Pest control includes prevention, suppression, and eradication. The goal is to reduce a pest population to acceptable levels, with as little damage as possible to non-target organisms.
Correct identification is important. Then, a plan can be developed to keep the pests under control. Contact Seaside Pest Control now!
Good cultural practices are the best way to prevent pests, but sometimes, cheit’sls are necessary.
Insects
With more than a million known species, insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. Crawling, flying, squirming, and slithering make up more than 80% of terrestrial animal species and are a vital part of food webs in agricultural and natural ecosystems. In addition, they are critical pollinators, keystone predators of pests, and essential decomposers of dead plant matter.
Insects are also important players in disease transmission. Known as vectors, these arthropods acquire pathogens mechanically, picking them up from contaminated feces or sewage, or biologically by sucking blood from an infected host. They then disseminate them in the environment or food to infect other hosts and their offspring. The most commonly transmitted pathogens among insect vectors are bacteria, parasites and viruses.
While humans primarily view insects as pests when they damage crops, the majority of insect species are beneficial to nature and human society. For example, dung beetles help reduce methane emissions and aerate soil while breaking down animal waste. Bees and other pollinators promote plant reproduction, while spiders and wasps control pest populations. Predatory insects such as ground beetles increase crop yields by keeping weed and pest species in check.
Some insects are intentionally domesticated for a variety of reasons, including silk and honey production. However, the loss of wild insects has led to a global decline in biodiversity.
The use of non-chemical methods to manage pests is called biocontrol. Natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids and pathogens, can be introduced to limit densities of potential pest insects. This requires extensive research into the biology of the target pest, its native habitat, and the potential impact on other natural enemies or non-target species. Once suitable natural enemies are found, they must be collected and screened for pathogens before being mass-reared and released.
Products based on the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are often used as a biological insecticide. These products contain a specific strain of the bacteria that causes an insect’s guinsect’sak down and die. For instance, Bt sprays are effective against the caterpillars that destroy a forest canopy, such as gypsy moth larvae.
Rodents
Rodents, including rats and mice, are important members of the ecosystem, prey for meat-eating animals such as cats, snakes, large birds, and foxes, and help disperse seeds and spores. However, rat populations can cause problems when they invade buildings and homes to find food, water, and shelter. They gnaw at pipes, wires, insulation, and other materials that can damage structures and create fire hazards. They also spoil stored foods and can spread pathogens that can be a serious health threat to humans.
The most effective way to control rodents is prevention. Make sure there are no holes in the siding and roof, no loose insulation in the attic or crawlspaces, and no vegetation or debris against the building. Check that doors have sweeps that go all the way to the ground and that window screens fit tightly. Seal openings around utility lines, water and sewer pipes, vents, and drain spouts. Coarse steel wool, caulking, or lightweight sheet metal can be used to plug cracks and gaps. Both Norway and house rats can chew through caulking and pipe liners.
If a problem develops, inspect frequently for signs of rodent activity. Droppings, gnaw marks, tracks, and smudge marks are clues.
Observe where rats are traveling to identify possible food or water sources. Food should be stored in chew-proof containers, such as jars or tin boxes. Bird seed and pet food should be kept in a secure container, not out on the porch or patio.
Both snap traps and glue boards can be used in tamper-resistant stations to monitor or trap existing rodent populations. Place traps in non-visible areas, such as custodial closets, laundry rooms, vending machines, garages, or under sinks. Check traps often, and remove and dispose of dead rodents promptly.
Rodents may become resistant to first generation anticoagulant baits if not properly managed, which is why it’s recommit’sd that second generation baits be used where possible. These baits are faster-acting and work more quickly to kill rats. In addition to baits, second generation anticoagulants are available in sprays and pellets that can be used for direct application to rodent burrows.
Birds
Birds are a highly valued part of natural ecosystems, providing services like seed dispersal and pollination. They also play a major role in pest control, regulating populations of insects and other small organisms that can damage plants. Because avian predators can keep numbers of pests low, farmers don’t need don’te as much chemical spraying.
The problem is, many of the same factors that make birds an important pest control service can also make them a nuisance. Their droppings can stain buildings and cars, and carry disease. They can also degrade soil, contaminate waterways and clog irrigation systems.
To address these problems, growers should try to keep birds happy by creating habitat, including hedgerows, woodlots, streamside wetlands and shade trees, on their property. Birds also need lots of open space where they can find food and nest.
Bird populations are sensitive to changes in farm management practices, which can impact the amount and type of insect pests they eat. This is why it’s importit’sfor farmers to keep track of their bird populations and monitor the results of different cropping systems to see if the balance between cropping practices and avian population shifts is working or not.
Scientists can estimate the effect of avian control by counting the number of pests or their natural enemies found in songbird fecal samples. This study analyzed the relationship between predictors of pest and natural enemy occurrence in fecal samples and the frequency at which they were found on 11 low-intensity farms in Western Massachusetts. PERMANOVA tests and GLMs were used to test for significant effects on pest and natural enemy frequencies and on their consumption by songbirds, gray catbirds and common yellowthroats.
The results showed that avian predators were the best predictors of pest and natural enemy presence in fecal samples, with site and bird species also having some impact on both. The frequency at which a bird ate a pest or its natural enemy was also influenced by whether the pest was an indicator or non-indicator, suggesting that birds can be trained to recognize specific insects.
Other Small Creatures
Above ground, the busywork of other small creatures goes largely unnoticed as they feed on pests or pollinate flowering plants. Known as natural enemies, they include predators, parasitoids and pathogens that limit pest densities. Successful introduction of new natural enemies from another place can be a key part of integrated pest management programs.
Natural forces affect all organisms, causing their populations to rise and fall. Climate influences growth and reproduction, while natural barriers such as mountains and water restrict the spread of some pests. Availability of food, water and shelter also affects pest populations. A pest population can only thrive as long as its food and water supplies last, and its roost or overwintering site is available. Changing these factors by using devices, traps or altering the environment can help control pest populations.