Pest control products come in various forms, including sprays that can be applied with a trigger-pump, hose-end, or aerosol. They typically repel pests and kill on contact or by paralyzing them. The key is choosing the right product for your needs. Read the label carefully and follow the directions for safe use.
Toxicity
Many pest products can be dangerous to people, pets and wildlife. The health effects of pesticides can include irritation of the nose, throat and skin as well as rashes and blisters.
The toxicity of a pesticide depends on the amount and form of exposure. A single dose (acute toxicity) can be deadly, even if only a small amount of the chemical is absorbed.
Chronic toxicity occurs after repeated exposure, usually lasting many months or years. It is usually less dangerous than acute toxicity, but it may still be hazardous.
Toxicity studies are done to assess a new pesticide’s toxicity to animals, plants and humans. These tests are expensive and can take several phases.
Label warnings and precautions for a pesticide are generally based on these tests. A signal word is used to alert the user to the acute toxicity of the product.
Safety
Depending on the particular product in question, pest removal guides can be hazardous to both you and your pets. While we’re not advocating a trip to the emergency room, we are advocating taking the necessary steps to protect your loved ones and the planet. A little bit of preparation and research can go a long way to keeping you and your family safe from harm. The best ways to do this are to be a) proactive and b) informed about what your local pest control pros are doing and not doing.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness of pest control methods depends on a variety of factors, including the chemical used, how it’s applied, and how well it interacts with natural enemies. Some broad-spectrum, non-selective pesticides are more toxic to many beneficial insects and mites than they are to pests.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to managing pests that incorporates both cultural and chemical controls. Growers use cultural practices such as planting, harvesting and weeding to discourage pests, while also conserving natural enemy populations that are already present in fields and greenhouses.
When a pest population reaches a level that can cause crop damage, growers select the most appropriate pesticides for controlling it and apply them in the proper sequence to prevent spray drift and save costs. They keep records of trapping, weather and treatment results.
A randomized controlled trial of the New York City Housing Authority’s IPM program found that IPM reduced residents’ own use of insecticides compared to those living in control apartments. The decrease was greater in IPM apartments than in control apartments at baseline and was maintained after 6 months of follow-up.
Cost
Home pest control companies vary in pricing, but a one-time visit to eliminate specific pests typically costs more than quarterly maintenance visits. This price increase is due to the time and labor involved in identifying your problem, planning a solution and applying the treatment all at once.
Costs also depend on the size of your home and what type of products are used. Larger homes tend to have a larger number of insect hiding spots and may require more extensive treatments than small homes.
Aside from these factors, climate can also affect your pricing. Hot, humid climates have a higher concentration of termites, cockroaches and silverfish than colder areas.
Depending on the pest, you might be able to do your own pest control on your own with over-the-counter chemicals and bait traps, or you can hire a professional exterminator. Some DIY projects might be as simple as treating garden areas or removing spiders, but if you have a serious infestation, you’ll want to hire a professional to do it right.