Pest control pertains to the control of species that are perceived as pests because they cause harm and damage to one’s health, environment and economy. Pest control has been an issue since the beginning of the agriculture. It is used to prevent pests from destroying plants and crops. To augment food production, the idea is to keep the crops away from its destroyers, which are the pests. Earlier, pests were prevented by burning the weeds or plowing them under. Larger pests such as birds and crows are also being killed to keep crops pest free. Companion planting, which is also called mixed cropping or intercropping, and crop rotation are also used as techniques in preventing pests in crops. Selective breeding is also used by choosing pest-resistant cultivars.
In the United Kingdom, instead of destruction, animal psychology is put into practiced because humanitarian pest control is observed. For example, territorial behavior is used against the pest “Red Fox” together with non-damaging chemicals. In the provinces of Britain, it is common to use firearms to prevent pests from bothering the crops. Air guns are usually used and are famous for killing small pests like grey squirrels, rabbits and rats. Though using an air gun is quite dangerous, it is commonly used to get rid of small animals that are considered pests in gardens and lawn.
The Sumerians are the first known people to first use chemical insecticides with sulfur some 4,500 years ago. This discovery started the use of chemical pesticides in the industry of pest control that extends up to the present. As time progresses, particularly around 4,000 years back, other substances like the poisons of some plant species go through the Rig Veda method have also discovered. During the 18th and 19th centuries meanwhile, the use of insecticide pyrethrum was popularized along with the more advanced, mechanized and industrialized agriculture sector. As the 20th century progresses, herbicides and synthetic insecticides like DDT were discovered as being highly effective for pest control. Chemical pesticides are actually still very popular nowadays even amid several petitions over the effect and harm of these substances to health in humans and the overall wellbeing of the environment.
It is believed that human beings are to blame for the pests that cause the problems. The direct actions of people attract pests and the removal of these actions can also lessen the occurrence of pests. For instance, house flies occur when there is exposed food, water, food waste or garbage in the house. In some seaside resorts where seagulls are considered pests, tourists would even feed the seagulls with chips and fish causing the seagulls to act dangerously toward people when looking for food. To be able to fully eliminate a particular pest, one must exterminate the whole population of the species or at the very least prevent its reproduction.
A few of the methods for controlling pests are taking away the causes. Some pests like mosquitoes and house flies multiply in environments where there are stagnant water and improper disposal of waste. They breed and multiply in these environments because they get access to food and shelter. Hence, one way of eliminating pests is to take away the source. Proper storing of water in covered containers can keep mosquitoes away while systematic waste disposal can prevent the presence of rats, cockroaches, and flies. Also, a well-installed sewage system can help with pest control prevention as open sewers can also serve as breeding grounds. In addition, when buying furniture for your house, it is advisable that you buy from a reliable provider like this site: www.zothexflooring.com
Killer baits. If doable, spiked foods and bits that are usually consumed by pests that have been treated with strong poisons and chemicals will kill them. This can be an effective method with pests such as mice, rats, birds and even big wolves.
After-harvest burning. Upon the harvest of crops, the fields can be burned to the ground to eliminate all remaining pests as well as their laid eggs.
Engineered rain. In the U.S. trucks are used to kill through chemical spray for disease-bearing mosquitoes. An engineered rain can be done in pest infested fields. Trucks can also be used but planes and helicopters, which would spray the chemical from above, are more preferable. Sprays can also be used against pests in the gardens and lawns of homes and offices.
Have you ever wondered how to control moisture in and around your home? Well, believe it or not, this is something that should be done in conjunction with pest management services .
