Types of Pest Control Services
Proper pest control and management is crucial for human health, economic productivity, and ecological wellbeing. Whether you are seeking pest control for your home or your workplace, there are several types of pest control services that you should be aware of. Depending on the type of pest, your pest controller may recommend any of these different types of pest control methods. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common methods in use today:
Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control is the practice of introducing bacteria and other substances to bodies of water. These biological substances kill pests that breed in water while keeping the water safe for aquatic, animal, and human usage. This practice effectively rids water sources of troublesome pests.
Field Burning
Field burning has been a common practice in agricultural settings to clear productive farmland of pests after a harvest. Now, it is less commonly used as better pest management techniques are more affordable and commonplace. In this method, the whole field is burned to kill any harmful pests, along with any eggs that they may have left behind. Field burning is not permitted in wildfire-prone areas or in most urban environments due to air pollution risks. Additionally, some jurisdictions are discouraging field burning due to concerns regarding the carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions generated.
Fumigation Pest Control
Fumigation is a pest control process in which an area is completely filled with gaseous pesticides. These gaseous pesticides are called fumigants, which poison or suffocate pests with minimal risk to humans and pets. In a process known as structural fumigation, fumigants are used to exterminate or prevent pests from accessing inaccessible parts of buildings such as wall cavities or attic spaces. Fumigants also protect soil, grain, and fresh farm produce from pest damage. Additionally, imported or exported goods are often fumigated to prevent the introduction of new pests as invasive species. Structures themselves are also often fumigated while under construction or renovation to stop pests such as termites from attacking and feeding on the structural wood used in most buildings.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is the even application of heat to kill pests by controllably heating all parts of the infested area beyond the thermal death point of the type of pest. It can be used for a variety of common pests, typically bed bugs. At Reno Pest Control Pros, we have specialized equipment to controllably and safely heat infested spaces.
Please note that DIY heat treatment approaches come with risks. There have unfortunately been far too many cases of homeowners accidentally damaging or burning their own property while attempting a DIY heat treatment. We strongly recommend contacting professionals such as us for help with heat treatments.
Pesticide Application Pest Control
Obviously, the application of pesticides, or insecticides, belongs on this list. Pest controllers are perhaps best known as being exterminators, the skilled trade professionals who prepare, mix, and apply pesticides. Pesticides may come in sprays, powders, glues, or other forms.
However, properly selecting, mixing, and applying pesticides is a real skill requiring subject-matter expertise. Experienced pest controllers are certified and will get this just right, while inexperienced or DIY Internet kits are often confusing or misleading. Failure to properly mix and apply pesticides can cause foul odors, health hazards, ecological damage, and more.
Mechanical Pest Control
Mechanical pest control methods use mechanical devices such as traps to catch and kill certain pests, usually various types of rodents or other varmints. However, it can also refer more broadly to the use of pest prevention measures such as the installation of protective barrier equipment. In this context, mechanical pest control keeps pests away from plants, buildings, or other sensitive areas.
Poisoned Bait Pest Control
Poisoned bait usage is another common and well-known pest control method. Several types of poisoned baits are available, which can deter or kill numerous types of pests. However, this method requires skill and carefulness to use well. People who attempt to kill pests with poisons can cause ecological issues down the road. This happens if other wildlife come in contact with the poison, or if the poison travels into the ecosystem or the water table. Washoe County regulates poison usage, and homeowners who are unaware of the proper application and use of poisons may find themselves facing stiff penalties for improper use violations.
Trap Cropping Pest Control
Trap cropping is a pest control method most commonly found in agriculture in which a trap crop is planted to attract pests. The trap crop is just some type of plant that is highly attractive to pests but is otherwise unwanted. Trap crops distract pests from other plants or buildings in the area. This way, the pests will go to the trap crop making it easier to control them with other methods such as using pesticides.
Would you like to get started with these or other pest control methods? Do you have questions about any other types of pest control? We will be happy to answer your questions below!