Tag: pest control

Pest control involves preventing or reducing the number of unwanted organisms to an acceptable level. It also consists of doing this with as little harm to everything else as possible. Contact South Shore IPM now!

Weather conditions – temperature, day length, and humidity – affect pest activity. Water supplies and shelters can also limit the number of pests.

Insects are the most common animals on Earth. They buzz, scuttle and flit in every ecosystem, providing food for a wide range of other species and performing essential functions such as recycling nutrients, pollinating flowers and crops, and controlling pests. But insects are not just any old creepy-crawlies: The term “insect” refers to a specific group of animals within the phylum Arthropoda — the critters that also include crustaceans, arachnids (spiders, scorpions) and myriapods (millipedes, centipedes). The key distinction is that insects have a chitinous exoskeleton, three body segments and six legs.

It’s estimated that there are 10 quintillion insects alive at any one time, more than a billion for every person on the planet. Many of these insects are beneficial, such as dung beetles that aerate and bury animal waste, keeping it out of landfills; or ladybugs that devour harmful aphids and other aphid predators. Others, like the infamous drugstore beetle that tunnels its way into books and leaves behind a powdery residue, are considered pests.

When insect populations get out of control, biological controls such as the mass-production and release of the pest’s natural enemies can help keep them in check. Such methods require extensive research into the biology of the pest and its natural enemies, including a careful consideration of the potential for unintended consequences on native species that are not pests. Once suitable natural enemies are identified, they undergo a lengthy quarantine period to ensure that they are disease-free and can be safely released.

For example, the Cornell AES professional greenhouse staff have been using biocontrols — the term for actively encouraging one living thing to control another problematic living thing — for 20 years in their conservatory, which is open to the public. While they still use pesticides, the biocontrols allow them to minimize chemicals and keep their plants healthy.

The same approach can be used in the home garden, with a little patience. For instance, a new product based on the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, can be applied to a lawn or garden to kill caterpillars and other insects by blocking their gut with a protein that they cannot produce themselves.

Rodents

Rodents (including rats, mice, squirrels, shrews and gophers) are the most common pests in homes and businesses. They carry diseases that put people at risk, including Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM), Salmonella, Leptospirosis and other bacteria and parasites. They contaminate food and cause damage to property.

Rodents are opportunistic feeders and can survive on a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grain, meat, pet food and even trash. When they invade a building, they will look for sources of water and shelter. They can also gnaw holes in walls and floors, dislodging insulation and harming weather-proofing products. In addition, they are known to chew through wires which can lead to fire hazards and damage structures like ice cube machines, garbage disposal units, HVAC systems and kitchen appliances.

Regular inspections and simple preventive measures can help reduce rodent infestations and associated pest control issues. Store foods in secure containers, keep spills and crumbs cleaned up and patch or seal entry points. Install door sweeps, close gaps around pipes and vents and eliminate gaps at utility lines and boxes. Keep garbage and compost piles tightly closed and turn them regularly to avoid attracting rodents.

Clutter and bare trees, shrubs, flower beds, and ground cover attract rodents by offering shelter and hiding spots. Keep landscaping trimmed and avoid allowing tree limbs to touch a building facade.

Gnawing and burrowing activities by rodents can disturb soil, ruins plants, and undermine buildings, sidewalks and roads. They can also be a significant threat to livestock and crops.

Rodent populations vary seasonally and by habitat and can be hard to predict, requiring an ecologically based approach to control (EBRM). This approach is designed around rodent population dynamics, environmental factors, and local sociocultural conditions.

EBRM uses low hazard rodenticides, traps and/or bait stations. These are integrated with sanitation, habitat modification, and education to control rodents and their associated problems. It’s critical to work with a pest management company that has experience with this type of approach. Alta Pest Control offers comprehensive rodent control programs that provide peace of mind and long term success.

Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause diseases in their host. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans. Diseases caused by these organisms are called infectious diseases.

Pathogens can affect plants, animals and people. They can spread from person to person through skin contact, airborne particles or through fecal contact with the body’s waste products (including soiled diapers and clothing). These pathogens can enter the body through these channels because they can evade the body’s immune system.

Once pathogens enter the host body, they release toxins that destroy or disable tissues and organs. These toxins also interfere with the host’s ability to use its energy and nutrients. Infections can range in severity from the common cold to lethal diseases such as cholera and AIDS.

