Pest control is a term used to describe the process of preventing and controlling unwanted pests. It is usually used when a pest causes more damage than can reasonably be avoided. This process can be effective in reducing pest numbers, but may be more costly than the damage done by the pest itself. There are three basic methods of pest control: prevention, suppression, and eradication. Prevention involves avoiding the problems caused by pests, suppression reduces the pest population, and eradication destroys the entire pest population.
Integrated pest management (IPM)
Integrated pest management (IPM) entails several principles for the effective control of various types of pests. The first principle outlines the threshold of action, which indicates when pest control must be applied. It also identifies the level of economic threat posed by a pest. It is important to understand these criteria before implementing IPM on your property. If you notice that a pest is threatening your crops, consider using a combination of techniques.
Physical and mechanical methods
The two main types of pest control methods are physical and mechanical. Physical methods involve physical barriers or traps that suffocate or kill pests on contact with them. Mechanical methods may also include traps or machinery that move loads or obstacles. Some of these techniques may be ineffective, but they can help control pest populations in specific areas. Mechanical methods are most effective when they are used in conjunction with biological controls, such as other IPM strategies.
Chemical methods
While chemical pest control is still common, nonchemical approaches are becoming increasingly popular. Increasingly, emphasis is being placed on the use of modified or controlled atmospheres. Fumigation with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, or low temperatures is one such method. Essential oils have antimicrobial properties and have been used to control pests for centuries, but they have only recently been studied in a systematic way. These natural substances are often used on their own or in combination with other products to control multiple pests and diseases.
Insect pathogens
Insect pathogens are emerging as important biological control agents. They have been used in many niche markets but have significant limitations. For example, insect pathogens are susceptible to environmental stresses such as desiccation and extreme temperature. However, with progress and development of more efficient in vitro mass production systems, insect viruses may open up a much larger market. Baculoviruses are among the most common insect pathogens, accounting for approximately 10 percent of all known species.
Biological methods
Biological methods for pest control use natural enemies of insects to kill harmful bugs. These organisms, which include bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa, and viruses, drastically reduce pest populations under certain conditions. Some commercial pesticides contain beneficial pathogens such as entomopathogenic nemades and granule viruses. Some of these products may also contain microorganism byproducts. Biological control techniques do not include using these products.
If you need help with pest control in Mesa, AZ or Phoenix contact Atomic Pest Control for help.
