How Do Pest Management Technicians Work?

Throughout the course of history, human settlements have vastly evolved from very small rural-based villages to areas that are highly urban. The ecosystems in various regions have been altered. As a result, the biodiversity is now low and human-selected organisms abound. Unfortunately, this has led to the development of organisms that are now classified under the status of “pest” and has resulted in highly severe consequences in terms of health and economics.

The earliest attempts to eliminate these pests involved very simple methods of utilizing a mixture of other types of organisms and a wide variety of inorganic-based compounds. As the population grew, pest outbreaks became more serious and more common. This resulted in more research for chemicals that would control pests. By the 1940s, organochlorine pesticides increased the popularity of synthetic-based pesticides. These were – eventually – determined to be the answer to controlling various types of pests.

Since that time, the pest control industry has grown in an immense way. A pest control technician specializes in the pest industry. Not only does the specialist know what each pest is, they are able to identify whether or not they live in a certain area through an assortment of signs left behind. They also identify why the pest was attracted to a certain area and know what to do to prevent it from happening again. They specialize in physical pest control, biological pest control, and physical pest control. In this guide, you will be introduced to the assortment of pesticides that are currently being utilized by professional pest control technicians.

Pest Control Categories

As mentioned before, the following outlines the most common pest control categories:

1. Physical – This type of pest control includes traps, barriers, and similar items.
2. Biological – This type of pest control includes using natural predators and insects that are parasitic in nature.
3. Chemical – This type of pest control uses pesticides and rodenticides.

In addition to the above-mentioned types of pest control, there is what is called “Integrated Pest Management” or “IPM” for short. It combines all of the methods listed above to manage a specific area for pests. Pest control technicians may use one or more of the methods outlined here.

Physical Types of Pest Control

There are many options when it comes to physical types of pest control. Some have to do with management – such as sealing up a crack and/or setting a trap. The following outlines the most commonly used physical types of pest control by pest control technicians and include a brief explanation of each:

1. Traps and Associated Devices for Capturing Pests – Examples of these items include glue boards that are designed to catch crawling insects and mice. Bait stations for ants, roaches, and rats. Traps and associated devices for capturing pests are designed to trap the pest by luring with a food or even a snare. Bait or attractants will encourage the animal to go within close proximity of the trap.
2. Barriers – These items are designed to create a specific boundary that will not be crossed by the pest. Examples include a window screen on a window, or a chemical spray that repels insects completely away from the foundation of a home.
3. Mechanical Removal – Mechanical-based techniques are designed to kill or remove a pest directly without having to use biological agents or chemical agents. Examples of these methods include picking insects off of plants, tiling the soil so that certain insects will come to the surface, and/or a trap designed to capture a mouse.
4. Suctioning – A pest control technician may use a vacuum or similar device to suck up large amounts of pests. This is effective in eliminating widespread infestations such as bed bugs, and termites. In addition to sucking up the actual pests, you may vacuum up droppings and bits of shells and handle insects that may not be handled in a safe manner.

Biological Types of Pest Control

Biological types of pest control include those that use natural pests and mechanisms that are biological in nature to manage pests. Examples include the use of natural predators, and the use of various types od microorganisms to control populations of certain pests. Review the following for more detailed information:

1. Predator Use – In a residential setting a professional pest control technician will focus on native predator activity in an effort to control nuisance pests. For example, bats may be used for heavy moth activity. Birds may be used to control caterpillars. Snakes are an effective means of eliminating rodents and other types of small mammals.
2. Pathogen Usage – Some pest control technicians will use certain types of microorganisms in an effort to control pest populations. For example, the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is toxic to certain types of pests such as caterpillars and when used, may control populations of caterpillars but the bacteria are not toxic to humans, mammals, and certain types of non-targeted insects.

Chemical Types of Pest Control

In most instances, pest control technicians will use chemical types of pest control. These methods include both synthetic and natural types of compounds that are designed to repel or kill pests. The following outlines the most commonly used chemical pest control methods:

1. Pesticides – These are the most commonly used forms of chemical pest control. These will usually be in the form of gels, baits, sprays, aerosol sprays, and dusts. They target certain types of pests and – eventually – disrupt the nervous system of their bodies. This then either causes an issue with their reproductive system or kills them. These pesticides are tightly regulated by the EPA and are not toxic to humans or their pets.
2. Fumigation – Pest control technicians may also use fumigation for pest control. This is where they seal off an area and release a toxic gas that is designed to kill various types of pests. This is a popular type of pest control for termite infestations.
3. Rodenticides – This type of pest control is used to kill various types of rodents – such as mice and rats. The chemicals are considered to be highly toxic and if not used properly, they have the capability of harming other types of animals. If ingested or inhaled by humans, these pose a risk to the health.

Other Types of Pest Control

In addition to the pest control types outlined above, the following outlines other types of pest control used by pest control technicians:

1. Herbicides – These are chemicals that are designed to kill weeds. They are not typically used to conduct pest control; however, if weeds are eliminated, many types of pests will be eliminated because of the fact that their habitat will be eliminated.
2. Repellents – These are specially-designed substances that are applied directly to surfaces and/or the clothing in an effort to repel pests. They create an unpleasant odor and/or an unpleasant sensation for the pest and the pest will then make an effort to stay away from that area. For example, a repellent for mosquitoes is citronella. By repelling certain pests from an area, you may be able to completely get rid of an infestation.
3. Cultural Control – This type of pest control involves modifying the environment or the practices by people in a given area to prevent pests from infesting homes and/or crops. Examples include planting pest-resistant plants and managing the contents of the soil.
4. Trap Cropping – This type of pest control involved planting a crop on purpose that you are willing to sacrifice in order to keep pests away from the main crop that you plant.
5. Mechanical Devices – There are many devices now available that are mechanical that may be used to control pests. Examples include bug zappers, repellents that are electronic, and suctioning devices.

What Method is the Best for Pest Control?

According to most pest control technicians, the best pest control method is integrated pest management – which combines all of the types of pest control outlined above – for an approach that is tailored for the customer being treated. In this strategy, the following is included:

1. Pests are monitored and identified.
2. Pest control methods are taken as needed.
3. Prevention strategies are used to prevent pest problems.
4. The pest control method is regularly evaluated to determine if it is continuing to be effective.

Should I Use DIY Pest Control?

While it is true that some of the products available over-the-counter are effective for controlling pests. It is important to understand that pest control technicians are trained to know what to look for to determine what type of infestation that you have and know exactly what to use in order to control and/or completely eliminate that infestation. We do not advise DIY pest control.

If you are in need of pest control services, you may contact us here at All Pest today. We are capable of quickly identifying the pests troubling you and why you have the infestation. We are licensed, insured, and trained to handle all of your needs. To set up a consultation, please call us today at the following number: 765-259-0043