Pests are everywhere: ants, mice, moths, mosquitoes, and flies can all invade homes and gardens. Store food in airtight containers, use tight-fitting lids on indoor and outdoor trash cans, and regularly clean up discarded plant materials that provide hiding places for pests. Visit https://www.benspest.biz/ to learn more.
An important first step in any pest management situation is to accurately identify the specific species. This is a key part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Many pests look very similar to non-pests at different stages in their life cycle, so it is crucial to be able to tell them apart to ensure that the correct control method is applied.
For example, a weed seedling will look very different than the mature plant and might require a different control approach. Also, many pests undergo significant physical changes during their development, and it is important to know when to treat them to ensure that they are at the most susceptible stage of their life cycle. In addition, pests often develop resistance to commonly used insecticides and can be more difficult to control if incorrectly identified.
There are many good identification aids available to help a pest manager to accurately determine the pest in a particular situation. For instance, Insects Limited has a wide variety of very helpful identification aids for stored product insects, and many university and government libraries have field guides on hand to assist with identifying pests. In addition, EH&S has a number of staff entomologists that can provide assistance with identification.
The ability to identify a pest correctly will also allow managers to determine if there is a need for pest control. For instance, a pheromone trapping program to control brown rice beetles would be much more effective if the pests were actually rice beetles rather than another insect, and if they were at an early stage of their life cycle when they could easily be controlled with IPM techniques.
Additionally, a pest infestation of mosquitoes can quickly become a major health concern, and identifying the specific species will help to determine if it is necessary to use rodenticides to control them or if other methods would be more appropriate. Similarly, the presence of hornets or yellowjackets is often a sign that a building’s structural integrity has been compromised, or that employees are routinely propping open doors, providing easy entry points for other pests.
Pest Prevention
Keeping pests out is the best way to reduce pest control costs. It is also the least harmful to people and the environment. An effective pest prevention program requires that a facility, property or QA manager understand the specific factors that lead to a pest problem and then take steps to address those issues.
The key is to stop the pests from getting what they need. This could be food, water or shelter. Crawling pests include rodents like mice and rats, arachnoids such as spiders, and insects including millipedes, centipedes and beetles. These pests can be a nuisance and may bite, cause structural damage and/or pose health risks.
In addition to physical inspections, a preventative pest control plan may include a variety of other tactics. For example, sealing entry points where pests can gain access to a building, making sure that all windows and doors close and seal properly, and that trash is disposed of in tightly closed, pest-proof containers, are all effective preventative measures. Incorporating good sanitation practices such as keeping kitchen areas clean and storing food in containers, properly disposing of garbage and regular cleaning of pantry shelves can also help reduce pest problems.
For outside facilities, planting crops at different times to reduce exposure to pests and using crop rotation can reduce the need for insecticides. If these preventative efforts aren’t effective or if the pest infestation is too extensive, then an eradication treatment may be needed. These services are performed on an emergency basis outside of the routine pest service schedule and typically involve pesticides.
Treatments are used to eradicate existing pest infestations and can be very effective. However, they are usually more costly than preventative pest management. In addition, once the pests are gone, they will most likely return unless measures are taken to deter them.
An effective pest prevention program requires that employees are aware of the steps being taken to prevent pest problems and are committed to supporting those efforts. Employee training is an important part of this. It is also very helpful to communicate to employees why a pest prevention program has been implemented and the benefits it will provide to them, the institution and the environment.
Pest Control Methods
When pests attack, your company must use effective methods to achieve pest control. This may involve physical, biological or chemical treatments. The key is to match these techniques with the specific conditions at your property or facility. A comprehensive pest management program combines these methods, allowing you to minimize environmental impact.
Physical pest control removes the pest from its habitat by removing or killing the bug or rodent. This method does not use harsh chemicals and is effective for smaller infestations. However, it is not foolproof since the pest might find its way back to its original home or other locations in your building.
Biological pest control uses natural predators or parasitoids to reduce the population of targeted insects. This was once the mainstay of structural pest management until it was replaced by chemical treatment. However, it still can be used to reduce the dependence on pesticides, which often cause pollution and nontarget effects.
Chemical pest control involves the direct application of pesticides to kill or repel targeted pests. Common methods include spraying, ULV fogging and fumigation. These treatments are not without risks, as they can contaminate the environment, hurt pets or humans and even damage the plants themselves. However, when used correctly, they can be very efficient at controlling pests.
Pest control inspections must be conducted regularly. This is especially important if pests have been controlled with cultural or biological methods. These inspections should start with a thorough and accurate identification of the pest, its life cycle and preferred habitat. This information allows the pest management specialist to discover the weaknesses of the insect and target treatment strategies accordingly.
Visual inspections should be complemented with sampling techniques such as disclosing solutions and sweep nets for turf areas, and cup cutting or soil diggings for scouting soil-inhabiting insects. In addition to detecting pests, these inspections help record their populations and behavior over time, which is critical for developing effective preventive measures. This data will also allow for posttreatment evaluation of pest control effectiveness and to determine the need for additional actions. A pest monitoring plan should be written and distributed to all personnel. This should detail sanitation procedures, incoming product inspection practices, storage schedules, cleaning procedures and maintenance records.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals that prevent, destroy or control a harmful organism (‘pest’). They can be very dangerous to people and pets if not used properly. They can also harm the environment if used carelessly, polluting water, air and soil.
There are many different types of pesticides. Some kill the pest, while others affect a pest’s development or metabolism. The most important factor in using pesticides is to select the appropriate chemical for your problem and follow the label directions exactly. Always use the least toxic method to achieve your goals.
Avoid spraying when it is windy or rainy, and never apply pesticides near a source of drinking water or to paved surfaces where they may run off and be carried into storm drains. Also, never spray a pesticide in the presence of bees or other pollinators when they are active. Neonicotinoids, organophosphates and pyrethroids are particularly harmful to pollinators.
Read the pesticide label carefully before purchasing and using it, and before applying any chemical. It contains valuable safety information, including the proper way to use and store the product. Always use only the amount required for the job, and be sure to wear any protective clothing and equipment recommended on the label. Keep kids and pets away from areas where pesticides are mixed or applied. Spray in well-ventilated areas, and use the smallest amount necessary to get the job done.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and closed-toe shoes when handling any pesticide. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber or plastic gloves when handling pesticides, especially if you will be removing leaves or roots. Use a face mask when spraying, and make sure to use the type of pesticide that requires it.
Use integrated pest management strategies, such as scouting and thresholds, to reduce the need for pesticides. Limit the number of treatments, and rotate insecticides with a different mode of action. Insecticide resistance has been found to develop rapidly when two or more pesticides have similar modes of action. Choosing insecticides with less-specific modes of action, such as horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps, can help reduce the likelihood of developing resistance.