The Three Levels of Pest Control

Residential Pest Control Whittier is the active management of unwanted organisms that cause damage or interfere with our desired plants in our fields and orchards, landscapes, gardens, and lawns, or homes, and may impact human health. Organisms that are considered pests include weeds, vertebrates (birds, rodents, and other mammals), invertebrates (insects, mites, nematodes, and snails), pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and fungus) that cause disease, and other undesirable organisms.

There are three levels of pest control: prevention, suppression, and eradication. Prevention is an important goal in most pest situations. It is possible to prevent some pests by changing the environment in which they live or using chemicals that disrupt their life cycle. It is also possible to use physical or mechanical controls that kill the pests directly or block them from entering. Examples of mechanical and physical controls are putting out traps for rodents, applying mulches for weeds, or steaming soil to sterilize the ground. Chemicals that kill a pest include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. These can be used alone or in combination to manage a pest population.

Suppression is the second level of pest control. This involves reducing the numbers of pests to a point where the harm they cause is acceptable. Control methods that reduce pests to an unacceptable level include using a combination of biological, physical, and chemical controls. Biological controls include using natural enemy species to control pests; chemical controls may include plant disease inhibitors, growth regulators, or herbicides. Physical controls include using barriers such as fences and tarps to keep pests from entering buildings, and physical removal of pests such as digging or sweeping. Chemicals may be used to control pest populations if the natural enemies are insufficient or cannot be found.

Extermination is the last resort in controlling a pest problem when other options have been exhausted. It involves destroying the entire pest population. Pesticides are used for this purpose, and can be applied as granules, liquid sprays, gases, or inert materials. Extermination should only be used when the benefits of controlling a pest outweigh the cost of controlling it. It is illegal in many countries to use extermination on people unless it falls under one of the legal exemptions, such as national security or defense reasons, or if the perpetrator is part of a genocide or other crimes against humanity.

Pest control services help protect your family from diseases that can be spread by pests like rats, ants, and fleas. These pests can carry bacteria and transmit diseases through bites or droppings. In addition, they can aggravate allergies and asthma. By hiring a professional to provide regular pest control services, you can avoid these health hazards and enjoy good sleep and a healthy home environment.

Pest control services can help you save money by preventing costly repairs due to pest infestation. Rodents, for example, can chew electric wires and create fire hazards at homes. They can also contaminate food supplies in warehouses and factories by stealing or chewing items that are meant to be stored securely. By providing regular pest control services, you can ensure that food is always safe for your family and customers.