Using Pest Control to Control Pests
Pest Control is the management or regulation of a specific species defined as an invasive species, a wild member of the arboreal animal kingdom which affects negatively on human activities for which it is not responsible. The human reaction to pest control will range from limited tolerance, through outright deterrence, to active attempts to eradicate the pest altogether. Invasive species pose threats to the well being of people and their communities, posing a threat to the sustainable development of such areas. These species are often difficult to control and dangerous to humans.
Pest control involves the use of several techniques to prevent these pests from entering into homes and businesses. These include the use of mechanical traps (often referred to as “traps”), biological traps (often called “insecticides” or “pesticides”) and traps designed for rodents. Traps which are used for the control of rodents are often made of mesh wire which is strong enough to repel or catch a large number of pests at one time, but will not harm humans or other animals which might come into contact with them. Mesh traps are very effective in eliminating rodents and insects that feed on rodents and insects.
Rodents such as rats and mice are most often trapped using poison bait. However, it should be noted that poisons and pesticides which are designed for use against rodents may also be hazardous to humans and pets. Therefore, unless the area in which you intend to trap the rodents is fenced off completely, it is best to leave the use of poison bait to the professionals. This is especially true if you have young children or elderly people living with you; or if the area has access to water or is near a body of water such as a pond or stream.
Another popular form of pest control treatment, which is often misunderstood is that of insecticides and pesticides. While insecticides and pesticides do pose risks to human health and to pets, they are highly effective at killing both the insects and the pests they feed on, and do not pose a threat to people who eat, drink or work nearby the treated areas. Insecticides are most commonly used to kill pests in the garden, although they can also be used to kill insects in other areas such as the lawn or around trees.
Other common forms of pest control include baits. Baits are usually designed to capture the adult insects instead of killing them. They can be purchased from a garden center or you could make your own. These baits can be made from honey, cheesecloth, cauliflower and eggs and include a “killing” ingredient such as Imidacloprid.
One of the most effective, and least toxic methods of insect control, is crop rotation. For instance, planting beans in the same field over a period of several years will control both bean ants and leafhoppers. This method of pest control is also used to prevent against the transmission of West Nile Virus to humans. However, it should be remembered that even though crop rotation will kill all adult insect pests, there are certain populations that are resilient and survive, thereby posing a threat to the environment and human health. In such cases, it is essential to use other techniques of insect control.