Pest Control Abbotsford BC involves the use of practices and products to reduce the numbers of undesirable organisms. These include prevention, suppression, and eradication.
Preventing pests is generally the first goal of pest control. This can be done by making it difficult or impossible for pests to survive or reproduce.
Prevention may also involve identifying and selecting resistant varieties of plants, animals, and structures. It also includes removing sources of food, water, and shelter for pests.
Pest Identification
In the hands of an expert, proper pest identification is one of the most critical first steps in any pest control program. Incorrect pest identification can result in improper application of chemicals and wasted time and money, as well as unnecessary risks to people and the environment. Knowing the pest’s life cycle and behavior, and its preferred food, habitat and harborage areas, helps to determine the most appropriate preventive and control measures.
The most important step in pest identification is to determine if the pest is causing damage or a nuisance. Damage may include visible signs like holes in wood, or other structural problems such as abrasions on plants or fruit. Pests can also cause other problems, such as the spread of disease by carrying pathogens (bacteria or viruses) that deteriorate plant tissues and can make people sick.
A pest control expert can identify the type of pest, and recommend the best course of action to resolve the problem. But anyone can start the process by checking a number of resources:
Species identification guides, available in many libraries, provide biological clues, such as what a pest eats and how it grows. A magnifying glass, a flashlight and/or a hand lens can help you spot insect parts, frass (excrement) or other evidence of the pest.
An online search of the pest’s name often produces valuable information, such as descriptions and images. University extension services and state departments of agriculture or public health have specialists who can help with the identification of insects and other pests, and may offer educational materials.
Some pests can be recognized by a characteristic that makes them unique from others of the same species, such as wing patterns, color, or behavior. Others are identified by the way they move, such as a cockroach’s legs or a fly’s wings.
Seeing more of a particular pest, or even just seeing them in the home, can indicate that an infestation is occurring. For example, if cockroaches are seen during the day, it is likely that their numbers have increased and they are moving into new areas of the home. Also, if you see carpenter ants digging around the outside of a home or making nests in wood, it is probably time to call for a pest control professional.
Pest Prevention
The best way to keep pests away is through preventive methods that deter them instead of killing them. This includes things like keeping food products sealed in containers and not leaving them out, blocking holes with a material that can’t be chewed, and securing garbage bins with lids. It’s also important to eliminate any attracting elements such as stacks of paper, wood or cardboard that can attract rodents and other pests.
Pests are more likely to infest buildings when they have ample hiding places, access to water and food, and an easy exit route. Infestations often start at a single location and spread from there. Regular inspections can find problems that may lead to infestations. In commercial facilities, this can include looking for signs of pests in deliveries, inspecting for pests in shipping materials, and checking for sanitation deficiencies.
It’s also necessary to recognize the life cycle of a pest so that preventive measures can be taken when the pest is at its most vulnerable. This involves identifying the pest in its various stages, such as egg, larva, nymph, pupa and adult, and knowing that some control measures work only at certain times during the pest’s life cycle.
Preventive actions are based on understanding the pest’s biology, habits, and preferred habitats, and then limiting or eliminating its sources of food and shelter. This is known as integrated pest management (IPM).
Several natural forces influence the growth of all organisms. For example, the amount of rainfall can affect plant populations. IPM strategies take advantage of these natural forces to reduce the need for insecticides.
An essential tool for scouting is the flashlight, which allows inspection of dark, secluded areas where pests tend to hide and breed. An extendable mirror can also be helpful, since it makes it easier to check under and behind equipment and furniture. In addition to these tools, a magnifying glass is useful for examining small cracks and crevices for signs of pests.
It is possible to achieve significant reductions in the need for pesticides through a combination of prevention and treatment. Prevention is the most cost-effective approach to pest control and can be more effective than treatments alone.
Pest Control Methods
A key part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is pest identification and monitoring. Whether you are a professional pest control operator or a do-it-yourselfer, you need to know what pests are present, where they are, and how often you see them. This information helps you decide if and when to take control measures. The goal of IPM is to minimize pesticide use and environmental impact. This means using preventive measures, such as removing food sources, blocking access to shelter and water, and closing off harborage points.
Then, when a problem occurs, you should use inspection and scouting techniques to determine the nature of the pest infestation and its severity. This is called threshold-based decision making. For example, a few wasps flying around doesn’t warrant control, but a nest in a corner of the yard might signal an infestation that requires immediate action.
Physical pest control methods, such as traps and bait stations, are useful in many situations, particularly those that don’t require the use of chemicals. A flashlight and a magnifying glass can help you locate dark, secluded harborage areas where pests breed or hide. Also, a telescoping mirror can help you inspect behind and underneath equipment and furniture. Look for signs of pests, such as droppings or egg masses, as well as their damage to plants and structures.
Biological pest control methods can be effective, too. The microscopic nematodes in the soil, for example, can control roaches and other insects by attacking them directly. Use a product labeled for the pest you’re trying to control, and follow instructions carefully.
Chemical pest control methods can include sprays and fogging devices, which are used to kill or repel targeted pests. Insecticides are most commonly used. They can be very effective, but must always be used correctly to reduce the chance of injury or damage to people, pets, property, and plants. Fogging devices spray a fine mist of insecticide, but they can also injure or irritate the eyes, nose, and throat of unwitting persons who are nearby.
Using physical and biological pest control methods first is the best way to limit the need for chemical controls. However, if these efforts are insufficient to control pests or their damage, chemical control can be helpful.
Pest Control Products
Pest control products are chemicals designed to repel, kill or deter pests from plants and structures. They are sold and used by professional pest management companies, garden centers and home improvement stores. Products include insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides. There are also organic and natural pest control products.
Green pest control products use naturally occurring substances to control unwanted organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and nematodes. These products are considered to be more eco-friendly than synthetic chemical solutions. However, they may not be as effective for some pests.
There are a wide variety of green pest control products available. Some are fast acting and break down quickly, while others linger in the environment for days or weeks. The best choice for any situation will depend on the pest problem and the specific conditions.
Many commercial and home products are made from plant oils, extracts and natural ingredients. These are usually less toxic than synthetic chemicals and can be as effective for some pests as more traditional sprays. The products are usually sold in gels, dusts and other formulations. They can be applied directly to the soil or used as a spray or fog. They are generally safe for the environment and humans, when used properly.
Natural insecticides are commonly available in home garden centers. Examples include chrysanthemum oil (for fleas and ticks), eucalyptus oil (for mosquitoes) and citrus fruit extracts or oils (for ants and cockroaches).
For larger pests, mechanical barriers may be used. For example, yellow sticky traps can attract and catch aphids. Copper tape can discourage slugs. A layer of hydrated lime or crushed eggshells around a plant discourages cucumber beetles.
If you choose to use a pesticide, be sure to read and follow the label instructions carefully. It is against federal law to exceed the recommended amount of any pesticide. It is also important to store and dispose of pesticides safely, according to the product’s instructions. Some of the most popular pesticides include Termidor SC (a termite treatment) and Bedlam Plus (a spray for bed bugs). Many people mistakenly assume that all pesticides are harmful to the environment, but this is not necessarily true. Many modern, eco-friendly pesticides are highly targeted and only affect the intended organisms.