In order get effective pest control, you have to understand the benefits and risks associated with each tactic. Using the right approach is crucial to avoid any harm to people or property, while still controlling the pests in question. To ensure you’re using the right strategy, you need to consider the type of pest, how severe it is, and the amount of control you need. These are the most important things to consider when selecting the right pest control strategy.

Termites

Despite the fact that termites are a common pest in many homes, you need to know how to treat them. Termites are soil-dwelling insects and can find their way into your home through cracks and crevices. Depending on your location, it can take three to eight years before you will begin to notice any damage. If you notice signs of termite infestation, contact your local Knoxville Pest Control service.

Ants

Some experts say ants can be used as a pest control alternative to harmful insecticides. The odorous ants, for instance, give off an odor like rotten coconut when crushed. For this reason, proactive ant control is essential. Another species to look out for is pharaoh ants. These tiny brown species are known to forage through elaborate trail routes guided by pheromones. They can be hard to find but will generally find a damp water source to hang out.

Fleas

Fleas are most common among pet owners, but you can also encounter flea infestations in areas where you don’t have pets. These tiny insects can enter a home through the bedding or carpet of an infected animal. These pests are not only uncomfortable to the human host, but they can also spread a variety of diseases. Here are some tips for flea control. Identify and treat flea infestations before they become a serious problem.

Rodents

The first sign of a serious rodent problem is droppings. Unlike mice, which are smooth with pointed ends, rats have pellet-shaped droppings that are flat and blunt at both ends. Droppings are approximately the size of an olive pit and are typically found near areas of food and shelter. The best way to detect a rodent infestation is to spot these droppings and take steps to eliminate them.

Parasites

Insects that feed on pests are called parasites. These insects are called flies or wasps. The families in which these insects live include Aphelinidae, Trichogrammatidae, and Ichneumonidae. Some species of parasitic flies, known as pirate bugs, are commercially available. They feed on many different types of pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. They are also known as “green lacewings,” which are known for eating the eggs of caterpillars, Mexican bean beetles, and other native pests. Also included in this category are spined soldier bugs, which feed on mites and thrips.

Rotating pesticides reduces resistance to pesticides

To reduce the development of resistance to pesticides, farmers should rotate the pesticides that they use on their crops. Pesticides are susceptible to resistance if they are repeatedly used, applied over a large area, or only in one isolated area. Rotating pesticides can help select out resistant insects by leaving residues that gradually lose their effectiveness. Using pesticides with different modes of action will also reduce the chance of resistance.

Biological control

Biological control for pest control is a growing field of science. It is used to suppress pests through a variety of methods. Some biological control tactics rely on the activity of natural enemies – which practitioners call “beneficial.” The ultimate goal is to suppress the pest population while minimizing pesticide use. Different approaches utilize different natural enemies, depending on the target pest, the host organism, and the life cycle of the pests.