Types of Pest Control

There are several types of pest control methods that can help keep pests at bay. These include chemical control, biological control, mechanical control, and cultural control. Some pests are resistant to only certain types of control, while others can be controlled through a combination of various approaches. For instance, using a pest resistant plant or wood can help keep the overall pest population at a low level. Chemicals contained within the pest-resistant host plant or wood help repel pests and prevent their life cycles.

Biological control

Biological control is a method of pest management using a variety of different organisms. These organisms are either natural enemies of pests or are introduced into a particular area through the use of biocontrol products. These methods generally require extensive research and development to select and release suitable natural enemies. These organisms are then released at a rate that is high enough to knock the pest population down. Biological control programs are generally conducted by governmental agencies and are often funded by public sources.

Mechanical control

Mechanical control is an important part of pest management. It can be used to control a large number of pests or a specific pest problem. Mechanical methods are most effective when combined with biological control. Mechanical methods can also be combined with other IPM strategies to get the most effective results.

Cultural control

While cultural control techniques are not a panacea, they do offer a number of benefits. They range from environmentally supportive practices to skill and knowledge intensive ones that optimize agroecosystems. They also minimize pesticide use and have no detrimental side effects. But they require long-term planning and careful timing. They often depend on the farmer’s knowledge and expertise. The effectiveness of cultural controls is not always clear and economic benefits may be limited.

Insecticides

Insecticides are a type of chemical that is applied to the surface of a plant or crop. These substances can have a range of different effects when they enter the environment, including lethal effects on aquatic organisms. Insecticides can be transported into water bodies from different sources, including rainfall runoff, sewage treatment plants, and agricultural fields. They can also enter the environment through atmospheric deposition and leakage. The degree to which an insecticide is transported into waterways depends on several factors, including application rates and application timing.

Monitoring pest populations

Monitoring pest populations is an important component of pest control, as it helps identify the locations where pests are most likely to be found. Then, treatments can be targeted in those areas. One common method of pest monitoring is scouting. The goal of this technique is to estimate the number of pests in a field or garden. You can measure the amount of leaf defoliation caused by insects, and note any insect frass and tents. Other indicators of pest damage include holes and tunnels in fruit. Pest Control La Verne