Pest control is the practice of reducing the number of unwanted organisms such as insects, rodents or diseases in a environment. It can be done through exclusion, repulsion, physical removal or chemical treatment. A Pest Control program should include a combination of these methods, with emphasis on preventive strategies.
Keeping pests at bay without the use of harmful chemicals is the goal of preventive pest control. This involves preventing the growth of pest populations to unacceptable levels by eliminating food, water and shelter sources, removing overwintering sites, and altering environmental conditions that favor pests. It is also important to keep in mind that most pest problems are the result of a complex interaction between organisms and their environment. In this regard, it is often useful to think of the relationship between a pest and its host plant or animal.
Some plants and animals are adapted to resisting pests, and using them can help keep unwanted populations below damaging levels. Resistant varieties may be more vigorous or tolerant than other types or have physical characteristics that make them difficult to attack. Other plants, such as weeds, may have natural chemicals that act as repellents or deterrents to certain pests. In addition, some crops are more resistant to disease than others, and this can also be used to manage pests.
The need for pest control often depends on the level of harm they cause or their potential to damage property or endanger human health. The most serious pests are those that destroy or disfigure crops, contaminate drinking water supplies, or introduce diseases that threaten human health. In these cases, the need for pest control is generally quite clear and immediate.
Other pests, however, can be more obnoxious, and their presence or activities may affect the comfort, appearance or safety of people, buildings or other structures. Such nuisance pests include rodents, roaches, fleas and mosquitoes. In some situations, the presence of such pests may be tolerable, and a management program should be developed to minimize their numbers.
Suppression is the most common form of pest control. It reduces the number of pests to an acceptable level by killing or controlling them. Suppression can be accomplished through a variety of means, such as chemical spraying, traps, baits or pheromones. The selection of the proper pesticide for a particular situation is crucial, as is its application.
It is important to remember that the success of any pesticide application depends on several factors, in particular the insect’s resistance level, its life cycle stage and its location. If these factors are not taken into account, a pesticide can be ineffective.
Pesticides are often necessary in the control of many pests, but they should be used sparingly and carefully. When they are needed, it is important to choose the most environmentally friendly products available. This is especially important where children and pets are present, as many pesticides can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. In general, pesticides should be used only when other preventive measures are ineffective or impractical.
