In order to understand pest control, we have to ask ourselves, what is a pest? A pest is an irritating organism, either animal, plant or insect that destroys food, crops, livestock and property. Some pests can also cause diseases like mosquitoes. Pest control is the method used to get rid of pests. How do we get the most effective pest control method and an efficient one? First we identify the type of pest we need to eliminate. The most common pests that invade our homes are rats, mice, termites, bedbugs, fleas and ticks among others. IN order to do pest control effectively and efficiently there are two main factors that you have to take into consideration. These factors are: a: The name of the pest: B: The lifestyle of the pest. Identifying the type of pest you need to exterminate and its lifestyle helps you decide which pest control method will be most suitable.
PEST CONTROL METHODS
Now that we know what pest and pest control is all about, let us look at the most effective pest control methods we can use. In Singapore there are various acceptable methods of pest control. These methods include;
1. Prevention
2. Biological pest control
3. Baiting
4. Traps
5. Use of chemicals
6. Change bulb lights
7. Hunting.
8. Destruction of breeding sites
1. PREVENTION
Prevention is considered one of the cheapest and most effective pest control methods in Singapore. Prevention is better than cure. This statements tends to apply to many areas in our lives. Pest control has not been left behind in this. We can all bear witness to this statement, Can’t we? Pests can be controlled by keeping our homes and pets clean and sanitized. Cleaning pets often prevents invasion by fleas and ticks. Are you looking for the cheapest pest control plan? This is the one.
2. BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL
Biological pest control is another method used to get rid of pests. This method involves introducing a natural enemy to take care of the parasite. Biological control is quite effective for pests such as termites, insects and pests that cause diseases. There are three types of biological pest control:
1. Augmentation
2. Conservation
3. and importation
It is a natural mechanism that relies on the ecosystem to take care of the unwanted organisms by feeding on each other. This is done through the following methods.
a. Predation
b. Parasitism
c. Symbiosis
d. And herbivory
However, when using biological pest control we need to be careful as the biological control agent could destroy other organisms that were not targeted. It is important to research on the control agent before introducing it into the environment.
3. BAITING
Baiting is also a pest control method. It is among the cheapest pest control methods since it only requires a little leftover food or cake which is poisoned to work as bait. This method is most effective for controlling pests like rat and mice. With baiting, poison is added to the left-over food, cake or any other edible and left in an open area. The pest then eats it and dies from the poison in the food.
4. TRAPS
Traps are among the cheapest pest control methods in the word today. This method works very well with pests such as mice and rats. It is very cheap because all you need is a trap. Traps are widely available in Singapore thus posing no challenge in acquiring one. Most traps are made in a way that as soon as the pest disturbs it a trigger is released. Once the trigger is released, the pest is captured in the trap. After the pest has been captured the trap holds it down until you dispose it off.
5. USE OF CHEMICALS
Chemical are used to control pests both at home and professionally. It’s one of the most effective pest control methods in the world today. The chemical used is commonly referred to as a pesticide. How do these pesticides work? The pesticide will either repel the pest due to its smell, or destroy it completely. Pesticides are of three different types, these are:
a. Fumigants
b. systematic pesticides
c. And contact pesticides.
6. CHANGE LIGHT BULBS
Recent research has shown that mercury vapor bulbs attract insects more than the sodium vapor bulbs. If you are using mercury bulbs, changing your bulbs to sodium ones will reduce pests in your home. Especially the pests that are attracted to light can be minimized by up to 40%.
7. HUNTING
If you have lived in an area where squirrels are a nuisance, you can agree with me that hunting can help get rid of pests. These animals can cause a lot of problems as they are pesky and not easily trapped. Hunting comes in handy in this case. This method is one of the oldest means used to get rid of pests. However with technological advancement introducing stronger and less tiring methods it has been phased.
8. DESTROYING BREEDING SITES
A breeding site is the area where these pests multiply. In order to eliminate the breeding site we need to ask ourselves this question. Where do this pests multiply very fast? Mostly disposing waste correctly and keeping waste bins clean takes care of 70% of the breeding sites. However there are other areas that are common breeding sites. These sites include:
a. Sewers
b. Stagnant water
c. Scattered garbage.
To get rid of pests we have to ensure these areas are taken care of. Ensuring garbage is disposed properly and proper sewer systems are in place will get rid of most of the breeding areas.
CONCLUSION
As we have seen above pest control is a very import part of our lives. Pest control keeps our homes clean and prevents destruction of property. This can be done personally or with the help of a professional. There are many companies in Singapore that offer credible pest control services. If you need professional help all you have to do is enlist one of these companies. However if you chose to do it yourself safety is an important part of pest control. Always wear protective clothing where necessary. Let us keep our homes pest free effectively and efficiently.
