How Pest Control Works

If you’re wondering how pest control works, you’re not alone. Aside from creating a nuisance, pest infestations can also pose a health risk. They are carriers of diseases that can lead to short and long-term health problems. This article will explore both chemical and non-chemical pest control methods.

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Insects

Understanding how insects work in pest control is essential to the successful use of pesticides. This approach uses both beneficial and parasitic insects to control the populations of the pests that plague your garden. The main difference between parasitic and beneficial insects is their life cycles. Parasites need a host organism in order to multiply and thrive. Beneficial insects can only survive if they are released into the landscape at the right time.

There are several types of beneficial insects. These include numerous species of lady beetles and green and dusty lacewings. They feed on a wide variety of insects, including aphids and wasps. They also eat a variety of pollen and plant nectar. Despite their beneficial effects, they are often misidentified as pests, leading to the unnecessary application of insecticides.

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals that are applied to plants or animals to prevent them from being eaten by pests. However, some are toxic and can even kill people in small quantities. Even the safest and most effective pesticides can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth if used in sufficient quantities.

The label on a pesticide provides clues about how toxic a particular substance is. For example, a signal word will indicate how much of the pesticide is required to kill an animal. A “Danger-Poison” label requires a low dose while “Caution” means a medium or high dose. Similarly, a “Danger” label indicates a chemical with similar killing power as a caution, but with an added risk of skin irritation.

Biological control

The success of biological control is dependent on several factors. The right enemy must be present, environmental conditions must be conducive, and there must be food sources for the natural enemies. The more attention to detail and knowledge you have about the species, the better the chances of success. Biological control takes time to work.

The biological control process involves the release of a variety of natural enemies that attack pests. These enemies must be closely related to the pest that they are intended to control. In the case of a new pest, the supplementary release may include a few natural enemies or millions. Another option is to modify the cropping system to favor natural enemies, a process called habitat manipulation. This approach is also used in greenhouse production. Some crops are sprayed with parasitoids that control two-spotted spider mites.

Non-chemical methods

The use of non-chemical methods for pest control is becoming more common as a way to combat pests without harming the environment. In fact, several countries have begun incorporating non-chemical methods into their pest management programs. They include integrated pest management strategies based on plant extracts. These methods are becoming economically viable.

Insect trapping is an effective method for pest control. Many traps are available for various pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and rodents. Some are equipped with LED lights to attract insects. These methods are used by food producers to monitor the insect population and prevent infestation. These traps are usually placed near areas where the pests are most likely to congregate.

Training requirements for exterminators

Exterminators need specific training to do their job. This includes knowing the proper way to use poisons and traps. They also need to understand how to follow state regulations regarding pesticides and how vermin react to them. In addition, they must be able to navigate around tight spaces and drive to various locations. In some states, a special license for handling hazardous materials is required.

Exterminators are also trained in prevention and removal methods. They are trained in the biology and habits of different pests and know how to prevent and eliminate them in a safe and effective way. They will also consider non-chemical methods such as adding plants or changing moisture levels to prevent infestation. Once these methods have been tried, they will use a variety of mechanical methods. They may also use heat and other chemical treatments to rid the premises of pests.