There are many ways to protect your home from pests. The best way is to keep your dwelling clean and dry. Keeping it clean helps to prevent rodent and vermin infestations. You can also eliminate areas where pests may hide. It is also important to remove all waste-food garbage. Ideally, you should have your trash disposed of daily in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid.
Besides preventing pests from entering your home, you can also keep them away by denying them food and water. If you do not have enough space to eliminate the problem on your own, it is important to hire a professional. Also, you can try to identify the pest before hiring an exterminator. By learning about the biology of the insect and the type of damage it causes, you can choose the best type of pest control.
Biological control methods involve using beneficial organisms or parasites. Beneficial predators include bees, spiders, and lady beetles. These insects are important for pollinating flowers and vegetables, and they also help to keep harmful insects from spreading.
Integrated pest management (IPM) uses both biological and chemical controls. In this method, you use biological means to kill or suppress the pests and you use chemical treatments as a last resort. Using a single IPM treatment is usually more effective than using conventional pesticides. Choosing environmentally safe pesticides is an effective option, but you must follow the label directions carefully.
To find out more about non-chemical options for pest control, contact your local extension office. They can help you to determine whether your problem is a pest or disease and to find out if the pests have natural enemies. You can also learn about the life cycles of the different pests.
Chemical pest control can be used to fight a wide range of insects. But it is important to remember that some chemicals are harmful to humans. Unless you are sure that the pest is a serious problem, you should avoid using them. For example, if you want to treat your houseplants, you should first isolate them from other plants. Read the labels carefully and wear protective clothing.
When buying new plants, it is important to check them for signs of pests. This includes looking at the plant’s undersides. Most pests are found on the underside of leaves. A 10X magnifying lens can also help you to see pests. Another option for pest control is to spray the plant with water.
Using a non-toxic dust can help control pests. Many of these materials are less toxic than insecticides, and they should be used only as a last resort. Pesticides are not recommended for indoor use. However, some are registered for use on houseplants. Depending on your plant’s needs, you may need to apply multiple applications of a chemical pesticide.
If you are having trouble identifying your problem, consult your local UC Cooperative Extension office. They can also tell you what type of insect is causing the problem and how to solve it.
