Pests are unwanted organisms that can cause disease, damage property or spoil food. When pests invade our homes, we must take action to eliminate them.
Clutter provides hiding places for pests and supplies them with water, food and shelter. Keeping homes clean and removing trash regularly discourages many pests. Contact North Vancouver Pest Control for professional help.
The first step in pest control is to correctly identify the organism, whether it is a weed, insect, animal or microbe. Proper identification will allow the user to learn more about the pest, its habits, life cycle and more. This information will help the user choose the most effective management tactics and prevent or minimize unnecessary harm to the environment, people or property.
Many organisms change dramatically during their lifetime. This can be due to age, stage in the life cycle or other factors. For example, a young weed seedling can look very different than a mature one. Similarly, some insects go through drastic physical changes as they develop from eggs to larvae to adults. This is why it is important to have a good source of information for pest identification. This can be obtained by consulting a university entomologist, county extension agent or other professional who is knowledgeable about the organism and its management.
Proper pest identification will help a user determine the most effective treatment methods and avoid unnecessary harm to the environment, people or property. It will also allow the user to make informed decisions about the best use of pesticides and other chemicals for a specific pest problem.
Besides the use of pesticides and other chemical products, there are several ways to manage pest populations without the need for them. This includes proper sanitation (e.g., keeping kitchen and garbage receptacles closed tightly), storing firewood away from the house and using a dehumidifier inside, as well as regular cleaning of high traffic areas of homes or commercial facilities to eliminate food and water sources for pests.
If you have a mystery pest that you cannot identify, the entomologists at MMPC’s Free Pest ID Center can analyze a physical specimen or images of the pest and its bite marks to provide identification results and suggestions for control. The service is available to all MMPC members. To submit a sample, please follow the directions on this page. During normal business hours, the Pest ID Center is open to answer questions via phone and email.
Pest Control Methods
There are many methods to control pests, depending on the kind of pest and the environment. Methods include physical, mechanical, biological and chemical controls. Physical and mechanical controls kill or block pests, or make the environment unsuitable for them. Examples include traps, netting, screens and barriers. These can be used for weeds, rodents, birds and insects.
Chemical pest controls use toxins to eliminate pests. This type of control is typically more effective than physical or mechanical methods. It can also be quicker, delivering results almost instantly. Examples of chemicals include repellents, which keep pests away, and insecticides, which kill insects. Chemicals can pose health and environmental risks when used incorrectly, but they can be helpful in the right situations.
Biological pest control relies on natural predators, parasites and pathogens to reduce infestations. This type of control can be as simple as releasing ladybugs to eat aphids, or as complex as genetically engineered microbes that attack nematodes and other disease organisms. It is generally safer than chemical methods, but can take longer to work.
Eradication is a rare goal in outdoor pest situations, but can be necessary in enclosed environments, such as a greenhouse or a home. Eradication usually requires monitoring to determine if numbers have reached an unacceptable level, and then using a combination of prevention, suppression and treatment methods.
Pests are much more than just an annoying nuisance, they can cause damage that threatens health, safety and property. In addition, some pests can carry diseases or contaminate food and water supplies. For these reasons, preventing pests should be the primary goal of any pest management program.
The most effective way to prevent pests is through regular inspection and maintenance. This includes inspecting the outside of the house for cracks and holes that could allow pests to enter, as well as sealing and caulking these openings. Inside the house, vacuuming frequently, washing linens often and sanitizing kitchen and bathroom areas can help reduce the presence of some pests.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemical compounds or biological agents used to prevent, kill or otherwise control pests such as insects, plant parasites, weeds, fungi and microbes that damage crops or other plants, degrade natural resources, spread disease or cause aesthetic or other nuisance problems. They are usually applied by spraying, but may also be drenched into the soil or placed in baits. Typically, they are toxic to humans and other organisms. A pesticide’s mode of action, target species, labelling requirements and other safety precautions are described on its product label.
Governments regulate the sale, storage and use of pesticides within their jurisdiction. They are responsible for licensing applicators, vendors and growers, registering pesticides and responding to spills or incidents. They also set bylaws governing the application of pesticides to agricultural, municipal, commercial and residential properties.
Read and follow the instructions and warnings on all pesticide products, particularly those intended for indoor or outdoor use. Apply pesticides sparingly and only when they are needed; over-application can be just as harmful as not applying enough. Use baits, traps and other non-chemical methods as much as possible to limit environmental exposure.
Avoid spraying during windy conditions, which can carry the pesticide off-target to areas where it is not wanted or needed. This can lead to unnecessary damage and health risks for humans and pets, as well as contaminate other plants or areas.
Do not apply more pesticide than is directed on the product label; doing so will not make it work faster or better, and could be dangerous. Some pesticides are broken down in the environment into metabolites that can be more hazardous than the parent compound.
Always remove food, cooking utensils and personal items from areas that are being treated with pesticides. Cover any open windows and doors, and keep children and pets out of areas until the sprays have dried or dusts have settled-longer if the product label advises. Never store or dispose of pesticides where they can be accessed by children or pets; refasten childproof locks on all cabinets. Do not mix different pesticides together, and don’t put unused pesticide in containers that look like drink bottles (e.g., old soda or milk containers). People have been poisoned by inadvertently drinking from these containers.
Prevention
Taking preventive steps is the first step in pest control. This is usually done by removing the food, water and shelter that encourage pests. It is important to keep buildings, yards and gardens free from clutter, garbage, woodpiles and other items that offer pests cover or food. Garbage should be removed regularly, and waste products stored in tightly covered trash cans. Ensure that sewage pipes and other plumbing are not exposed to the outside. Close off and patch any cracks or holes in walls, foundations, roofs and utility lines.
Regular monitoring is also helpful in controlling pests. Monitoring can be as simple as observing the number of pests or as complex as determining their population trends and damage levels. Observing pest activity will help managers decide whether the pest can be tolerated or needs to be controlled. It will also help them select the best management tactics.
The climate, weather conditions and habitat are major factors that influence pests. Changing weather conditions such as rain or cold temperatures can kill or suppress pests. Soil moisture, temperature and sunlight affect plant growth and therefore the rate at which pests grow and reproduce. Pests are also affected by diseases and other environmental factors.
Preventive methods that are geared toward long term prevention or elimination of pests rather than their eradication include habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices and use of resistant varieties. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to pest control that combines prevention, inspection, monitoring, and treatment in an environmentally sound manner that minimizes risk to people and property.
When pesticides are used, it is important to follow all label instructions. It is also important to store and handle pesticides properly. In addition, children and pets should be kept away from pesticides. Never transfer pesticides from one container to another. This practice can result in a higher than necessary concentration of chemical. Doing this may cause poisoning or ingestion. Also, it is important to always purchase pesticides from a reliable source. Never buy or sell pesticides to strangers, and avoid buying them from street vendors.