Pest control is essential for maintaining a healthy and safe living and working environment. Pests like rodents, insects, and other wildlife can cause health risks, damage property, and generally create an uncomfortable space for humans. Over the years, various methods have been developed to keep these unwelcome guests at bay. In this article, we’ll delve into three primary methods of pest control, giving you a better understanding of how each operates and when they might be most appropriate.
1. Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control involves using natural defences or deterrents to control to combat pests. It is a method that works in harmony with nature, depending on the pest, can often be the most effective pest control solution.
Examples:
- Hawks or falcons used to deter pigeons and gulls from occupying an area
- Sniffer dogs used to detect the location of bed bugs
- High heat used to kill fleas, bed bugs and other insects
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly and doesn’t rely on chemicals.
- Safe for humans and pets (unlike chemicals)
- Depending on the pest and location – it can be the most effective solution.
2. Physical Pest Control
Physical or mechanical pest control involves using physical means to trap, block, repel, or kill pests.
Examples:
- Blocking holes and gaps used by pests to enter a premises
- Snap traps for killing rodents or live traps used for capturing them
- Bird spikes and fire gel used for deterring birds from roosting on walls and ledges
Advantages:
- Doesn’t involve chemicals, making it safer for the environment and humans.
- Provides a direct approach to dealing with pests.
- Many physical measures, such as bird spikes, are long-term solutions
- Physical controls, play an important role in pest-proofing as a preventative control measure.
3. Chemical Pest Control
Chemical pest control refers to the use of pesticides, which are chemicals formulated to kill or repel pests. They can be applied in various forms like sprays, powders, or baits. Chemicals should be used as a last resort due to the risks to humans and non-pest animals associated with the use of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, in some cases, such as with bed bugs, chemicals controls may be a weak defence because the pests built up an immunity to the chemicals, or because the pest’s eggs can survive the treatment.
Examples:
- Rat/mouse poison (rodenticide)
- Chemical spray used on bed bugs
- Insecticide used on produce in agriculture.
- Borax – used to kill ants
Advantages:
- The pests get eliminated quickly
- Wide range of products available for various pests.
Cautions:
- Some chemicals can be harmful to humans, pets, or the environment.
- Over-reliance can lead to pests developing immunity to the chemicals
Which pest control method is the best?
Each pest control method has its advantages and appropriate situations. The best approach often involves a combination of methods tailored to the specific pest problem at hand, and the environment in which it’s occurring.
For example, for a rodent issue, the pest control technician might choose poisons (chemical control) and/or traps and as well as blocking entry points to the building (physical control). For rodents, it’s not common to use any type of biological controls.
If tackling a pigeon infestation, the technician may use a hawk (biological control) to scare away the pigeons, This may be used in conjunction with fire gel, bird netting, bird spikes, lasers, or audio repellents (physical controls). Chemicals controls are not permitted to be used on pest birds in the UK.
Are there any other methods of pest control?
Yes. Cultural control is the fourth method of pest control. “Cultural control” in pest control refers to the practices that reduce pest presence, reproduction, dispersal, and survival by modifying the environment or the behaviour of humans. In essence, it involves making the environment less conducive for pests without necessarily using chemical or physical controls.
Examples
- Changing how and where food stuffs are stored in a warehouse to make it difficult for rodents to reach.
- Improving hygiene, cleaning and food storage practices in a kitchens to reduce attractants for flies, ants and rodents
- The practice of not wearing shoes in the house, to prevent bringing carpet moth and carpet beetle eggs and larva into the dwelling.
- Educating hotel staff on the signs of bed bugs to aid in early identification
- Improving water management or drainage to reduce presence of mosquitos
Advantages:
- Can be highly effective and often crucial part of a successful pest control solution
- Cultural control is safe to people and the environment as there are no chemicals
- Changing the way things are done can often be very affordable making cultural controls a cheap way to gain great results
- Cultural controls is pro-active, so it helps prevent potential pest issues from ever becoming significant issues.
What pest control company offers all 4 methods of pest control?
Merlin Environmental leverages all 4 methods of pest control methods. With over a decade of experience, we know the most powerful combinations to use in any situation. As a ‘commercial pest control company,’ our services are exclusively available to businesses. The key difference between commercial and domestic is that commercial pest control is both proactive and reactive, while domestic pest control is purely reactive.
Merlin’s services are available nationwide across both the UK and Republic of Ireland. Get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote.