Some pathogens have narrow host ranges, infecting only one or a few species. The bacterium that causes late blight in tomatoes and potatoes is an example of a pathogen with a narrow host plant range. Other pathogens have broad host ranges, infecting many different species of plants and crops. For example, Yersinia pestis, the agent of bubonic plague, is an intracellular obligate bacterium that lives in fleas and can be passed to humans through flea bites.

Generally, host-specific pathogens do not harm healthy individuals. However, they can seriously impede the performance and quality of crops. For example, plant pathogens often manipulate hormone pathways that regulate photosynthesis and flowering. The result is reduced plant fitness and lowered crop yields. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the spread of pathogens, such as getting vaccinations, practicing hand hygiene and using good food handling and preparation practices. This is particularly important in healthcare settings, where pathogens can evade infection control measures and infect patients.

Clutter

Clutter provides all sorts of nooks and crannies for pests to hide in, and this is particularly true of rodents. Rodents like mice and rats are known to build nests in cluttered areas, where they can stay safe from predators and easily access food. They can also avoid detection by people and other animals, which makes them harder to catch and remove from a property. In fact, research by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) found that tenants with hoarding tendencies required twice as many pest control visits than those who didn’t.

It’s worth pointing out that clutter doesn’t always contain food for pests. However, it can offer other benefits that attract them. For example, some pests, such as cockroaches and spiders, seek shelter in cluttered spaces, and these places may provide the ideal temperature for them to thrive in. In addition, some pests feed on discarded paper and cardboard, so a stack of old newspapers or boxes lying around can provide them with an easy-to-access meal.

From a pest management perspective, excessive clutter also makes it more difficult to address and eradicate infestations. It can obstruct the process of sealing entry points, making it more challenging for both pest control professionals and homeowners to inspect and treat a property. This can lead to delays in addressing pest issues, which can exacerbate the problems they cause.

Regularly decluttering, using bins with tight-fitting lids, storing food in containers that seal, fixing leaks and other preventive measures will help to reduce the risk of pest infestation. It is also important to keep outdoor areas, such as garden sheds, free from excessive clutter, which can provide shelter for pests and block entry points. In addition, using baits or sprays to prevent and eradicate pests is much more effective when a home has been properly cleaned and maintained. If you have pest problems, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist for expert advice and treatment. However, you can limit the impact of a pest infestation by limiting indoor and outdoor clutter, conducting regular maintenance, sanitising, sealing cracks and gaps, storing food in sealed containers, using dehumidifiers to minimise moisture levels and undertaking regular professional inspections.

Pests can damage crops or other property and may pose health risks. Correct identification of a pest is critical to successful control.

Natural forces affecting pest populations include climate, natural enemies, overwintering sites, and food and water supplies. Contact Seaside Pest Control now!

Mechanical or physical controls can be used to eliminate or prevent some pests. Examples include traps, screens, barriers, and fences.

Preventive methods are economical and environmentally responsible ways to reduce or eliminate the conditions that promote pest infestation. They include frequently cleaning areas where pests are likely to live, reducing food sources, and removing shelter. These techniques help control new pest populations before they become a significant problem. They can also limit the damage done by existing pests. Preventive measures may be applied at the building, residential, or landscape level.

Eliminate Entry Points

Seal cracks and crevices with caulk or steel wool to prevent outside pests from entering your home. Remove weeds, brush, and other debris that could provide hiding places for rodents and other pests. Keep trash cans tightly closed, and take out the garbage regularly. Clean up discarded wood and cardboard where pests can hide.

It is impossible to avoid pests entirely, but preventive efforts can make living with them more bearable. Pests cause physical damage to buildings and their contents, contaminate food, transmit diseases (e.g., cockroaches can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning), and aggravate asthma and allergies.

In addition to preventing pests, there are ways to minimize the pesticides needed to achieve desired results—for example, select varieties of plants and wood that are more resistant to pests, if available. Use traps, barriers, and fences to exclude pests from certain areas. Water and light management can also suppress some pests by making their environment unfavorable.

