Though biological pest control using beneficial insects have its merits, purely chemical control is the most effective and widely employed method in controlling pest populations. An integrated pest management program may contain a combination of natural and chemical pest control methods to control pests. To understand more about insect pest management using chemical controls, here are the most widely-used types:
Chemical Pest Control Methods:
Insecticides:
Insecticides typically come in two forms: granulated or sprayed. They have specific formulations to eliminate specific pests. These chemicals kill insect pests such as cockroaches, ants, flies, and mosquitos.
- Granulated insecticides are best when dealing with pests in their hiding or nesting areas. These can also be placed in areas where insect pests get their food. Insects may take these granules back to their nesting areas, mistaking them for food. Once these are ingested, they can act quickly and decimate entire insect populations.
- Sprayed chemicals are best for flying insects such as fleas and mosquitos. These chemicals kill on contact.
Fogging:
Fogging is an environment-friendly application method for insecticides. Special ULV (Ultra Low Volume) fogging machines can be applied to broad areas to kill adult flying insects such as moths, flies, and mosquitos.
Rodenticides:
Rodenticides are specifically designed to be eaten by rats. Also commonly known as rat poison, these have a high degree of lethality and are highly toxic to smaller mammals. These are dangerous to pets. These are used in specifically-designed poisoned bait to prevent other animals from ingesting them.
Heat Treatment:
Though not strictly a chemical control procedure, these are gaining popularity, especially when dealing with bed bugs, fleas, and other temperature-sensitive pests. In this method, infested areas are gradually heated until pests at every development stage are killed.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Chemical Control Methods
Though chemical pesticides are readily available in stores, these pest control methods should be cautiously exercised. Before a pest control professional decides between biological control or chemical controls to eliminate the specific pest population, they take these benefits and disadvantages into account:
Benefits of Chemical Control Methods:
- Pesticides are relatively affordable, typically lowering the average cost of pest control using purely chemical pesticides for the same area and type of pest.
- Chemical pesticides are usually reliable
- Chemical pesticides are fast-acting
- Chemical pesticides are easy to use
Disadvantages of Chemical Control Methods:
- Insects naturally develop natural resistance to chemicals over time
- Chemical pesticides are highly toxic and can cause health issues to any living organisms in contact with it.
- Chemical pesticides leave residue everywhere. In the case of plants, they may cause plant diseases or kill beneficial insects.
- Persistent use of chemical pesticides will contaminate groundwater.
Alternative Pest Control Methods
There are other types of pest control methods outside chemical control methods. These are hygienic, physical, and biological pest control methods. Each has its pros and cons. The best pest control methods may require combinations of two to three of these methods in an integrated pest management program.
Classical Biological Control:
In this method, the solution relies on beneficial natural enemies of pests instead of chemicals. These could include natural predators such as using ladybugs to eliminate aphids. Another technique is introducing beneficial organisms and active biological control agents into plants with a symbiotic relationship while protecting them from pests.
Physical Pest Control Methods:
These methods rely on mechanical control techniques in eliminating pests, such as trapping, removing, or killing pests using traps, poisoned baits, field burning, or trap cropping. Removing breeding grounds by cleaning your yard or eliminating dark and damp places also counts among physical pest control methods.
Hygienic Pest Control Methods:
Hygienic pest control methods mean keeping a clean home and surroundings to deny pests the ideal environmental factors to thrive. This is a “do it yourself pest control” method. Here is a checklist of hygienic pest control methods you can apply at home:
- Prevent clutter from accumulating
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces after eating
- Wash dishes, flatware, cutlery, cups, and glasses, immediately after eating
- Dispose of food scraps immediately
- Store food in sealed containers
- Keep bathrooms clean.
- Ensure you don’t have stagnant water at home.
- Check and fix holes and cracks that may serve as insect entry points.
- Install insect screens on your windows.
Pros and Cons of Natural Pest Control Methods
Controlling pests can be complicated; even natural pest control methods aren’t perfect. Here are the benefits and disadvantages of using natural pest control methods:
Benefits of Natural Pest Control Methods
- Plants will have long-term protection once beneficial insects and organisms are well established.
- No harmful chemicals are involved.
- Natural products are (often) environmentally friendly.
- Insects don’t develop a natural resistance to natural enemies.
Disadvantages of Natural Methods
- Natural pest control methods are typically slower-acting than chemical methods.
- Natural methods can’t guarantee killing entire pest populations. However, the harmful pests will generally move to another area.
Takeaways: Always Consult Your Dependable Pest Control Expert For the Best Pest Control Method Specific To Your Needs
Pest control professionals choose the appropriate method to ensure the safety of surrounding areas, especially when using chemical pesticides. They exercise precautions such as using the appropriate pesticides for the job. Moreover, they will only use as many pesticides as needed and spray when it is safe.
Natural pest control methods have their benefits, and they can help you select the best form of defense to prevent pest problems from occurring in the future. The best professional pest control experts can employ the right combination of physical, chemical, and natural controls to ensure that pests populations are controlled for long stretches.
To know more about how Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions can help eliminate your pest problems in Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and the rest of the East Valley Area, call us at (480) 359-9600 for a free estimate.
