Pest management is the proper management or regulation of a particular species defined as an invasive species, a member of an animal kingdom that negatively affects human activities. Best Pest Control Atlanta professionals are employed by several businesses and organizations to manage these types of species. Some companies specialize in the removal and eradication of pests from commercial, institutional, or public areas. Other firms may focus on the management of naturally occurring and laboratory pests. Still, others may develop or enhance pest control techniques for use on farms, residential communities, and other environments. The employment of pest control specialists can also be found in the pest control industry itself.
There are several techniques employed by pest control technicians. One technique is fumigation, which involves spreading chemicals over an infected area. This technique is often employed when the pest problem calls for it, when the use of toxic chemicals would create a hazard, or if the fumigation solution cannot otherwise be provided. Several other techniques are also offered through various pest control firms and include baiting, which involves using a certain type of bait or lure to exterminate pests; fumigation, which involves spreading chemicals over an infected area; steam cleaning, which involves using special chemicals designed to kill pests using very high temperatures; and mechanical methods, which include the use of traps, baits, and sprays.
Fumigation of an infected area must be done only after all elimination attempts have failed to reduce the risks of further insect damage. One should not be unfamiliar with the actual phrase, “no harm, no foul,” so the use of these chemical methods should not be equated with ill-gotten gains. Proper handling and use of fumigation chemicals are essential. Many pest management technicians and companies offer pest control training for clients to ensure adherence to safety procedures and apply the proper chemicals. Additionally, several pest management technicians can advise how to handle pesticides if one is unfamiliar with their application or use.
In controlling the population of ants in the southern United States, the most effective way to do so is through baiting. Baits can be purchased in stores or even delivered to an affected location, and must be applied before the ants have a chance to reproduce. Baits can be made from citrus fruits, chocolates, and candies, but commercially available pesticides and insecticides containing chlorpyrifos and fipronil are highly effective in killing adult ants and nymphs of these pests. For this reason, applying pesticides containing these ingredients is strongly advised.
Commercial insecticides are available in liquid, powder, granular, or powdered forms. Pest management technicians can help determine the right method of application for each particular pest problem. Some common pests in the southern United States include ants, carpenter ants, fungus gnats, leafhoppers, powderpost beetles, ground beetles, mealy bugs, pinworms, and silverfish. Damage can be caused by these pests to a wide variety of household materials. Floors, furniture, clothing, ceiling panels, electrical wiring, wallpaper, windows, and cabinets can all suffer from damage caused by these insects. Some of these products can also be hazardous to children, pets, and the environment.
An integrated pest management system involves various methods of controlling pests and preventing them from reproducing. A bait will be strategically placed around the property to entice the pest into using it, but will not harm the surrounding environment due to the use of natural predators to kill the existing population of pests. The bait does not need to be toxic; however, some common baits have been known to cause allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes in humans if ingested. For this reason, proper precautions should be taken when using bait.
A rotational pest management practice, crop rotation allows a property to treat a large area without actually disturbing the environment. During crop rotation, the same pest control practices are used, such as eliminating existing pests, using baits, and applying pesticides. The pest control practices do not disturb the environment, because the land is turned over annually for the life of the pest. This is the most cost effective way to control pests from a property. When pests reproduce at a faster rate, there is more risk of damage to crops, resulting in higher costs for farmers.
Many chemicals can be introduced to a property through pests, such as the insecticide pyrethrin, which is deadly to many types of pests; however, it only lasts for a few months before the product needs to be disposed of. Although there is a newer option that destroys adult insects and larvae on contact, it does not disturb the environment. With this new chemical, the environment is protected from the damage caused by larvae, and the adult bug dies within a few days to a week, rather than the traditional two or three months required with other pesticides. Using a pest control service with crop rotation is a great option for protecting crops, saving money on chemicals, and avoiding damage to the environment.