When using pesticides, follow the product label instructions carefully. Stay within the recommended application rate. Always store and use pesticides safely, away from children and pets. Be aware that long-term exposure to some pesticides can be harmful. Read the labels’ warnings and observe local, state, and federal pesticide regulations. Avoid purchasing or applying illegal pesticides, which can be sold by street vendors and may contain dangerous chemicals. Also, pesticides should only be purchased from reputable stores that sell them in the original container. Buying from street vendors can increase your exposure to hazardous substances and may result in illegal possession of the product. If you are unsurestill determining whether a pesticide is safe for your situation, consult an expert.

Suppression

Generally, pests are unwanted organisms that damage or devalue crops, foods, trees, lawns, gardens, homes, or other human-made structures. They may also contaminate food and water sources, disrupt natural ecosystems, and cause injury to humans or other living things. Pests include insects, fungi, nematodes, plant diseases, vertebrates, and weeds. Monitoring pest populations involves observing the presence and identifying the numbers of the pests, as well as checking for the damage they do. Monitoring of insect, mollusk, and vertebrate pests usually includes trapping or scouting; monitoring of weeds and plant diseases often involves visual inspection.

Many factors influence the growth and behavior of pests, including climate, natural enemies, natural barriers, available shelter, food and water supplies, and other environmental conditions. These influences are usually beyond the control of humans, but they should be taken into account when deciding on pest management strategies.

Biological controls, such as parasitoids that attack and kill their host pests, are used to manage many pest populations. Chemical controls include a wide variety of products that kill or repel pests, such as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. These can be synthetic or natural, and they are commonly used in pest control programs.

Mechanical and physical controls kill or block a pest directly, or they make the environment unsuitable for it. For example, traps for rodents; netting in greenhouses to prevent fruit fly and other pests from entering; and mulches to inhibit weed growth are all mechanical or physical controls.

Regulatory control is rarely necessary for outdoor areas, but it is sometimes needed for indoor spaces such as operating rooms and other sterile areas of health care facilities where zero tolerance for bacteria exists. Eradication of a pest is a difficult goal in outdoor areas, but it is occasionally attempted when it becomes a serious nuisance, such as with the Mediterranean fruit fly or gypsy moths.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most efficient and economical way to manage pests. It combines all the control methods described above into a workable plan that keeps pests below levels that would cause economic damage.

Eradication

Pests may be dangerous, like fleas and mosquitoes that spread disease or rodents that chew through electrical wiring. Some have a repulsive appearance, such as spiders and silverfish, or cause unpleasant smells, like stink bugs. Others destroy property, crops or gardens, such as ants, rats and mice. Still others contaminate food or feed, like squirrels, woodpeckers and pigeons. Pests can also trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as those caused by aphids, cockroaches and wasps.

The goal of eradication is not usually practical in outdoor pest situations, because the environment and local ecology determine how quickly organisms can regenerate after being eliminated. Ideally, a pest should be controlled to the point where its reproduction rate drops below a threshold level at which it will no longer pose a threat to plants or animals that can tolerate its presence. This often requires a combination of control methods.

For example, a biological control program might use parasites or predators to reduce the number of pests. If these natural enemies cannot keep the population below a certain level, then other control measures might need to be introduced, such as sterile insect releases or hormone treatments.

Some types of pests, such as invasive species that threaten natural ecosystems, can become more widespread and harder to eradicate because of the disruption of native habitats and the introduction of human disturbances that increase their rates of reproduction or survival. Eradication of such species is usually accomplished only with the cooperation of many nations, companies and agencies.

Homeowners can help prevent or limit pest problems by taking steps to keep their homes and environments clean. They can seal cracks and crevices, especially those around doors, windows and seams; trim back bushes and branches that hang over the house; and remove debris such as woodpiles and piles of leaves or grass clippings that could serve as shelter for pests. They can also spray a light mist of water, such as from a hose or nozzle, over garden beds and vegetables to promote good air circulation and discourage pests. Lastly, they can try essential oils that have bug-repelling properties, such as peppermint oil, or diatomaceous earth, which is made from the fossilized remains of tiny marine organisms and dehydrates and kills pests like ants and roaches.

IPM

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a broad-based system that integrates preventive, biological and chemical control methods to reduce pest numbers and damage. It focuses on long-term prevention of pests and their damage through a combination of techniques such as habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. It also includes monitoring and assessment to determine whether or when control measures are needed. IPM uses pesticides only after a thorough evaluation has been made and only when necessary and when the use of chemicals will not harm people or nontarget plants.

