Controlling Pests Can Also be Accomplished by Releasing Organisms That Attack Them

Local Exterminators Whittier is the application of methods to prevent or eliminate pests from damaging crops, livestock, property, and structures. It may be achieved through biological, cultural, physical, mechanical, and chemical means. Control is often an ongoing process, with monitoring, scouting, trapping, and eradication activities carried out to identify and assess the level of pest damage.

In the home, pests such as rodents and cockroaches spread germs that can cause disease in humans and pets. Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks can also carry diseases such as encephalitis, malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and Lyme disease. Some pests can also chew through electrical wires, leading to fires. Pests that infest homes or commercial buildings, such as rats, mice, ants, and beetles, can also cause damage by chewing through materials such as wood, insulation, and paper. In addition, they can create sanitary conditions by dropping feces and urine.

Pests are controlled by preventing them from accessing food, water, shelter, and other resources. This can be done by blocking points of entry, such as by using quality sealant along baseboards or in drainpipes. Insects and rodents can also be prevented from entering by removing trash on a regular basis and keeping garbage cans tightly covered. Sealing cracks in the walls and around pipes can help keep pests out as well.

These are called biocontrol agents. They include natural enemies (predators, parasites, pathogens, competitors) and beneficial insects, such as nematodes and mites, which provide plant nutrients and reduce plant disease and weeds. The use of biocontrol agents is a more sustainable approach to pest management than chemicals alone, as it does not affect the environment or other organisms in the area.

Other control methods involve physical, cultural, and genetic modifications. For example, changing irrigation practices can reduce weed and root disease problems. Genetic modifications can also be used to produce plants that are resistant to a particular pest or to tolerate certain environmental stresses.

Eradication is not a common goal for outdoor pest situations, but it can be useful in enclosed environments such as greenhouses and food processing and storage areas. Some pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and gypsy moth, have been eradicated through coordinated control programs.

Regular pest control is an important part of owning a home, commercial building, or garden. It can save money and time that would be lost to repairs, health care expenses, or other costs associated with a pest infestation. It also prevents the spread of diseases, such as those caused by pests that bite and infect people or animals with their feces and urine. It also helps businesses comply with government regulations for safe food handling and storage. In addition, pest control services can prevent the loss of crops and other valuable assets. The services of pest control can be purchased from many companies that specialize in these services. Some of these are available online, while others may be found through referrals from family and friends or from local pest control agencies.