Pest control is necessary for the protection of plants and crops. It is also necessary to avoid damage caused by pests in wildlands and landscapes. Moreover, pests can transmit diseases and can harm human health. Pests come in many forms, including insects, nematodes, and aphids. They can damage animal and plant life and can affect water quality. In most cases, pests are a major cause of health problems.
Pest control involves identifying pests and determining their risk and sensitivity. This process involves assessing pest biology and environmental factors. This helps determine the most effective pest control methods and when to apply them. Once a pest is identified, monitoring is the next step in the process. There are several methods of pest monitoring, each of which has different objectives.
Pest control professionals use insecticides and other chemicals to kill pests. However, some pesticides can have harmful effects on people. The risk varies according to the chemicals used, the length of exposure, and the type of pesticide. Pesticides should only be used by professionals with the necessary training and certification. Foggers are particularly dangerous and should be avoided. In addition, you should always check the label of any pesticides.
The effects of pesticides on the natural enemies of pests can be minimized with proper timing and placement. For example, if you plan to apply insecticides in an agricultural field, you should avoid applying these in high-density areas to reduce the risk to natural enemies. In addition, spot applications or alternating strips within a field can minimize the impact of pesticides on natural enemies.