Pest Control Types

Biological control

This method involves using natural enemies (parasites, predators, pathogens, etc.) to suppress pests. The principle is pretty simple. We use one organism to kill another, that’s it. For example, releasing insects which are beneficial because they’re natural enemies of a particular pest species is considered biological control. The good thing about this method is that it’s safe for the environment. The biological control strategy includes conservation, importation, and increment of natural enemies.

However, there are some downsides to this method. First of all, clients are sometimes disappointed with the level of pest control achieved through the biological method. Furthermore, it’s a somewhat slow process, so it takes time. The usage of appropriate species under optimal conditions is required for a successful biological control or pests.

Mechanical control

This way involves installing physical barriers, wires, or fences. It’s mostly used for farms and agricultural holdings. It also includes weeding which is a botanical component of pest control used for suppressing noxious plants and weeds. Mechanical methods include handpicking and traps.

Handpicking is often used by gardeners. It involves the use of human hands to eliminate adverse insects and toxic materials. It’s the quickest method; however, it has a downside. It must be performed before the damage has been done.

Traps are used in three ways – to kill the insects, trap them, or determine the total amount of insects located in the area by using sampling methods. The downside of this method is the price of these traps. They often tend to be expensive and end up benefiting insects instead of eliminating them.

Physical control

This method uses a way of eliminating the pests by attacking, removing, or setting up obstacles to prevent further destruction of one’s plants. This way is most often used for crop growing, but it can also be applied to homes. There are four methods involved in physical control – barriers, traps, temperature control, and fire.

Traps and barriers are pretty self-explanatory. They include mouse traps, snap traps, glue, and live catch traps. Some traps even include pheromones to attract the pest, especially moths.

Temperature control involves using cold and hot temperature to eradicate pests. For example, mangoes are often placed in hot water and stripped of larvae and eggs. Cold environment slows down the development and evolving of harmful entities.

Fire is used for destroying the breeding grounds. It’s the quickest method, but it comes with few drawbacks. It also destroys the soil and the beneficial insects.