The utterance of words like cockroaches, fleas, rats, bedbugs, and ants causes fear in some people. If you’re in this group, then you need information on the pest control methods.
Pests pose a serious threat to human beings and other living organisms. For example, cockroaches carry disease-causing allergens, and rats contaminate and destroy food across the world that could feed 200 million people every year.
There are numerous kinds of pests like; rats, fleas, bed bugs, mosquitoes, termites, squirrels, and fungus. Any living organism that hurts people, the surroundings, food supplies, and stock is considered a pest.
Below are the 7 common pest control methods that you need to know:
1. Knowledge
An in-depth understanding of pests, their lifestyle, and potential threats is crucial in determining the pest control strategy. Mistakes in identifying pests are costly as they lead to wastages of time, effort, and money.
You should also learn about the breeding grounds of the specific pests. Jordan Larson from CustomBedBug.com says that an effective way to get rid of bedbugs is to kill them with a heat treatment, which includes heating your home to between 130 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It will prevent them from growing and eliminate them.
It takes a lot to gain effective knowledge of pests, and some people are not courageous enough to deal with pests. If you’re not able to deal with all these, then you need help from professional pest control companies.
2. Proper Hygiene
Dirty surroundings attract the majority of the pests. So, the best method of preventing the growth and reproduction of pests is by practicing good hygiene at home and also in the office.
Always ensure that you clean the table and kitchen after every meal — secure leftover food and residue in wraps before throwing them in the trash bin. The communal trash should be properly disposed of or recycled.
You should also wash all the dishes and keep the stove, cupboard, and floor clean and dry. Clear all weeds in your garden and drain all holes.
You should also store your food correctly in lid fitted containers. Proper storage of food prevents rodents such as rats from destroying it. It also preserves the food preventing it from decaying and becoming a breeding ground for other pests.
3. Chemical Methods
There are numerous pesticides effective in killing pesticides at home, stores, farms, offices, and other places. But, pesticides contain hazardous chemicals that contaminate the air, food, land, and water.
Pesticides reduce the quality of air leading, thus leading to respiratory diseases. Pesticides sip into the ground damaging the soil and aquifers. Rainwater water also washes the pesticides into water bodies such as rivers and lakes damaging aquatic life.
They kill pests through the oral, respiratory, and dermal entry. They are available in solid, liquid, or spray form. Pesticides are also grouped based on the pests they kill. Herbicides are for plants, insecticides kill insects, and bactericides kill bacteria.
Pesticides can be dangerous for you. Before using them, make sure that you read the label on them. Wear protective clothing the cover food, drinks, and dishes lying around. If you’re not comfortable handling pesticides, then you need professional pest control services.
4. Biological Methods
Biological pest control methods are commonly used in a greenhouse, but they are also effective outdoors.
Biological methods involve the introduction of natural pests’ enemies into the environment to interfere with their breeding ability or infect them with a deadly disease. Enemies of pests include parasites, pathogens, and predators.
For example, insects are used to feed on the pests’ larvae preventing them from growing further. This method controls pests, and it’s also safe for the environment as compared to pesticides. The Australian native fish is also used to feed on mosquito larvae.
The effectiveness of biological methods depends on the use of the correct enemies of the pests and good conditions. You should also control the natural enemies as they may become an issue after killing the pests.
5. Physical Methods
Physical methods are preferred because they kill only the pests preserving the animals and plants in the surroundings. They involve the use of physical and mechanical tools to capture and destroy pests. These tools include predator traps used to catch pets or baits to kill them.
For example, some people mix baits with biodegradable poison to attract and kill pests. Other examples include; insecticidal soap, oil sprays, and parasitic nematodes.
The main issue with this method is they are not safe for kids. Kids may ingest some of the poisonous kids risking their lives instead of killing the rodents. Make sure that you hide the baits in places where kids cannot reach.
6. Electronic Pest Control Methods
Advances in technology have made it easy to pick up and eliminate pests permanently. The primary electric pest control methods are ultrasonic and electromagnetic.
Ultrasonic produces sound waves to attract and kill pests. Electromagnetic kills insects and rodents by affecting their nervous systems.
Electronic methods kill pests and are not harmful to the environment. They are also best for people with kids. But, they only repel insects and rodents.
7. Professional Services
If you don’t know how to control pests or you don’t’ have the time, then you need the services of a professional. Professional pest control companies have the knowledge, expertise, and tools required to control pests.
They will identify the breeding grounds to kill the young ones and eggs, kill the visible pests, and also eliminate all conditions favoring their existence.
Eliminate Pests Today
There are several methods that you can use to eliminate pests from your home, office, garden, or store. However, each method is suited for specific pests. You need a good understanding of the pests to select the best control method.
Safety first! Before selecting any pest control method, consider the people and other living organisms in the surroundings. Don’t select a method that will put the lives of your kids at risk or harm other living organisms.
Pests are not only unsightly but also harmful. Eliminate pests to avoid the embarrassment and also protect yourself and your kids from diseases.
Please explore our blog for more insightful information on pest control methods.