Regular pest control helps preserve the value of your home, property and personal belongings. Routine pest control prevents costly repairs and replacements.
Thoroughly cleaning seldom used cupboards and storage areas several times a year can reduce moth infestations. Laundering or dry-cleaning woollens before storing them can also help. Contact Cumberland Pest Control now!
Many plant disease organisms are highly specific, attacking only a limited number of species. This allows them to be used without harming non-target plants, beneficial insects or wildlife.
Pest Identification
Accurate pest identification is the first step in any pest control program. It allows you to determine basic information about the pest such as its life cycle and when it is most susceptible to being controlled. It also helps you to develop a pest management strategy that is appropriate for the kind and amount of control you need, minimize risk to people and the environment, and observe local, State, and Federal regulations relating to the use of chemicals.
Identifying pests is done through inspection, monitoring and other means such as scouting (see the “Insect Scouting” module), trapping, or examining plant damage. In some cases, a sample may need to be sent to a laboratory for identification. This can be a very expensive part of a pest control program and it is always best to try to correctly identify a pest before beginning any management action.
Many pests look different in various stages of their lives or at various times of the year. The physical form of a pest is the clue to its species. Some pests, such as weed seedlings, have a very different appearance from the mature form. These differences can be helpful in determining when the crop is ready for harvesting and what management tactics are most appropriate.
In a residential setting, a thorough initial inspection is key to detecting and diagnosing pest infestations. This includes checking for fecal droppings and urine trails. In some cases, this will be obvious, but in other cases it may be harder to tell if there is an insect or rodent problem. Instruct cleaning and housekeeping staff at lodging establishments to examine bedding, furniture, walls and floors for signs of infestation.
A good reference guide can be very helpful in identifying pests and knowing what to look for. An entomology book that covers common pests is a great place to start, but there are many other references out there as well. In addition, starting a file of labelled digital images of insects collected by year, season and location can be very useful in facilitating future identifications.
Pest Prevention
Pest control is a broad term that includes preventative practices that keep pests away, along with treatments to stop them when they do show up. Preventative pest management involves taking steps to prevent the emergence of insects, rodents or other pests before they cause damage and requires ongoing attention to ensure that preventive measures are working.
Sanitation and good housekeeping are often the first lines of defense against pests. It’s important to store food in containers and seal them tightly, wipe surfaces regularly, and keep trash receptacles tightly closed. It is also important to keep outdoor toys and furniture in good condition so that they aren’t bringing pests inside. Fruit flies, for example, are often attracted to the bananas, ripe tomatoes and apples left out on counters. If possible, store these foods in the refrigerator to keep flies and other insects at bay.
Effective structural prevention focuses on eliminating or blocking entry points into buildings, a common route for pests. This can include caulking cracks and gaps, sealing window frames and vents, and modifying landscaping to limit pest pathways into buildings. It is also a good idea to fit windows, doors and vents with fine mesh screens. Frequently check these screens for tears and repair them as needed to maintain their integrity.
It’s also a good idea to reduce sources of moisture in and around structures by repairing leaking pipes, using dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces, and making sure that gutters are functioning properly. Moisture is a major attractant for many types of pests.
In some situations, it may be possible to eliminate a specific pest by targeting and killing the adult population or removing eggs. This is rarely the goal in outdoor pest situations, however. Usually, eradication is pursued only when a particular pest causes unacceptable amounts of damage and is considered a threat to human health or the environment. Examples of this include eradication programs for fire ants, Mediterranean fruit flies and gypsy moths.
Proper use of pesticides can help to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals and should only be undertaken when all other methods of pest control are ineffective. Always read and follow the instructions on a pesticide’s label, especially when handling chemicals in open areas.
Pesticides
The word “pesticide” refers to any substance used to kill pests, including insects, weeds, plant diseases and fungi. These products can be natural or synthetic, and come in the form of liquids, powders, gases, granules or solids.
Before selecting a pesticide, carefully identify the organism that you need to control. This step is critical because misidentifying the pest can result in selecting a product that is ineffective or poses unnecessary risks to people, pets and other plants. If you are unsure, contact your local University of California Cooperative Extension office or other reliable source for help. The plant problem-solving tables in the back of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources publications, Pests of the Garden and Small Farm and Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs are good sources of information for identifying major pests on home garden plants.
Choose the most effective, least toxic pesticide available for your needs. Before opening any container of pesticide, read the entire label and follow all safety instructions. Always use the exact amount of pesticide called for on the label; more is not better.
Pesticides are grouped into families based on similar chemical properties or how they act on the pest. For example, organophosphate insecticides control pests by interfering with nerve-impulse transmissions (by blocking the enzyme cholinesterase that regulates acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter).
A number of other types of pesticides exist. Algicides, for instance, kill algae in lakes, canals, swimming pools and water tanks; antifoulants prevent barnacles from clinging to boats; and desiccants promote drying of unwanted plant parts.
Most pesticides have a number of hazardous by-products, or metabolites, that form when the chemicals interact with air, soil, water or living things. These are not part of the original pesticide formulation and are often more hazardous than the parent compound.
The type of application, site and weather also influence how pesticides are absorbed into the environment and people’s bodies. Inhalation and skin contact are the most common ways that pesticides can enter the body. Exposure to high concentrations of pesticides can cause irritation and burns; respiratory problems, eye and skin rash; and even death.
Getting Started
Pests can cause a lot of problems. They can eat away at the integrity of a home or business, spread disease (like mice, rats and cockroaches), damage property and even be toxic to pets, humans and other animals. They also contaminate food and can create fire hazards, as with termites and wood-boring bees. In some cases, the only choice is to call a pest control company and have them remove the offending creature.
In order to set up a pest control business, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors, including the legal requirements for your region, insurance needs and potential liability risks. You’ll also need to determine what kind of structure you want for your business. A corporation offers more protection from personal liability and allows you to raise funds through stock sales, but it’s typically more complex and costly to establish. Consulting with a lawyer or business professional can help you decide what kind of structure is right for your situation and long-term goals.
Once you have a good idea of what services to offer and how much to charge, it’s time to begin marketing your business. You can create a website, advertise in local publications and use social media to generate awareness. It’s important to research your competitors to see what they’re charging for their services and how they market themselves. This will give you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to competitive pricing and how you can set yourself apart from the rest.
As your business grows, you’ll need to decide whether or not to hire employees. This decision should be based on your financial situation and the amount of work you can reasonably take on. A large part of your marketing campaign will likely be focused on educating the public about what to look for in a pest control provider, so make sure you’re providing information that’s accurate and helpful. In addition, don’t forget to include a call to action in your online or print advertising that directs people to contact you for more information.