Pest Control Chesterfield MO involves diminishing the damage caused by unwanted organisms to crops, forestry, or human health and safety. The goals are prevention, suppression, and, in a few cases, eradication.
Accurate identification is the first step in an effective pest management program. The next step is to evaluate the environment and determine the factors that affect pests.
Identification of pests is a key element in any integrated pest management (IPM) program. Whether it’s an insect, weed, disease, vertebrate animal, or microbe, accurate pest identification makes the development of effective control tactics much easier and reduces unnecessary risk to people and the environment.
Insect pests in particular must be identified to Order so that the appropriate, approved insecticide can be used. This is because some biological insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, have very specific activity against certain orders of insects and must be used against the correct species to be effective. In many cases, pest identification to species is also required in order to determine the most beneficial cultural practices and other preventative measures that can be used in conjunction with the application of chemical control options.
Accurate pest identification may require a quick visit to the Internet to access an online identification guide, but it can also involve visiting your local Cooperative Extension office or pest control professional for help with identification. When attempting to identify pests yourself, be aware that pests can look different as they go through their life cycle. For example, an immature beetle can look like a caterpillar or worm. It is also important to be able to distinguish between the pest and its natural enemies.
Keeping a file of labelled digital images of sampled pests by year, season and crop can be useful for future reference. In some instances, it may be necessary to have samples sent away for specialized identification services.
The most accurate pest identification can be obtained by examining the pest directly. This can be done by carefully collecting a specimen and placing it in a clear jar or plastic bag. Using keys and other references, the specimen can then be properly identified by a qualified individual.
To identify pests entering the home, homeowners should examine windows, doors, vents and cracks in walls on a regular basis. This will allow a homeowner to recognize potential entry points and take steps to seal them. Also, homeowners should regularly inspect the outside of the home for signs of infestation such as droppings, scurrying or soiled areas.
Pest Prevention
Unlike reactive pest control, which involves treating a pest infestation after it occurs, preventive pest control attempts to stop pests from invading homes and businesses. Pest prevention strategies include eliminating conditions that attract pests, sealing entry points into buildings and implementing barriers that keep pests out.
Natural forces like climate, natural enemies, and the availability of food and water affect all organisms, including pests. These factors may help or hinder pest control efforts. A pest control specialist should take these variables into account when developing a strategy.
Some pests are continuous and require constant control, whereas others are sporadic and need to be controlled only periodically. The pesticide selected for use in a particular situation should be effective against the target pest and cause the least possible harm to people, the environment, or property.
Preventive pest management is most effective when it addresses all stages of a pest’s life cycle. It should include scouting, regular monitoring and inspections of all areas where pests could enter a structure, and the identification and management of limiting factors such as physical barriers, soil moisture, and plant health.
It is important to regularly clean and vacuum the home or business, especially in those areas most likely to attract pests such as garbage bins, kitchens, and basements. Clutter should be removed and all food stored in containers with tight lids. It is also a good idea to seal and caulk cracks or holes that pests can enter through. Additionally, bushes and trees should be trimmed away from structures as pests may use them to gain access.
Routine pest control can reduce the risk of pests carrying disease-causing pathogens and allergens that can pose a health threat to people and pets. It can also protect the value of a property by preventing damage to buildings, furniture, and personal belongings. Taking steps to prevent pest infestations is usually less expensive than responding to a full-blown invasion. Pest prevention also gives people peace of mind and can reduce stress associated with pests in the home or business.
Pest Control Treatments
There are several ways to treat pests, depending on the type and severity of infestation. Pest control treatments include physical, biological and chemical methods. Chemical methods of control involve the use of pesticides. They may be applied as sprays, baits, dusts or gels, and they are used to kill or suppress pests. Some of the more common chemical pesticides are pyrethrins, carbaryl and neem. It’s important to follow the instructions on pesticide labels, especially regarding safe handling and application.
A thorough inspection of the property by a trained pest management professional is essential to determine how severe the problem is and what methods will be best for treatment. A telescoping mirror and flashlight are useful tools for inspecting behind and underneath equipment and furniture, where many pests live and hide. Accurate identification of the pest is also critical, because pest biology and life cycles affect how, when and where treatments are applied.
Many pests carry disease-causing pathogens, and can contaminate surfaces and food, posing health risks to people and pets. Regular pest control prevents the emergence of large numbers of these pathogens and ensures that the health and safety of people, animals and plants is not compromised.
Biological pest control relies on predators, parasites, herbivores or other natural organisms to reduce the number of pest species. This approach can be used in conjunction with other pest control techniques, or on its own to provide long-term control. Classical biological control involves introducing organisms, usually in small batches or through multiple releases, into the environment to augment existing populations of natural enemies. It can be used in both outdoor and indoor situations.
Physical pest control uses traps, screens, barriers, fencing and other means to restrict pest movement or alter their environment. Some of these controls are effective only in limited situations, however. For example, a screened greenhouse can keep out Japanese beetles but does not stop them from attacking the crops inside it. Using physical controls in conjunction with other control methods is often the most effective way to manage pests. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach that includes monitoring, prevention and control of pests through a combination of mechanical, physical, biological and chemical methods.
Pest Control Tips
It’s best to prevent pest infestations before they occur. Take a close look at your home’s interior and exterior to identify entry points and potential breeding sites for specific pests. Then, follow these pest control tips to eliminate them.
Clutter provides places for rodents and other pests to hide. Make sure the area around your home is clear of clutter, including wood piles and overgrown shrubs. Also, trim tree limbs and shrubs that touch the house and roofline to eliminate these highways for pests to enter your home.
Make sweeping, mopping and vacuuming a part of your regular household cleaning routine. Clean and store food in sealed containers, and use garbage cans with lids to reduce the risk of pests nesting inside them. Wipe down kitchen counters and appliances regularly, and wash dishes daily. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaky plumbing, and make sure that all vents are free of obstructions.
Seal cracks and crevices around your home, and repair damaged doors and windows to block pests from entering. Weatherstripping and caulking are good options for sealing gaps, and window screens should be repaired as needed. Use steel wool in small holes to prevent pests from chewing their way through pipes. In addition, replace old caulk around your air conditioner and make sure that it is tightly sealed.
Keep all trash cans and compost bins securely closed, and ensure they are not near the house. Also, get rid of stacks of newspaper or cardboard that can provide hiding places for rodents and other pests.
Educate yourself about the pests you have and options to control them, so you can decide on an effective strategy for your situation. Then, use traps, barriers and exclusion methods wisely to prevent them from invading your home.
Keeping your home clean, removing potential breeding grounds and blocking access points will greatly reduce the need for chemical pesticides. But, if you do need to use a pesticide, always choose the least toxic option and apply it according to the label instructions. If you have questions, contact a state-certified pest control professional.