Springfield MO Pest Control is the process of reducing unwanted organisms to levels where they cause less harm. Pests include insects, rodents and diseases.
Physical pest control includes trapping and removing sources of food, water or shelter for pests. It may also include eliminating breeding grounds or reducing darkness and moisture.
Biological pest control uses natural enemies of pests instead of chemicals. Garlic and marigolds repel many insects.
Pest Identification
Pest identification is the first step in determining the need for pest control. An accurate identification of the pest allows you to understand its life cycle and behavior, as well as methods for prevention or management. Without a proper pest ID, your efforts to manage the pest may be in vain, as you could be treating non-pests or applying the wrong treatment.
Pests can cause damage to your plants or crops in many ways, including direct and indirect damage. Direct damage can be obvious, with holes in leaves and petals, speckles on the plant or distorted foliage. Indirect damage can be harder to spot and involves transmitting pathogens, like viruses, bacteria and fungi, from one plant to another. This can cause the plants to wilt, drop fruit or become diseased.
To accurately identify your pest, you may need to seek help from an expert, such as a local pest specialist or entomologist, or even a national identification service. The services offered by these experts are invaluable to protect our agricultural and natural resources.
The pest identification process typically begins with a visual inspection of the pest and its environment. Then, the pest is compared to a variety of pictures in an identification guide to determine which species it is. Other factors such as the damage caused, pheromones produced and other behavioral cues are also used to narrow down the potential pest species.
During this process, it is important to remember that pests can change in appearance as they move through different stages of development. For example, an immature beetle can look very similar to a caterpillar or worm. You can also use online tools that allow you to narrow down potential vertebrate pests using typical damage, tracks and pheromones.
When choosing a pest control company, you should be able to verify that the technician who will be assessing and treating your property is a licensed professional. Ask to see their state pesticide license and business card. Additionally, you should be able to request to know whether the technician is paid salaried or on a commission basis.
Pest Prevention
Pests can be damaging to a property or a person. They may scare or frighten people, like slugs, bed bugs and cockroaches; they can bite or sting (real or perceived), as in the case of flies, bees, house centipedes and cluster flies; they destroy fabric and other items, such as rodent droppings, moths, carpet beetles and silverfish; and some pests are known to carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as the hantavirus that is transmitted by mice and rats.
Some pests have a long life cycle, with different stages of development that must be understood to determine the need for control measures. Understanding the cycle allows you to predict when pest populations will reach unacceptable levels. Weather conditions, such as temperature, day length and humidity, affect a pest’s activity and reproduction. Pests that feed on plants also are affected by the growth of their host plants.
Natural enemies of some pests, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, prey on or parasitize them. Other natural factors, such as the availability of shelter and food, limit the growth of pests.
Taking steps to prevent pest problems is the best way to reduce the need for treatment. Structural prevention is the first step in this approach, focusing on blocking the entry of pests by sealing gaps and cracks around doors, windows, vents, drains, pipes, and electrical, plumbing and cable wires. In addition, removing food and water sources, storing garbage in sealed containers and cleaning up cluttered areas can help deter pests.
Monitoring is the next step in preventive pest control. Identifying the pest species and their preferred host plants, recording pest counts, and evaluating soil conditions are essential to determine whether treatment is necessary. When a threshold level is reached, it’s important to make an accurate diagnosis so the correct treatment method is used.
To help prevent pest infestations, plant material should be selected for its ability to thrive in the local climate and conditions. Keeping gardens, yards and shrubbery well-watered and fertilized is also key to preventing pest infestations. Inspecting plants for signs of pests and making timely cultural changes can prevent damage and minimize the need for chemical treatments.
Pest Control Methods
Pests can cause a variety of problems in the home. Besides being creepy to have around, some carry diseases that can be harmful to people and pets. They can also damage your property and lead to higher repair costs. If you think you have a pest infestation problem, it is best to call in professional help rather than try to deal with it yourself. Unexplained damage to your property is a common sign that there is a problem, as well as unexplained wear and tear on outdoor equipment or appliances. Unusual odors throughout your house may indicate pest problems as well, as are droppings and other signs of pest activity.
Once it is determined that pest control is needed, the next step is to decide on a strategy. A good approach is the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method, which is a combination of prevention, monitoring, and corrective action when necessary. This method is based on the idea that preventing pests from entering or spreading is usually more effective than simply killing them.
Preventive methods include things like repairing leaky roofs, pipes and faucets, keeping food in tightly closed containers, and disposing of waste properly. These methods are generally considered to be less risky than pesticides.
Other methods of controlling pests include biological, mechanical and physical controls. The latter involve using traps, screens and barriers to keep pests away, or altering the environment to make it less suitable for them. For example, sand or copper strips can be used to block some pests from entering structures. Radiation and electricity can also be used to control certain pests.
The use of predators, parasites and disease organisms to reduce pest populations is known as biocontrol. These organisms occur naturally in nature and normally help regulate insect populations. For instance, a lawn may have many green June beetle grubs or millipedes, while the neighboring lawn has few, because the natural predators and parasitoids of those insects are present in that yard.
Chemical controls can be a last resort when all else fails. Some of the most important considerations when choosing a pesticide are its effectiveness, safety and toxicity. There are many pesticides available with low levels of toxicity, so they can be used safely in small quantities. The right pesticide can quickly and effectively solve a pest problem.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or prevent harmful organisms (such as insects, weeds, rodents, mildew, and germs) from living where they are not wanted. There are many kinds of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and wood preservatives. They are usually in the form of a solid, liquid, or powder. Pesticides may be used indoors or outdoors, on crops or in homes and gardens. They are most effective when used as part of an Integrated Pest Management Plan that also uses prevention and physical barriers such as netting.
All pesticides are dangerous to some extent and can pose health risks if they enter the body through eating or drinking them, breathing them in, or touching them on the skin. However, the amount of danger from a particular pesticide depends on its toxicity and how much of it is exposed to an individual or an environment. Most pesticides are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and state governments before they can be sold or used.
Some pesticides can cause harm to non-target organisms as well. This can happen if the chemical is not selected for the target pest or if it is applied in ways that damage non-target plants, animals, or soil microorganisms. The herbicides 2,4-D and diuron, for example, can harm fish in urban streams that are near treated fields or buildings; the insecticide chlorpyrifos is known to poison non-target birds and other animals.
In addition, pesticides can contaminate waterways when they drift away from the site of application or are carried by wind or rain. Drift or vaporization of pesticides can contaminate air, soil, and non-target plants as far as several miles from the treatment area. In addition, contaminated soil or water can harm human beings if it is ingested or drunk or if it irritates the skin or eyes.
Whenever possible, consider non-chemical methods of pest control. Look for companies that specialize in Integrated Pest Management Plans that are designed to use pesticides only as a last resort and to apply them sparingly. Choose a company that is licensed and bonded and can provide references from satisfied customers. Ask the company to give you copies of all pesticide labels and the rates at which they will be applied.