Perhaps man discovered agriculture and pest control methods nearly simultaneously, and since then, the fight is on. Now, as if agricultural pests were not enough, there is a big menace of domestic pests, too. Of which termites, or white ants as they are generally called, are most dreaded as they feed on just about anything organic. Surprisingly enough, they can bore through six feet thick concrete and live for ages without food.
Pest Control Methods
Pest control methods largely differ for domestic and agriculture applications. Traditional methods of pest control in agriculture mainly included crop rotation, selective breeding and companion planting. Low flying airplanes are made use of in sprinkling chemical pesticides over large fields.
Chemical pest control methods are quite old and are said to be in practice since 4000 or 4500 years. But closer to date, pyrethrum and derris were introduced which were followed by better synthetic pesticides like DDT and other herbicides.
The Domestic Scenario
But domestic pest problem is almost entirely different. The major pests that bother us are termites, rodents, mosquitoes and bed bugs. You can almost call termites as terror-mites. These soft looking, unassuming ant like insects, belong to two types: subterranean and dry wood termites, belonging to over 2000 species. Both of them subsist on cellulose.
How Do You Know?
A thorough inspection of critical areas (without dismantling) by professionals reveals whether your home is infested by termites or is vulnerable for attacks. Inspection may require instruments sometimes.
Pest Control Agencies
Living beagles can sniff out the termites. Protimeter for mold detection, scanning and acoustic infrared sensors, resistographs and fractometers are other instruments generally used by the agencies.
What Do They Do
Fumigation, spot treatment and removal of infested wood are some immediate options. While fumigation exterminates dry wood termites, a certified applicator's presence is necessary before during and after fumigating and aeration to allow occupancy. But dry wood termites need wood penetrating fumigants. For subterranean types, following manufacturer's instructions is essential which include pouring pesticides into holes drilled at regular intervals around the infested area.
Flys, mosquitoes and bugs are controlled by chemicals prallethrin, and the normally available rat poisons. But don't use them without expert advice.
Choosing an Expert
You need an expert when buying real estate at far off places or when pest controlling the entire home. Keep these points in your mind when choosing one.
1. Take neighbors' recommendations based on their satisfaction level.
2. Taking hasty decisions won't help as you need professional expertise; look for one by checking with their past clients.
3. Check their authenticity, whether they are registered by the local authorities or are they members of National Pest Management Association etc.
4.Check what the guarantees cover and get things in writing.
5. Check for legal restrictions on commercial applicators; call Environmental Protection Agency for confirmation.
6. Beware of those who offer huge discounts. After all you want value, not price.
Jobs In Pest Control
Fleas are a common cause of irritation and infestation in your home. These unwanted guests can be found in your home and in large quantities. Out of the total flea population found in your home, about 80% of the fleas are still at the egg or larvae stage. These fleas can be found attached to your furniture, carpet, mats and anywhere in your home. The adult flea contributes to just 2% percent of the total flea population in your house. The remaining 18% of the flea population thrives in pupae stage. During this stage fleas are not harmed by any of the pest control products. Pest control products only affect fleas once they get out of the pupae stage. Wonder how many fleas you have at home!
Pest control against indoor flea influx
Fleas are a notorious cause of irritation and disease in your home. They also affect your pets. Fleas are the menace that you would like to get rid of forever. For this purpose there are various pest control products which are available for prevention as well as elimination of indoor infestation by fleas. Though there are numerous flea control products available, all are not safe. One must choose a product that is safe for children and pets. Moreover a good pest control is also water safe for fabrics.
Majority of people and even professionals use flea spray for flea prevention and elimination. The reason behind flea spray is its safety factors. The safest flea or pest spray is labeled as "indoor flea".
A flea spray solution contains two types of substances: an adulticide, it is an insecticide which kills fleas; the other substance is the insect growth regulator (IGR). An average insecticide would not help you in getting rid of the fleas. An IGR inhibits the maturity stage of the fleas by not allowing them to grow.
Pest control measures also include treating your carpets with Nylar. Nylar is an effective pest control measure against roaches and fleas. It inhibits the growth of fleas and leaves residual for up to 3-6 months. Nylar is available in aerosol formulations and liquid concentrate.
Nylar is among the best flea prevention methods. It rids your home of visible adult fleas.
An effective pest control measure for fleas can be buying electronic flea traps. These are an effective alternative to pesticides. A flea trapper kills adult fleas prowling for a pet. The trap emits attractive heat, light and infrared from the light bulb. The fleas get attracted to it and are killed as soon as they touch the screen. It is one of the permanent and safest pest control measures for your home, especially against fleas.
You should use a vacuum cleaner at home. It is the worst enemy of fleas. When used regularly it ensures that your furniture, carpets and sofas remain flea free.
Flea Stoppers is an effective pest control measure against fleas. It is a formulated mini granular orthoboric acid specially made for fleas. Just sprinkle this flea stopper freely on your carpet and to kill fleas and their larvae in the carpet. Flea stoppers are effective even when the carpet is washed or soaped.
Pest control for pets
Fleas mainly breed on mammals. Pets in your home provide as a haven for them. You should check and clean your pets for fleas too.
You should flea comb your pets regularly. Dip the comb in an enzyme cleaner and then comb your pet. You should restrict the entry of the pet in your bedrooms. Wash all pet beddings and rugs to ensure good pet hygiene as well as preventing the fleas spreading. You should bathe your pet too, to prevent fleas from settling on it.
Pest control measure act as an effective flea prevention measures. You should always check your home for fleas and take immediate steps to eliminate them.
Both Namsing Then & Michael Jason are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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