Pests are organisms that spoil or destroy crops, damage property or pose a health threat. Control methods include physical removal, chemical sprays, biological controls, and sterilization programs.

Prevention is the first step in pest control. Clean your house to make it less welcoming to pests: remove crumbs and trash, and close off places where they can breed and hide. Contact South Shore IPM now!

Accurate pest identification is the first step in determining whether a pest requires control and what controls are appropriate. Proper pest identification can also provide valuable information on how the pest breeds, what it feeds on, what environmental and harborage conditions it prefers, and other key biological clues for designing an integrated pest management strategy that will minimize damage to collections while minimizing risk to staff and visitors.

Identifying the specific species of a pest is important since different varieties or even different strains within a given type or family can have very different behavior and damage, require very different cultural or physical controls, and may be susceptible to different pesticides. In addition, the correct identification of a pest will help to ensure that the right pesticide is used, thereby reducing potential risks to people and the environment.

For example, the use of a biological insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis to control certain insects, such as lepidoptera and coleoptera, needs to be accurate to ensure that the specific species of a particular bug is targeted. Likewise, for the application of other chemical pesticides, such as carbaryl (Surfaces), it must be accurate to ensure that the pesticide is being applied in a manner that will prevent or reduce any adverse impacts on humans or the environment.

Incorrect or ambiguous pest identification can lead to expensive, ineffective or harmful control tactics. This is particularly true when the incorrect pesticide is used, or if the pesticide is applied at a time that is not effective against it. For this reason, it is always best to consult a professional pest control company when identifying pests and when choosing a treatment method.

A variety of online resources are available to aid in pest identification, including a variety of images. Many of these can be searched based on the specific characteristics of a pest, such as their size, color and wings or antennae. In addition, other resources are available that can be used to help with identification, such as a pest glossary and a list of common pest bites.

Prevention

Pests can be a nuisance or cause damage to property and crops. They can also carry diseases and disrupt ecosystems. Pest control is essential to protect public health by preventing the spread of disease, safeguarding food supplies and agricultural production, protecting property from damage, and maintaining ecological balance by controlling invasive species.

Prevention is the first step in pest control and involves reducing conditions that make pests thrive. This may include removing their food, water or shelter, destroying their eggs or larvae, or providing physical barriers to their entry. Ideally, all pests should be eliminated, but this is not always possible. Most pest problems can be controlled without the use of chemical pesticides.

A major part of prevention is learning about the pest you are dealing with, including what makes it grow and reproduce, its weaknesses, and how it might harm humans, plants, pets, and livestock. This information can help you determine whether the pests’ presence poses an unacceptable threat and warrants action.

Other preventive steps can include repairing any leaky plumbing; keeping garbage cans tightly closed; regularly removing trash from the premises; sealing cracks and crevices around the home; directing surface water away from the foundation; and using wire mesh to cover drainpipes. It is also important to keep vegetation and debris away from the house, and to remove weeds that could provide shelter for rodents and other pests.

In some situations, pests can be controlled with the use of natural enemies. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish feed on many pests or parasitize them, and some pathogens suppress pest populations. Supplementing these natural controls is often easier and safer than using chemical pesticides.

If natural methods fail, there are chemical pesticides that can be used to quickly reduce a severe infestation and to prevent the pests from returning. However, even when chemicals are used, they should be applied sparingly and only when necessary. It is also essential to read and follow the product label instructions carefully. It is a good idea to consult your local cooperative extension service office for recommendations suitable for your area.

Treatment

Once the pests have been identified, it is important to determine how serious your pest problem is and how best to address it. Pests can cause damage to homes, businesses and the environment. Some pests can also pose health concerns, such as venomous bites and stings, or carry diseases like rat-borne leptospirosis, Salmonella, or Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Often, it is the fear of such consequences that spurs people to act.

Sanitation practices help to reduce pests by removing food and water sources, shelter and other materials that attract them. These include storing food in sealed containers, disposing of garbage regularly and keeping compost bins closed, and fixing leaky plumbing. Controlling weeds, keeping grounds and paths clear of debris and repairing damaged structures can also help reduce pest harborage and availability.

Chemical control involves the use of a wide range of products to kill or deter pests. These include spraying, baits, dusting, trapping and eradication methods. These chemicals can be natural (e.g., pheromones) or synthetic (e.g., rotenones, pyrethroids). When applying chemical controls, it is important to follow the instructions on the label to prevent injury to humans and pets, and avoid over-application. When possible, choose non-toxic options. Pesticides are most effective when used as a last resort, in areas that are infested and where non-chemical strategies have not been successful. It is also important to ensure that the pesticide selected is specific to the targeted species and is least likely to affect people or pets.

If pesticides are applied, always wear rubber gloves when handling and apply them only in areas that will not be contacted by people or animals. Make sure that any area being treated is well ventilated before entering. Thoroughly clean kitchen benches and food preparation areas before using pesticides and always apply surface sprays away from living spaces. Always read and follow the instructions on the label for the pesticide you are using, or have a professional do it for you.

Biological control involves the introduction of a pest’s natural enemies, such as parasites, predators or pathogens. This can be done in a controlled setting through the breeding and release of these organisms, or through an ecosystem approach that involves introducing beneficial organisms into the environment. This is usually not an eradication method, as there will be a lag between the increase in a pest population and the corresponding increase in its natural enemies.

Monitoring

Monitoring (also known as scouting) is an important part of any IPM pest control program. This involves regular inspections of crops by trained personnel, with a special focus on identifying and understanding pest behavior and ecology. It can help identify and prioritize areas where pest populations are increasing, allowing for targeted treatments before they reach economic thresholds. Monitoring can also aid in establishing baseline levels of certain pests.

It’s important to use a variety of monitoring devices, from pheromone traps to baited traps to specialized lights. The combination of these tools can give your museum a clear picture of how your collection is being affected by pests. It’s also important to record the results of these monitoring tools, so that a clear trend can be identified and pest problems can be addressed quickly.

Spreadsheets and photo documentation work well on a small scale, but more benefit can be gained through participation in areawide monitoring networks that offer tailored data collection software (see Resources). These tools allow scouts to upload and analyze observations on their own terms while sharing the information they collect with others, giving perspective on what’s going on at other sites.

Keeping detailed records is essential, and this can be done with the help of a log that will identify hot spots within your facility. A log can also help prioritize and focus your pest management professional’s efforts, ensuring that they target entry points and areas of the facility where pests are most active.

For example, if you are finding a lot of German cockroaches in your employee break room, you will know that food left behind on appliances and cabinets is the root cause of the problem. Your pest control professional will be able to take measures to address the problem and prevent it from recurring.

Many pests can hide in dark harborages, including corners and crevices. Using a flashlight can illuminate these hiding places and help a trained inspector find pests and their eggs before they become a major infestation issue. Also, using hand tools like screwdrivers or pliers to reinforce physical barriers and secure openings can reduce the opportunity for pests to gain access to your collections.