Pest Control Falmouth is the suppression of pests to a level that is acceptable to the property owner. Prevention is the key to good pest management and involves several tactics.
Remove food, water and shelter sources. Clutter and garbage piles are attractive to pests. Garbage should be disposed of regularly.
Moisture is an attractant to some pests so fix leaky pipes and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and attics.
Pest Identification
Pest identification is the first step in developing a comprehensive integrated pest management strategy. The goal of pest identification is to determine the type and cause of the problem so that the correct cultural, physical or chemical control methods can be used. Pests may be insects, weeds, plant diseases or vertebrate animals.
The first step in identifying pests is to become familiar with the life cycle, habitat requirements, time and location of occurrence and reproductive habits of the pest. Observation of damage and signs of pests such as pheromones, egg masses and droppings can provide important clues. It is often necessary to accurately identify pests down to the species level. This is because different species of the same pest group exhibit different behaviors, damage patterns and host plants or natural enemies.
To assist in pest identification, many online resources exist. These websites contain images of common pests and their larvae, eggs, adults and other stages. Users can simply click on the category that most closely resembles the pest they are trying to identify. These sites also provide information on the pest such as characteristics, habits, threats and prevention or control measures.
In addition to online resource, it is important to visit your local garden or farm supply store and compare the pest you have observed with the pictures in their brochures. This comparison will help you decide whether or not you have the correct pest and if you need to seek additional advice from a professional.
Vertebrate pests can be difficult to identify based on damage and symptoms alone, especially when they are only occasionally encountered in gardens and landscapes. However, a simple search of the internet can help to narrow down possible species of vertebrate pests using the typical damage they cause, tracks and droppings (scat) and other biological and behavioral characteristics. This is particularly helpful for those interested in avoiding chemical treatment and preferring organic pest controls. The online tool is a great way to start your research on potential vertebrate pests that can be found in California landscapes and gardens.
Pest Prevention
Infestations can be a real nuisance and are not always easy to get rid of. They can damage buildings and cause health problems for building occupants such as gnawing on wires which may cause electrical short circuiting. Pests can also transmit diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis and salmonella. Pest control technicians can use a number of methods to eradicate pests such as spraying, baiting and trapping.
Prevention is the best way to keep pests out of your home or business and it starts with vigilance in checking for signs that pests have been attracted to the premises. It also involves cleaning practices that don’t invite pests and keeping garbage receptacles away from the building and clean. Sealing cracks and crevices with caulking or expanding foam is another preventive measure to consider. Fitting windows and doors with fine mesh screens can also be a good prevention strategy against flying insects. Regularly checking these screens for tears or holes is recommended.
Educating the community on how to prevent pest infestations is an important aspect of preventive pest control. Organizing workshops on pest identification and prevention strategies is a great way to provide this education. Collaborating with local pest control experts can also provide insights and guidance to address these issues effectively.
Effective structural prevention focuses on making the environment less inviting to pests by blocking entry points and making it more difficult for them to find food, water and shelter. This can include removing clutter from the environment, such as stacks of newspapers or old boxes, and regularly cleaning and clearing garbage receptacles. It can also include limiting access to food sources by sealing cabinets, storing food in plastic containers and removing garbage regularly. Lastly, it can involve trimming trees and plants to reduce the likelihood of pests using them as bridges to enter the building.
Oftentimes, preventive measures can be implemented without the need for any pesticides. When it is necessary to use pesticides, make sure that the correct product is used. This can be done by reading the pesticide label carefully, which will contain instructions and warnings on how to use the product safely.
Pest Treatment
Pests can damage the environment, food production and human health. They cause structural damage to homes and businesses, eat crops and spoil stored foods and they trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues in people. They also carry and spread disease, such as rodents that cause Plague, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and Lassa fever, cockroaches that can trigger food poisoning, bedbugs that bite or sting humans, and cluster flies that can infect the eyes. Some pests have a repulsive appearance, like earwigs and silverfish, or cause foul smells, like mice, rats, cockroaches and fleas.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies aim to reduce the number of pests to an acceptable level with minimal harm to the ecosystem in which they live. This usually means the use of non-chemical control tactics before resorting to chemical options. Chemical treatments should be applied sparingly and only in areas where the pests are found. If chemical controls are used, they should be applied using the least volatile formulations in order to minimise risk to people and the environment.
Physical and mechanical controls are aimed at blocking access by pests to the areas where they are unwanted. This includes keeping the area clean and free of debris that can provide hiding places for them. Caulking cracks and crevices, sealing vents and repairing leaking pipes can help deter some pests, as can keeping branches trimmed away from buildings to prevent them using them as bridges. Altering the amount of available water can also be helpful in controlling some pests, for example by changing irrigation practices or placing rain barrels near plants.
Biological control agents can be useful in controlling pests, and are usually based on the introduction of naturally occurring organisms that feed on or parasitise the target pest species. However, not all biocontrol agents are effective against all pests; for instance, the predatory mite Amblysieus swirskii only feeds on thrips and whiteflies, while the beneficial nematode Phytoseiulus persimilis only grazes on caterpillars and cabbage maggots.
The final option, which is rarely used and always as a last resort, involves the spraying of pesticides inside or around the building to eliminate the pests. Only licensed pest controllers should use this method, and the chemical they choose should be labelled with its name and EPA registration number. Always follow label instructions carefully and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect pesticide poisoning.