Pest control removes or repels unwanted insects and animals from a home or business. Services can range from eliminating cockroaches to placing traps for rodents.
Pest control companies should carry liability insurance to cover any accidents or damage that may occur during service. They should also have a marketing plan that targets local customers and promotes repeat business. Click here to Learn More.
Identifying pests is an important first step in determining how to manage them. Pest identification is based on an understanding of each pest’s biology, including its life cycle, food preferences, damage to plants and buildings, and other factors that influence its presence. This information allows us to choose the best management strategies, minimizing or eliminating its impact while protecting people and collections items.
In addition, a pest’s appearance can be very different depending on its development stage or time of year and can also vary among habitats. In order to accurately identify a particular pest, it is often necessary to consider all of this information as well as specific features such as the color and shape of wings, the size of eggs or larvae, and other characteristics that distinguish one species from another.
It is especially important to correctly identify pests when they enter a building, as this can help determine the most appropriate treatment. Sometimes, this may involve consulting with an expert or sending a sample to a laboratory for verification. However, by using available resources such as this website and other online resources, as well as attending educational webinars and workshops, you should be able to easily identify most pests.
The best way to control pests in and around buildings is by preventing them from entering. This means making sure that doors and windows are closed and shut properly, and sealing any cracks or holes in walls, foundations, roofs, pipes, and cables. It is also important to dehumidify areas where pests tend to congregate, and to store books, papers, and other materials in sealed containers. In addition, it is a good idea to keep garbage cans and other trash cans closed and to dispose of them frequently, as pests like to breed in decaying organic material.
Many pests have short lifespans, and their populations can build up to levels that are difficult to control with cultural practices alone. When this occurs, it is sometimes necessary to use a limited amount of chemical control. In general, when the use of chemicals is considered, it is essential to begin by carefully identifying the pest and considering its biology and ecology, in order to select the most suitable control measures.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals that kill or prevent pests (insects, mice, weeds, mildew) from damaging crops, plants or people. They are available in a wide variety of forms, such as sprays, powders and liquids. Many common household products also contain pesticides, including insect repellents, ant baits, wood preservatives and disinfectant wipes. Pesticides can be natural or synthetic, but they all have the potential to harm human and animal health. To reduce the risk, always try non-chemical methods first and select products designed for the pest you are trying to control. Make sure you follow all label instructions carefully (especially the safety instructions) and use the least amount possible. If you do need to apply a pesticide, seek urgent medical attention if you believe you are being poisoned.
A pesticide’s toxic effects are determined by its toxicity, exposure time and concentration, and whether it enters the body through skin, inhalation or swallowing. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, muscular twitching and weakness, tingling sensations, rashes or burning skin, eye irritation, and damage to the nervous system, respiratory tract and hormone systems. Chronic exposure can lead to cancers, birth defects and miscarriages, reproductive problems, immune disorders, neurological problems, and disruption of the endocrine system, which controls our hormonal balance.
Insecticides (pest killers) can be divided into three families: organochlorines, organophosphates and pyrethroids. The most widely used family is the organochlorine group, which includes organophosphates such as DDT, chlorpyrifos and methyl bromide. These are very effective, but can have serious toxicity to humans and other animals. They are being phased out and replaced by newer, safer compounds.
Other types of pesticides are the fungicides, which control moulds and mildew; and the herbicides, which control grass, weeds and other broadleaf plants. These can be natural or synthetic, and are usually absorbed through the roots of the plant, into the leaves and stems or into the soil.
Pesticides are regulated at the federal, provincial and municipal levels in Canada. Federal regulators oversee the development, production and registration of pesticides, as well as their safety and efficacy. The provinces and territories are responsible for licensing applicators, vendors, and growers; responding to spills and incidents; and setting bylaws about how and where pesticides may be used on private or municipal lands.
Prevention
The best way to keep pests away is through prevention. Creating a system of regular cleaning practices that doesn’t invite pests, keeping garbage receptacles covered and emptying regularly, sealing cracks and crevices, cutting grass short, removing debris, sanitizing drains, etc. is a good start but, to really prevent pests from getting the upper hand, employees should be trained in how to avoid attracting them. In a business setting, this means training on-site staff to inspect incoming shipments for pests and to be vigilant about their cleaning habits in their work area. It also means developing a protocol for storing and transporting shipments to the facility and establishing a uniform cleaning program that can help reduce moisture that attracts cockroaches, ants and other pests.
Another way to prevent pests is through physical controls, which are devices and machines that either trap or alter the environment so pests cannot thrive. This includes screens, barriers, traps, fences, radiation and electricity.
Weather and climate conditions also affect pests, affecting their activity and rate of reproduction. This can be because rain or cold temperatures can kill them, and because the environment can change their host plants’ growth rate, making them less appealing to pests. Natural predators and parasitic insects can also control the population of plant-eating pests, such as rodents, reducing the amount of damage they cause to crops and trees.
Preventive measures also involve reducing clutter, which can provide hiding spots for pests. Clutter can also make it harder for people to clean thoroughly, which makes it easier for pests to get in. This can be done by reducing the number of items on shelves and in cupboards, and by sealing gaps and spaces with caulk. Other measures can include using steel wool to fill holes in walls and around pipes, and by putting tight-fitting covers on drains.
A well-implemented preventative pest control strategy can save time and money, as well as stress, in the long run. Contact us to learn more about how our pest professionals can help you implement a preventative pest management program.
Treatment
After thoroughly inspecting and identifying pests, your technician will treat your property to eliminate them. Treatments can be done fortnightly to monthly for medium and low infestation levels or as needed when an acute infestation arises due to environmental or situational factors.
Chemical pesticides are the most common treatments, and they come in various formulations. Some of these are sprayed directly onto the surface, and others may be used as baits or placed in places where pests hide. Pesticides poison and kill the pests that consume or come into direct contact with them. Some are also abrasive, so they erode the pests’ exoskeletons or internal organs. These products are very toxic and must only be handled by trained technicians.
Physical traps, baits and other mechanical control methods are a great alternative to pesticides. They are more environmentally friendly and cause less harm to humans, pets and livestock. These are often better suited for situations that can’t be addressed with preventative measures or when a quick reduction in population is required.
When it comes to food processing environments, pests are drawn to these places primarily for water, food and shelter. Their presence can result in consumption or contamination of food products and damage to packaging, physical structures and equipment. This can have a significant negative impact on customer confidence and brand image.
Preventative measures include the elimination of food, water and shelter sources that attract pests to your premises. Store foods in sealed plastic or glass containers and regularly remove garbage from the premises. Thoroughly clean chopping boards, cutlery and drinking glasses before using them. Caulk and seal any cracks or crevices where pests could enter your premises. Cover and secure trash receptacles, and fix leaky plumbing.
In addition to a thorough inspection and preventive measures, pest control technicians can also recommend changes to your workplace practices and processes to stop pests from getting into your business. They can also offer guidance on safe handling and storage of pest control products. These simple steps can make a huge difference to your pest management and overall business health.