Insect Pests – A Necessary Evil?
First in a series on natural pest control methods, by Andrew Greess.
Most people agree, bugs are disgusting. But did you know that insects are a critical component of our ecosystem? Without termites, the planet would be buried in dead trees. Without ants, your neighborhood would be littered with dead organic material of every disgusting, imaginable type. Those pesky house flies do us all a service, when their larval state (maggots) eliminate dead animal flesh from the environment.
A reasonable compromise is that we need insects, just not in our homes or around our families. So what can we do to keep our homes and families safe? Here are some general concepts to guide us.
1. Don’t encourage insects. All insects require food, water and harborage to survive. Do not create a friendly environment for pests in and around your home. Note: I will discuss this in detail in future articles.
2. Before trying to remedy a pest problem, you must understand it. Where are the pests located? Where are they breeding? What about the environment is supporting the pests? If you don’t know what the situation is and what is causing it, it is difficult to effectively solve the problem.
3. Use environmental modification before considering application of pesticides.
4. If using pesticides, use natural, earth-friendly products, if possible.
5. If using pesticides, use them in the least impactful way, e.g., outside the home, in walls, in small quantities, etc.
6. If using pesticides in your home, target them effectively so that you can use as little as possible.
7. Never use more pesticides than are necessary. Always read & follow label directions.
I will discuss many of these ideas, as well as natural pest and weed control products and treatment methods in future articles. Email me with your questions and comments.
Andrew Greess is the Owner of Quality Equipment & Spray, a leading provider of professional pest & weed control products, including all natural pesticides and herbicides. Contact Greess at Andrew@qspray.com, or www.allnaturalpestcontrolproducts.com
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