Featured Image Caption: Coccinellidae Beetle Insect
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While no one wants to think about pests invading their home or business, it’s an exciting time for innovative pest control. Many companies are swapping traditional pest control techniques, such as heavy chemicals and routine inspections, with more environmentally friendly and proactive methods. Learn more about the latest pest prevention trends for treating homes and businesses.
Using Natural Resources for Pest Prevention
Tapping into plant and animal resources is a natural, environmentally friendly pest control solution. Botanical (plant) pest control uses plant substances and oils to terminate and prevent pests. For example, Neem Tree oil disrupts the life cycle of many insects when ingested. Neem Tree oil can also be sprinkled in garden soil to kill current pests and deter future invaders.
Other botanical insecticides include:
- Fossilized algae
- Pyrethrum daisy flowers
- Geraniol oil from rose geranium and citronella plants
- Clove, peppermint, thyme, and rosemary essential oils
While many botanical pest control methods are used for outdoor gardens and landscaping, plant-derived ingredients, such as essential oils, Neem Tree oil, and bay leaves, can also eradicate cockroaches and other household pests.
Biological pest control relies on insects and worms to kill and control pests. These natural predators can help manage and prevent pest growth. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids, small insects that quickly multiply and are extremely harmful to plants.
Roundworms, also called eelworms, are natural predators of flea larvae. They can help control and eradicate flea populations.
Natural pest control methods are non-toxic and biodegradable, making them safe for humans, pets, and the environment.
Monitoring Pests with IoT Technology
IoT (“Internet of Things”) pest control management uses connected monitors, sensors, traps, and other smart technology to trace pests on commercial and residential properties. The equipment is connected via an online network, allowing devices to monitor pest activity and environmental data. IoT pest control minimizes manual tasks like routine inspections since interconnected equipment automatically tracks pest activity and alerts technicians to treat a specific area of the property with a power sprayer or other methods.
IoT pest control technology is popular for rodent prevention services. Sensors can detect early rodent activity before they nest and reproduce, preventing a rodent infestation in your home or business.
Pollinator-Friendly Pest Control
Reducing or even eliminating native pollinators with harmful chemicals is detrimental to local ecosystems and food supplies. Pollinators significantly benefit agriculture and the environment. Pollinator-friendly pest control is exactly what it sounds like—it focuses on pest control methods that are safe for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The natural pesticides, insecticides, and IoT techniques mentioned above are examples of pollinator-friendly pest control. Other preventive pest control methods that protect and preserve pollinators include:
- Avoiding chemical pesticides during bloom seasons
- Timing pest prevention treatments when pollinators are less active, such as in the early morning or evening
- Incorporating plants in gardens and landscapes to encourage pollination
Genetic Engineering for Pest Prevention and Regulation
Genetic engineering sounds like a far-off, futuristic pest control method, but it’s becoming a reality for many companies with CRISPR technology.
CRISPR stands for “clustered interspaced short palindromic repeats” and describes the genetic makeup of certain microbes. In 2005, scientists discovered CRISPR is the microbes’ immune system that protects against viruses by incorporating some of the virus’s DNA into its genome. This allows the microbe to detect and destroy the virus in future infections.
So, how is CRISPR gene editing used for pest control? Scientists use CRISPR technology to edit a pest’s DNA to reduce its reproductive and survival abilities. Then, these genetically altered pests are released into the environment. When they mate with other pests, they pass on the genetically modified genes that reduce the pest population in the area.
The latest trends in pest control focus on sustainability and safety. Protect your home or business with one or a combination of these cutting-edge techniques. When choosing a pest control company, ask about the newest, safest pest control methods available.
By Andrew Lemieux
who is a creative writer, poet, and content strategist. He is passionate about literature, food, wine, travel, and sports. In his spare time he enjoys working on home projects and restoring the 1837 Greek Revival he and his wife own.
Member since December, 2023
View all the articles of Andrew Lemieux.
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