IPM programs monitor and scout to detect pests and their damage. This helps them to identify pests accurately and to establish action threshold levels — the point at which environmental conditions or pest populations indicate that control measures should be taken. This prevents the unnecessary use of costly and hazardous pesticides.

Before a treatment decision is made, the IPM program evaluates all available options. This includes the life cycles of the pest, the presence of natural enemies, weather patterns and other factors to decide if any control measures are appropriate. If pesticides are used, only the safest and least-toxic products are chosen. Biological controls, such as the deliberate release of predators or parasitoids to kill damaging pests, are often more effective than chemicals.

Because IPM programs focus on the management of pests, not their elimination, they do less harm to the natural ecosystem and to human health. The goal is a healthy, balanced ecosystem with a diversity of species that live in harmony together.

You can implement IPM techniques in your garden with simple tools and a little time. For example, you can put up stretch netting to stop marauding birds from picking your raspberry or blackberry bushes and to keep squirrels from raiding the feeders. You can install rodent traps to keep pockets of gophers and other destructive pests away from your vegetable garden. And you can use hand pruners to cut off damaged branches or stems from trees and shrubs, thus reducing the spread of disease. You can also start a garden journal or spreadsheet to record the condition of your landscape plants and any insect or disease activity you see.

Columbia MO Pest Control includes prevention, suppression, and eradication. Prevention involves avoiding the presence of pests or limiting their damage to an acceptable level. This can be done by scouting and monitoring pests or by accurate identification.

Physical methods include pest-proofing homes and business premises, removing food, water, and shelter from pests, fixing leaky plumbing, and regularly removing garbage. Nematodes, microscopic worms that kill insects, are another biological pest control option.

While pest control might conjure up images of fighting a severe infestation with chemicals after it has taken hold, the best and most effective approach to controlling pests is prevention. This focuses on eliminating all factors that make your property attractive to pests in the first place, including food, water and shelter.

Preventative measures include a variety of tactics, from sanitary building design to regular inspections by trained professionals. Sealing entry points, such as cracks and crevices, is a simple and effective deterrent to many pests. Maintaining a clean facility that is free of clutter and debris, which provides hiding places for pests, is also an important deterrent. Trash receptacles should be tightly covered and emptied regularly, while weeds and grasses around structures should be kept neatly trimmed to eliminate potential pathways into the buildings.

Keeping all of the above in mind, it is also important to consider how weather conditions affect the pest population and its growth rate. Heavy rains and cold temperatures will generally suppress pest populations, while hot, dry weather will usually increase them.

Finally, it is also advisable to utilize natural enemies of pests as part of the control process, such as parasites, predators and pathogens. In addition to reducing the need for chemical intervention, this can be a very cost-effective method of control.

Infestation by disease-carrying cockroaches, rodents or even venomous insects can pose significant health risks to humans and pets, as well as damage property and disrupt the ecological balance of your environment. Likewise, overgrown gardens and yards can be a breeding ground for weeds that compete with your plants for nutrients and water, and may be a source of invasive species that could eventually disrupt native ecosystems.

Suppression

Pests can spread diseases, contaminate food, and damage property. In addition, their droppings can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. Some pests, such as rats and mice, also gnaw on electrical wires, which can lead to expensive repairs and possible fires. Other pests, such as cockroaches and ants, can cause diarrhea and other illnesses. Pests can be controlled using a variety of methods. These include trapping, baiting, scouting, and spraying.

Monitoring is a key component of pest control. It involves identifying when pests are present and in what numbers so that appropriate action can be taken. This may involve scouting, which means checking the locations of pests or their signs (e.g., smashed ants, discarded rodent nests). It may also mean observing how conditions affect pests, such as monitoring temperature and moisture levels. These factors influence both the success of a pest’s attack on its host and the amount of damage it causes.

Natural enemies of pests, including parasites, predators, and pathogens, often suppress their populations. These natural enemies usually have a specific host that they attack and kill, or they may be introduced into an area to help control a pest. Some of these natural controls use chemicals, such as pheromones and juvenile hormones, to alter the behavior of the pests they attack or inhibit their ability to mature into adults.

