses and in gardens or fields. This can be done by introducing more of the enemies to the area (biological control), or by increasing their effectiveness through cultivation, soil solarization, or other methods.

Preventive nonchemical pest control methods include physical or mechanical means that kill or block the pests or make the environment unfavorable for them. Traps for rodents and other pests, barriers, weed removal, mulches, and steam sterilization of the soil are examples. Cultural practices -- encouraging plants and trees that are resistant to pests and reducing plant diseases -- also can be effective preventive methods.

If the above methods are not adequate to control a pest, it is time to use chemical controls. But remember that pesticides can affect the environment as well as human and pet health, and should be used only when other methods have been tried and failed.

Indoor pest control

Rodents, ants, and other insects often enter buildings in search of food or shelter. They can cause serious damage by chewing through walls and other structures and spreading disease-causing bacteria, such as Salmonella, Streptococcus, Yersinia, and Shigella. In addition, they can transmit fleas that carry the diseases typhus, ringworm, and cat scratch fever.

Integrated pest management (IPM) includes all preventive and nonchemical methods as well as the use of mild, low-toxicity chemicals when necessary. It is important to identify the pest and understand its life cycle and biology before selecting a control method.

Often, IPM methods can eliminate the need for chemical control. For example, removing food scraps and trash frequently can deter rodents. Sealing and insulating openings in crawl spaces, basements, and attics can help prevent pest entry. Repairing leaky pipes and dripping faucets can reduce moisture where pests thrive. Cleaning up outdoor debris and reducing clutter inside the home can discourage pests from seeking hiding places like cupboards and closets. Surface sprays can be used to treat the areas where pests gather, such as along skirting boards. But before using them, remove food, cooking utensils and clothing from the area to be treated. And, leave the room while spraying is taking place to avoid inhaling any fumes. Follow label directions when using IPM products.