Effective Methods of Pest Control
In order to effectively control and prevent the spread of pests, it is crucial for a property owner to have a comprehensive pest control plan in place. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not realize the importance of having a pest control plan until they have a problem. If you are in doubt about whether or not your property needs a pest control plan, you should contact a local control service and get their opinion. They will be able to give you an honest opinion and help to develop a comprehensive plan for your home.
There are several methods of pest control, but pest control services typically recommend only two methods: baiting and fumigating. As mentioned above, there are several different pest control techniques available to select from, but generally they can be loosely classified into six categories: biological, chemical, physical, mechanical, fumigation and heat treatment. Each method can solve pest infestations in varying degrees of efficiency based on the type of pest, and on the size of the infested area. Baiting and fumigation are used primarily to prevent insects from getting into a property through the use of pesticides, while heat treatment involves the application of heat or cold to kill any remaining insects that may be present.
Rodents pose a significant problem in many homes across the country, and fortunately, they are a relatively easy issue to deal with. Rodent bait, which can be purchased online or in most major supermarkets, can be a highly effective form of pest control when used in combination with other methods. Rodents that enter a home via an open window or door can be quickly repelled by using garden guns.
One of the more common methods of pest control is crop rotation. Although it can take several months for newly planted crops to fully develop, the sudden die back of vegetation can prevent new insects from entering a home. In crop rotation, seeds are planted in the spring, and then in the fall. The plants are not mowed for this time, allowing them to grow at a much slower rate. This ensures that a plant will produce seeds for at least the amount of time left in the soil, which will delay the emergence of pests.
Another method of controlling insect populations involves the use of biological controls. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can be introduced into crops and controlled with biological insecticides. These products are applied to the crop, either through an attached trap or manually, and then released into the soil where the pests are likely to emerge. This method is effective for both warm and cool weather climates and has no ill effects on live plants.
Traps are another option for controlling pests, although baits are often less effective than fumigants and pesticides. To protect against pests that invade in the spring, traps are an ideal option, as they can be placed at least a foot underground. The bait is then placed inside the trap, and the process is repeated as soon as the crop appears. Baits can also be used in cooler climates, although these baits are not as effective because the insects do not feed when the temperature is high.
A third method of controlling insect pests involves the use of pheromone traps. Pheromones are naturally produced by some insects to communicate to potential mates. The substances travel through the air and attract the wrong kind of pests. The most common pheromone that is used to attract aphids, crickets and ants is pheromone B. This chemical attracts the female insect pests, causing them to become swollen and red in order to attract the male insects for mating. The result is that the male flies away, leaving his mate behind.
Pest control can also be achieved with fogging. If you have been plagued by rodents, you may want to consider fogging your home to repel the intruders. There are a few products on the market that fog your house, while others fog the outside of the house, which only attracts mice and other pest insects.