Accurate pest identification is an important first step in a successful pest control program. Understanding the life cycle and environmental conditions favoring pests will help you develop effective management strategies.
Natural controls (e.g., weather, topography) limit pest populations by restricting their food sources or habitats. Biological control uses predators, parasites, or pathogens to injure or kill pests. Contact Springfield MO Pest Control now!
The first step in controlling a pest is to identify it. Incorrect identification can lead to a knee-jerk reaction to spray the invader with insecticide or other chemicals that may harm people and pets or destroy the environment.
To identify a pest, look at the invader closely and note its characteristics. For example, count how many legs it has, whether it has wings or antennae, and what color it is. Also, note any other distinguishing marks or behavior. Insects and other invertebrates often change appearance during different stages of life, so it is important to observe the pest at various times of the year and in varying conditions.
Using an online pest guide is another good way to identify the pest and learn about its habits, habitats, threats, signs of an infestation, and prevention and control methods. The guides typically include photos of the pest and a description of its size, shape, and color. They also provide information about the pest’s behavior and where it is found in the environment, such as food sources, breeding sites, and natural enemies.
Once you have identified the pest, you need to determine how much of a problem it poses and what steps are necessary for pest control. Consider factors such as the pest’s impact on the environment, how many of its eggs or young it lays per day, how long it lives, and whether its presence is acceptable.
If the population of a pest is causing unacceptable harm, it may be necessary to control it by suppressing its numbers. This can be done through a variety of means, including sealing cracks and crevices, cleaning up garbage cans, and removing or closing off hiding places. The use of monitoring to assess the effectiveness of suppression and other control methods is a key part of an IPM approach to pest management. Correctly identifying the pests can help you select the most effective management strategies and choose the best time to apply them. Keeping track of the pests you’re controlling can also save you money and effort by helping you avoid repeated treatments that aren’t effective.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals that kill, suppress or repel pests. They are used to protect crops, food, ornamentals and livestock. They are found in spray cans and crop dusters, garden hoses and hand soaps. They can also be found in antimicrobials (disinfectants), herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides. They can damage the environment, contaminate water and harm human health. They may reduce invertebrate biodiversity in streams,[71] destroy pollinator populations and endanger endangered species. They can also disrupt the natural balance of plants by killing beneficial insects and reducing their food supply. They can be absorbed by the skin and inhaled, causing respiratory problems. They can also contaminate soil, groundwater and surface water.
When using pesticides, carefully read the label and follow all safety instructions. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Wear the protective clothing suggested on the label, including rubber gloves. Avoid spraying on windy days. Dispose of empty containers in a safe place and away from fish, wildlife and native plants.
Select a pesticide designed for the specific pest you are trying to control. It should have a picture of the pest on the label. Insecticides are the most acutely toxic. Fungicides are generally less toxic but have chronic risks such as causing cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Herbicides are more benign but can interfere with plant growth or cause environmental problems.
Time pesticide applications according to the life stage of the pest. The most susceptible stages are the egg, larva and nymph. Adults are usually the least resistant to insecticides and miticides.
Integrated pest management, which uses natural enemies to control pests, can be an effective alternative to chemical controls. However, there is a time lag between the increase in natural enemies and the resulting reduction in pest population.
Reduce clutter in your home and yard, which provides places for pests to breed. Cover trash cans and recycle bins to prevent pests from hiding inside. Caulk cracks and crevices where pests enter your house and use metal mesh to cover vents and pipes. Avoid overusing pesticides, which can create resistance. Use baits rather than sprays where possible.
Prevention
A pest control program should be based on the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). This approach focuses on preventive rather than reactive measures. The goal is to maintain or improve yields and quality while reducing risks to people, property, and the environment. The IPM process includes monitoring, identifying and assessing pests, and selecting appropriate management actions. These strategies are based on knowledge of the life cycle and behavior of the pest, its damage potential, and environmental factors.
Preventive measures are aimed at blocking pests from accessing food, water and shelter. These include keeping living areas clean and removing clutter; sealing cracks, holes, and gaps; installing screens and drainpipe covers; and clearing overgrown vegetation around homes and other buildings. It is also important to provide a good environment for beneficial organisms, such as birds, insects and earthworms, that help keep unwanted pest populations at bay.
When it comes to agriculture, IPM strategies include observing field conditions and scouting for pest activity to determine whether action is needed. This information is used to determine the best course of action, such as adjusting fertilizer application rates or planting dates to minimize problems with specific pests. It is also helpful in determining the need for and timing of pesticide applications.
Natural enemies, such as predators and parasites, can also be helpful in controlling pests. These can be introduced to an area through crop rotation, interplanting, and a variety of other practices. Managing weeds and using proper cultivation practices also can reduce the need for chemical controls.
When a pest population gets too high, the decision is made to take action. This may be triggered by esthetic or health considerations, or it may be the result of an economic loss. The objective is to reduce the number of pests to a level at which their harm is unacceptable, without disrupting ecosystems. In many situations, this is achieved through the use of suppressants, such as baits and traps, primarily in conjunction with nonchemical methods. In other cases, chemical controls must be used. It is essential to use chemicals sparingly and carefully so they do not negatively affect other organisms.
Treatment
Pests can damage the environment and cause harm to plants, animals, buildings and people. Pest control is the practice of eliminating or minimizing the number of pests to a safe level. It is a multi-step process that involves identifying the pest, altering environmental factors and using chemicals to kill or repel the pests. Preventing pests from entering the environment in the first place is a great way to reduce pesticide use. Sealing cracks or caulking windows will prevent many pests from ever entering the home.
Chemicals are often the fastest way to control a pest problem, but they can also be the most dangerous and least effective. It is important to carefully select the proper pesticide for the job, and to follow all of the directions on the label. Pesticides are formulated to destroy or repel specific pests, but they can also affect non-target organisms. This is called off-target effects. Using the least toxic pesticides will reduce the chance of off-target effects.
Other ways to control pests include changing habitats, modifying cultural practices and using resistant varieties of crops, wood, or animals. Some predators, parasites, and pathogens will naturally reduce pest populations. There is a time lag between an increase in the number of these natural enemies and a reduction in pest numbers.
Another method of controlling pests is by reducing their food supply. Keeping garbage cans tightly closed, regularly removing trash and storing food in sealed containers will help keep pests away. Changing watering patterns and fixing leaky pipes will decrease the availability of moisture to pests.
Some pests are repelled by certain scents, including the odor of citrus trees and roses. Other repellents are available as commercial sprays, candles and plug-ins. The best repellents are based on a combination of smell, taste and toxicity to the pest.
If a severe infestation is present, more drastic measures such as fumigation may be necessary. This involves pumping the room or building with a gas that will kill the pests. It is one of the most extreme methods of pest control and should only be used when other controls have been unsuccessful.
