Pests come in many different shapes and sizes and can be notoriously tricky to eliminate, however before reaching for the pesticides, perhap...
They are as big as a man; they're invisible. Some have fur, others feathers, maybe armoured scales. They creep, crawl, hop, jump, scamper, slither, fly – you name it. And they're generally things you don't want around. That's why they're called pests.
One definition of a pest is "a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns (as agriculture or livestock production)"; another is "one that pesters or annoys; nuisance." Think about the things you generally regard as a pest around the house and garden – ants, rats, flies, mosquitoes, fleas, moles or deer. They're pests.
For just about every pest, there is an available product or method to eliminate it: pesticides. The term was coined in 1939, from the English word pest and -cide, from the Latin, cidium "a killing," and caedere, "to cut down, kill." Many people associate pesticides with chemicals, but a pesticide is any material (natural, organic or synthetic) used to control, prevent, kill, suppress or repel pests.
Pesticide is a broad term that includes fungicides (fungus killers), herbicides (weed or plant killers), insecticides (insect killers), products that kill snails and slugs (molluscicides) or rodents (rodenticides). Most pesticides are designed to be toxic to their target pest and thus their use is strictly controlled.
But before you squish, stomp or spray your pests, it's important to know your options for successful pest management. There is a wide variety of methods available, and more and more, there are nonchemical methods that can be as effective and convenient as chemical alternatives.
Are you sure it's a pest causing your problem? More often than most people imagine, apparent damage is a result of other factors such as incorrect irrigation, poor drainage, herbicide toxicity or physical damage. You don't want to use a pesticide if it isn't needed.
The first and most significant step in pest management is to identify the pest. You may be fortunate to see the actual pest or its resulting damage and identity it with confidence. If not, there are free sources available to help you identify pests and effective methods of their control.
Once you've identified the culprit, you'll need to decide how much, if any, pest control is necessary. It's important to recognise that controlling your pest is not the same as eliminating it. For some types of pests, total elimination is not practical without the use of extensive, repeated and possibly hazardous chemical treatments.
Next, choose an effective option. Consider using the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, using the least-toxic method you can; start with cultural control methods, physical or mechanical methods or biological controls. If these are not successful, then it may be time to consider using chemical treatments. If you decide to use a pesticide, use it in an integrated IPM program that includes use of nonchemical methods. In almost all cases, a combination of measures will provide the most satisfactory and long-term pest control.
Use pesticides wisely. Buy only the amount you need so you don't have to store it. Follow the product label – it tells you how to safely use the product for the best results. Don't be tempted by the "more is better" approach.
Also, pay attention to the warnings on the label. They'll include the correct protective clothing to wear; how to apply it safely; preventing harm to the environment; and when it is safe for people or pets to enter the treated area. Before you begin applying the product, think safety and have emergency phone numbers readily available.
After you've implemented your pest control method, allow time for it to work. Some contact pesticides may have an immediate effect, while many others may take days or weeks to be effective. Do you see a clear reduction in the number of undesired pests? Are you satisfied with the results? If not, you may need to reassess your approach and modify it.
Of course, if you don't want to apply the pest control methods yourself, you should seek the services of your local pest control company who will tackle the problem on your behalf, and may well turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run.