When should you call the professional pest control operator for controlling household pests

 

The first thing that comes to mind after food is a place where we live and share our space with others. Less conspicuous, but important are pests, be it mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, termites, rodents, flies, lizards, etc. These are commonly found in many homes. There is no home where these pests are not found, as they are well adapted to the environment. Some of us live in harmony with them. Yet, others do not like even their miniscule presence. Some fear a lot very presence of pests, even if they do no harm. Some pests are nuisance, others harmful. They spread diseases, potential threat to lives of inhabitants. Even today, millions of people suffer from malaria and other mosquito borne diseases. And in recent years, diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis spread by mosquitoes have become too familiar as a large number of people are affected in many countries. Bed bugs are becoming common as travels have become common. In view of pestilence, it is natural that most think of getting rid of them. And the question that comes to mind is, “When should you call in pest control operator?”: As soon as you see them? Or wait until you are sure that these are not stray visitors and that these are breeding in our homes? And then, next question is how?

 

Surely, you might just be spending anything between Rs 1000-2000 for the services of pest control operators who assures you an efficacious treatment to last for long time without any ill-effects, almost guaranteeing safety for you and your family.

Pest control operators no doubt use insecticides which are poisons too. If mishandled, they are harmful and the accidental poisoning can lead to even deaths. So, before you call him in, here are few points that you should check

 

1. Does the mere presence of few pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes bother you really?

2. Are you sensitive or allergic to pests and pesticides?

3. Do you think that pest control is worth the money that you spend?

 

Answers to the above questions are not easy to come. Many high-income group urbanites do not like presence of insects at home. Any hence, they will surely use over-the-counter pest control gadgets or even order the services of trained pest control operators. Some are quite allergic to pests and hence, even if these are less in number, pest control is the only solution. However, real problem is for those who look for ‘value for money’ in such services. And there appears to be no quantitative parameters related to pestilence to hire services of pest control operators. It is very subjective as my colleague A G Chandele, ex-Entomologist who advises on these matters.

Considering that these pesticides are poisons, general caution is to use pesticides carefully and judiciously, says Uttam Satpute, ex-Entomologist in the State Agricultural University at Akola.

 

So, if you want to get rid of pests and also dislike using pesticides, the pest control is a real challenge. Occasionally, you might get pest control operators who claim to use non-pesticidal methods.

 

Non-pesticidal approach to pest control might include physical as well as biological approaches.

 

1.     Most common is to ensure cleanliness. As pest insects breed on food leftovers, the best way is to keep kitchen and accessories clean, a sink clean and dry, and dustbin closely tight or emptied every night to prevent access to foodstuff.

2.     Ensure that there are no cracks, crevices in the house, especially in kitchen. These are where eggs are laid and young ones hide.

3.     Regularly sun-dry once in a season the quilt, beds and ensuring dry places.

4.     If using potted plants, ensure that water is not in excess. Change the water regularly for pots where water is exclusively used for indoor plants.

5.     Light and physical traps are useful in attracting and killing pests.

6.     Biological approaches include use of gecko/lizard that eats insects. However, many may not like their presence.

7.     Use of biopesticides in baits could be an effective approach. Natural pesticides like extracts of dry neem leaves or kernels, pyrethrum flowers, tobacco leaves, turmeric and edible oils selectively can help in controlling pests.

8.     Mosquito nets are the best for bed rooms.

9.     Wire or nylon nets for windows for preventing entry of pest insects.

10.  Tight-fitting doors and windows will prevent entry of pests.

11.  As some of these do fall short of efficacy, complimentary approach is personal protection by wearing full-length clothes that minimise arms and leg exposure for mosquitoes.

 

Pest control operators use the approved pesticides which are formulated as sprays as well as baits. Most commonly used for mosquito control are aerosol repellents that vaporise on warming up. As these are effective only when concentration builds up, these should be used in rooms which are closed for some time before use. Pesticidal sprays are effective as they leave a thin film on surface where pests come in contact and die. However, sprays need to be carefully done to target areas where pests are found after removing utensils that are often used for foodstuff. Most pesticides approved for household pest control are available over the counter and do not need expert’s help. It is only when pest problem is high and persistent, expertise is needed. Remember, household pests are competing for the same environment as we and hence, it is virtually impossible to get rid of them. Hence, keep managing them to the level of tolerance that you have.

 

Think clearly before calling for pest control services and urgently for maintaining healthy living space.