If you have been experiencing pest problems in your home, it may be time to consider a natural pest control method. The use of natural enemies has many advantages, but the process is not without its own set of pitfalls. Natural enemies must be carefully collected, studied, and subjected to quarantine to eliminate parasites and pathogens. Once the natural enemies are ready for release, they must be carefully timed to match the life cycle of the target pest. They must also be released in a place where the target pest is most abundant.
Non-toxic methods
While using chemicals to get rid of pests is necessary in some cases, many homeowners are concerned about the effects on their health. Using a non-toxic pest control method can help ensure the safety of your home and landscape. There are a variety of non-toxic options available today, including natural deterrents and cleaning products.
Some non-toxic solutions include diatomaceous earth and garlic. Both have antimicrobial and anti-insect properties and can be used to kill pests. Diatomaceous earth is an effective natural pest control product that works well on ants, lacewings, and praying mantises. It is inexpensive, easy to apply, and has no harmful effects on your family.
Chemical methods
Chemical methods for pest control have been in use for centuries, but recently they have been surpassed by non-chemical alternatives. These methods focus more on controlled or modified atmospheres. Using these techniques can reduce the risk of food contamination. Thermal treatments can also help to control insects without damaging crops. Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, have antimicrobial properties that exterminator services were first discovered in ancient times.
Food production facilities and businesses are particularly vulnerable to pest infestations, so effective pest management is crucial. Pest infestations contaminate crops and livestock and can affect the production and processing of foods. Every year, over 100,000 pest species cause losses in crop and livestock production and in the food processing system. As a result, we spend nearly $8.5 billion on chemical pesticides.
Biological methods
There are many different biological pest control methods. In many cases, biological control involves the release of a pest’s natural enemies. To be effective, these natural enemies must be studied and collected, and must be quarantined to avoid the spread of pathogens and parasites. These agents are then released in quantities that knock down the pest population. Most commercially available insect pathogen formulations are applied inundatively.
These agents can be purchased from biocontrol dealers. Biologically-based methods of pest control can be used in conjunction with other methods of pest control. For example, convergent lady beetles are used to control aphids, and predatory lacewings are often used to control urban cockroaches.
Monitoring
Monitoring for pest control involves checking the site for the presence of pests. This is a critical step in pest management as it identifies pest risk and determines the most appropriate management strategy. When done correctly, it will take into account factors like the pest’s biology and the surrounding environment. It will also help determine the most effective methods for pest control and when to use them.
Spectros Instruments, an industry leader in monitoring for pest control, offers a wide range of products for monitoring pest gases. These devices use Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology and multiple onboard sensors. These provide real-time feedback, ensuring accuracy. The company also offers static point monitoring as well as web-based remote monitoring.
Eradication
Eradication of pests is an ongoing effort to eliminate a variety of pests from an area. Successful eradication operations often require years of research and investment. These efforts must be based on rigorous probability theory, biology, and socio-economic constraints. Ideally, a formal analytical structure would be developed to set realistic expectations for eradication.
Eradication operations should take place over a wide area to achieve the most effective results. The scope of these operations can range from a single MZ to a country. The goal of any eradication operation should be to completely eliminate the pest from the MZ.