Pest control is a term that refers to methods to prevent, eliminate, or manage insects. There are four main types of pest control methods: physical, biological, and chemical. An extermination is a common form of control. Chemical methods include insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Physical methods use physical barriers to prevent infestations, while biological control uses chemicals that kill or inhibit pests in their life cycle.
Extermination
In the past, the term “exterminate” meant “to drive away.” This word came from the Latin prefix ex and the Latin word terminus. The word, however, evolved to mean “to destroy” and “put an end” as it became more common. In recent years, pest control has largely replaced extermination. However, extermination can still be a good choice in some cases. In some instances, pests are difficult to eradicate but can be a necessary evil.
A professional Croydon pest control exterminator will assess the scope of the problem and offer an accurate quote. Extermination costs vary based on the level of infestation and entry point. The most common pest infestations cost around $900 to $1000, depending on the severity of the problem. Some pests are harder to remove than others and may require stronger chemicals. The cost of extermination may also increase if there is a large infestation.
Prevention
Prevention of pest control is one of the best ways to keep your home free from infestations. Most pests enter the home through cracks and holes in your walls and foundation, and you can minimize your risk by sealing these areas. To keep your home pest-free, ensure that the doors and windows on your property are properly sealed and do not have any loose shingles or siding. In addition, check for rips in screens and repair them as soon as possible. Make sure that your home has screen mesh with at least 200 holes per square inch, which can be easily found in many home improvement stores.
Preventing the spread of pests is easier than ever thanks to natural forces that affect all living things. Pest populations fluctuate based on these natural forces. Some of these forces can be helpful or hinder pest control. In order to keep the population of pests under control, you must be aware of the following factors: climate, natural barriers, food sources, and other factors. All of these factors affect the population and the ability of pests to spread.
Preventing pest infestations starts outside the home. While they may be more visible inside your home, pests can still damage your home from the outside. Make sure to keep woodpiles away from the exterior walls, clean gutters regularly, and keep the grass trimmed down. Additionally, it is vital to monitor the foundation, siding, and roofing of your home to ensure that nothing has been harmed by pests. When choosing a pest control service, keep these tips in mind.
Physical Methods
Physical methods of pest control use physical agents or devices that affect the behavior of pests. Some examples of physical pest control are insect traps, poison bait, and exclusion screens. These physical methods do not harm plants or people and can be highly effective for macro pests. These techniques can also be used in conjunction with biological methods of pest control. They may include the use of pesticides, biological agents, or even natural predators that prey on pests.
Traditionally, physical control applications have focused on controlling the water content of soils, dehydrating minerals, and erection of physical barriers. Most physical methods have been developed to prevent or control pest damage, but aren’t effective for long-term protection. These methods need knowledge of IPM strategies, and often only offer temporary protection. They also cannot be used in place of more permanent solutions. Physical control is not recommended in many cases.
One difference between physical and chemical pest control is the regulatory framework. While most physical techniques are subject to registration processes, many aren’t. These registrations are designed to protect both the pests and the people using them. For example, propane gas requires specialized training, while electromagnetic radiation has strict regulations and international agreements. Microwave energy and propane gas have limited use because they disperse over a long distance, but are not as effective.
Other active methods of pest control, such as thermal shock and electrocution, are also available. Both techniques use heat to damage crops or induce a stress response in the pest. They may require periodic renewal and maintenance, and their effects are limited. Physical methods of pest control are comparatively cheaper than chemical controls. However, they lack persistence. A key advantage of these tactics is the absence of residual effects. This is important for the long-term prevention of pests.
Insect Pathogens
Insect pathogens are microorganisms that affect insects, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These organisms have the ability to suppress the population of pest insects, which in turn can prevent them from becoming a major problem. Although disease epidemics among insects are rare, they can occur when insects become crowded in areas where they cannot spread their diseases. This is one reason why pest management strategies have been developed that use specific microbial agents to control the populations of certain insects.
There is also growing evidence that plant roots are capable of harboring entomopathogenic bacteria. One such microbe is P. protegens CHA0, which can invade an insect’s gut and colonize it. Once there, the bacteria replicate and cause disease. It takes a day or so for P. protegens CHA0 to infect the insect’s blood system. It is not known whether the bacteria are harmful to humans, but they are beneficial for plants.
Entomopathogenic bacteria are another way to control insect populations. Some strains are highly effective in controlling pest insects, and others have negative effects on humans and the environment. Entomopathogenic bacteria are an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. They are harmless to mammals, and their persistence is limited. They can be cultivated through transgenic plants. Moreover, they have a long shelf life, so they can be applied to pest control applications.
One recent study involving P. protegens CHA0 showed that Fit toxin is produced during infection of insect larvae, and when the insect is growing on plant roots. These results suggest that Fit toxin is host-dependent and tightly controlled. Three proteins in P. protegens CHA0 are crucial for toxin production. FitF is a sensor histidine kinase-response regulator hybrid that detects an unknown signal and inactivates the repressor protein FitH by phosphorylation.
Organic Methods
Unlike conventional chemical treatments, organic methods of pest control don’t harm the environment. Organic treatments contain only ingredients that are found naturally, such as neem oil derived from the neem plant. These plant oils have been used for millennia and have evolved to protect the ecosystem from pests. Natural compounds have more appeal to pests than chemical solutions, and they are effective against them over time.
One such organic pest control method is diatomaceous earth, which is a silica sedimentary rock. Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled on your plants and gardens to kill unwanted pests. The small granules are highly toxic to small pests, but are safe for humans and can even help with medical conditions. The advantages of organic pest control are numerous, including the fact that it’s cheaper and more easily accessible than chemicals.
Another method of organic pest control is sticky traps. These are available in different colors and have a sticky substance. When insects crawl on them, they get stuck to the sticky material. Insects will stick to the sticky material, which can be used for trapping beetles, fleas, and whiteflies. After a few hours, the sticky substance will dissolve the insect’s skin, leaving you with a clean, healthy home. Organic pest control is a viable alternative to conventional chemical treatments and is just as effective.
If you’re looking for an organic method of pest control, you can use predatory insects as well. Arachnids, praying mantids, and lady beetles are omnivores that can feed on herbivorous insects. Many organic farms buy these eggs and use them to control pests. The larvae of these insects feed on the insect’s eggs, so you can plant them in your garden and enjoy the benefits.