Mechanical or physical controls are devices, machines, and methods that physically block or alter a pest’s environment. Examples of these include traps, screens, fences, barriers, and nets. The use of radiation and electricity sometimes can also be used to prevent pests from entering or spreading.

Chemical or synthetic pesticides are the mainstay of modern commercial pest control. These are available in the form of powders, gels, liquids, granules, and sprays. The most widely used type of pesticides are herbicides, which target and kill weeds; insecticides, which target and kill insects; and fungicides, which treat fungal diseases.

The best way to limit the use of these chemicals is to practice preventive techniques. Remove cluttered areas where pests can breed and hide, and caulk cracks and crevices where they might enter. Use pesticides sparingly, and only when needed, as they pose health risks to humans and pets. It is recommended that anyone who uses pesticides to obtain a certificate of training and a license.

Eradication

Eradication is rare in outdoor pest control situations because prevention and suppression methods are more easily implemented. However, eradication can be an important goal in some indoor environments (such as health care, food processing and preparation facilities, and offices), where certain pests are considered unacceptable and are often impossible to tolerate. Examples include cockroaches, rats and mice, and termites.

Chemical

Chemical pest control solutions work faster than natural methods and usually provide instant results once applied. They can include repellents that keep pests away, or insecticides designed to kill specific types of insects. Many of these chemicals can pose health and environmental threats upon exposure, but the effects are typically temporary.

Physical

Traps, netting, and decoys are examples of physical pest control techniques. These can be time-consuming to set and require a level of manual handling that may not be suitable for some individuals. In addition, some traps may be difficult to dispose of properly and can pose a risk to pets or children.

Poison baits are another type of physical pest control, consisting of small containers that contain poisons and attract pests to them by smell or taste. Once a pest is attracted to the bait, it will eat it and carry it back to the nest to cull other members of the population. This method can also be used in conjunction with other forms of physical trapping to improve results.

Pesticides and herbicides are a more conventional form of chemical pest control. They are available in sprays, granules and liquids that are intended to specifically target and kill particular pest species. These should be used with caution and disposed of safely after use, according to instructions on their labels.

While eradication can be a useful and worthwhile goal in some cases, it is important to consider the costs and benefits of achieving this objective. For example, eradication of a disease can yield dividends in the form of avoided infections and vaccination costs that far exceed the cost of eradication itself (as has been the case with poliomyelitis). Conversely, the failure of an eradication program can lead to future outbreaks (as has happened with yellow fever) or vaccine strain reversion (as has occurred with gypsy moth and variolae rhodopsidis). The latter risk is largely mitigated by the fact that eradication programs are typically focused on isolated areas.

Natural Forces

Natural forces – predators, parasites, pathogens, weather and other biotic (living) factors – regulate pest populations. In general, their action reduces them below levels that cause economic injury. Herbivorous insects that destroy weeds, for example, are considered biocontrol agents.

Most pests occur naturally and, without control, have a place in food chains and habitats. However, their numbers can reach intolerable levels in some settings, such as homes and retail or food preparation environments. In these cases, pest controls are needed to protect people and property.

Prevention is the primary goal of any pest control strategy. Generally, this involves keeping pests away by making it difficult for them to get where they are not wanted. Good hygiene and sanitation practices are key here, along with modifying the environment to make it less attractive to the pests.

Physical barriers, such as netting and row covers, keep pests away from crops and can be used in conjunction with other control methods to reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Traps – sticky boards, pheromone traps – and other mechanical devices also can be used to catch and monitor pest populations.

Chemical controls – including organic compounds, plant growth regulators, fungicides and insecticidal oils – can be used to manage pests in the field, greenhouse or garden. Generally, they are not as effective as prevention but can be useful as a supplement to other methods of pest management.

The most important consideration in any use of chemicals for pest control is to ensure that the chemical is targeted to the specific organism and that its effects are limited to that organism. Many chemicals have broad-spectrum effects and kill other beneficial or nontarget organisms as well. In addition, some pests develop resistance to chemicals over time. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses prevention and other nonchemical control methods first, with pesticides being used only after monitoring indicates that an action threshold has been reached. It focuses on reducing the need for chemicals and on using those that are least toxic to humans, other organisms and the environment.