Pest Control Tips
Pest control refers to measures taken to minimize or eliminate pest activity in homes, farms or in the workplace. Pest control activities include biological, chemical, physical and cultural methods. They aim at reducing, deterring or eliminating pest activity. Pest management activities may threaten human and animal life. It is, therefore, important to ensure that they are conducted in a safe environment.
Below are important tips when conducting pest control.
Identify the pest.
Different pests call for various pest control mechanisms. For instance, rodents require different pest management techniques from birds. Once you identify the pest, determine if control is necessary or whether you will tolerate the pest activity.
Determine appropriate pest control measures.
Today, there are various pesticides available in the market. Prevention strategies should be the first response after detecting pests. For example, cleanliness helps deter pests like cockroaches and rats. Before using any chemical means, try to initiate biological, physical or cultural means. For instance, tilling land could be an efficient way to control weeds before using pesticides. You should also engage a professional to advise you on how to best apply pesticides without compromising the environment.
Cost.
The pest control measure that you choose should make economic sense. The method must be within your means. Using expensive methods to eradicate small amounts of pests may not be wise.
Preparation for pest control.
When chemical methods are to be used, several precautions must be taken. When done indoors, ensure that you keep food, drinks, and pets away from the areas to be sprayed. When it is done outdoors, keep windows closed to prevent the pesticide from getting in the house. Always wear appropriate clothing to avoid contact with pesticides.
If you are to use physical methods such as setting traps, inform people of them to avoid injuries. Biological means involve introducing the pests' natural enemy to control the pest's population. However, you must ensure that the pest does not have any negative effects on human, animal and plant life.
Monitoring and Evaluation.
The pest control method should be monitored during application to ensure it is done correctly. More so, it should be evaluated to ensure that the goals of the pest control process have been met. If the pest control measures were not successful, advanced measures should be considered.
Important pest control tips include identification of the pest, determination of appropriate pest control measures, cost approximations, preparation for pest control, monitoring and evaluation.