Pest control is the process of eliminating, managing and preventing pests by using safe and effective methods. These can include traps, chemical treatments, physical barriers, and even biological solutions. Some see pest control purely as a science while others view it as a service industry that helps protect our spaces. Either way, it’s all about safely keeping pests away while minimizing harm to the environment.
If I’ve to sum it up in two lines, I’d say: Pest control is the removal of pests through traps, barriers, and pesticides, plus the ongoing management of pest activity like using the sentricon system for termite control, bait stations for rodents, or ecofriendly insect regulators to keep bugs at bay. Remember that the keyword in ‘pest control’ is ‘control’, which means gaining control of the pest AND control of the situation. You cannot gain control without some level of pest management.
Defining Pest Control
We’ve touched on some scientific details of pest control but now let me break it down in simple terms. Imagine you’ve just bought a home, a place you’ve dreamed about and saved for, brick by brick, year after year. It’s cozy, perfect, exactly how you pictured it. But here’s the catch: termites are quietly eating away at the foundation. There’s a bug in the bedroom, a trail of sugar ants in the kitchen and to make matters worse, roaches are scattered around. Suddenly, you’re left wondering, “what do I do now?” You can’t just move out or rent it it’s your home and handling all these pests on your own isn’t realistic.
That’s where a pest control process comes in. That’s what we’re really talking about; professionals who make your home safe and comfortable by using proven pest control methods.
Basic Services That Pest Control Company Provides
A pest control company has wide range of services for pest extermination. But in general, they cover:
- Pest Extermination (Removing existing pests from your home or business quickly and effectively.)
- Pest Management (Controlling pest populations through safe and targeted treatments to reduce future problems.)
- Pest Prevention (Taking steps to stop pests from getting in or causing damage in the first place.)
Why Do We Need Pest Control?
Because nobody wants pests to take over their home or business, right?
But it’s more than just an annoyance. Pests don’t just damage your property; they can seriously affect your health and wellbeing. Even if you never come into direct contact with them, pests can still harm you by spreading viruses and bacteria. For example, hantavirus is a serious illness caused by exposure to the saliva, urine, or droppings of rodents like mice. Back in October 1993, there was a big hantavirus outbreak in the U.S. Many people got very sick some so severe they had to be hospitalized. Tragically, around 45% of those infected didn’t survive.
I’m not telling you this to scare you, but to make you aware; pest control is about protecting your health and safety too. Especially in the U.S., pest control isn’t just a luxury or convenience – it’s an absolute necessity. Beyond hantavirus, pests can carry other diseases like Salmonella, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. Plus, they can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in kids. So, pest control means more than just keeping bugs and rodents out, it’s about keeping your family or customers healthy and safe.
Here are some reasons why we desperately need pest control services:
- Bed bugs feed on human blood.
- Many pests carry and spread diseases like mice, rats, cockroaches and fleas.
- Cockroaches, mice, rats and raccoons can be fatal due to the diseases they carry.
- Some pests can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks, including wasps, bees, cluster flies, and cockroaches.
- Termites, mice, rats, clothes moths, and ants can cause serious property damage.
- Pests can also destroy your lawn and outdoor spaces.
- Pests can contaminate your food like pine seed bugs and boxelder bugs are common offenders.
- Some pests bite or sting whether the pain is real or just scary like bed bugs, fleas, wasps, house centipedes, and spiders.
- Certain pests show aggressive behavior such as mud dauber wasps and yellow jackets, which can be dangerous if disturbed.
What Pests Are Treated by Pest Control Companies?
Well, this really depends on the company’s services and expertise. Not all pest control companies handle the same pests; it varies based on the skills and specialties of their exterminators. In general, most companies cover common pests like termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, mosquitoes, and sometimes even wildlife like rodents or raccoons. Some specialize further, offering treatment for more specific pests such as spiders, fleas, or birds.
So, when choosing a pest control service, it’s a good idea to check exactly which pests they handle and what methods they use.
Are Pest Control and Pest Management the same thing?
No, they are not the same thing.
Pest control usually means the immediate action, getting rid of pests right now using treatments, traps or sprays. It’s about solving the problem quickly. Pest management on the other hand, is a long-term strategy. It combines multiple methods like targeted chemicals, sanitation practices, habitat modification, biological controls, and more to keep pest populations low over time.
In simple terms, pest control is a part of pest management. Pest control focuses on eliminating pests quickly, while pest management aims to minimize pest problems and prevent future outbreaks.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Pest control management also includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques which go beyond just removing pests. IPM focuses on long-term prevention by combining multiple strategies, like monitoring pest activity, using physical barriers, applying targeted treatments only when necessary, and promoting environmental changes that make your home safe from pests.
Common Methods of Pest Extermination
There are various methods of pest extermination. Some of them are given below:
1. Chemical Sprays
Using chemicals is one of the oldest and most common methods for eliminating pests in the home. This involves the safe application of sprays or other treatment plans designed to target pests. Some people hesitate to use chemicals because they worry about the safety of their family or pets. But modern pest control products are formulated to be safe for people and pets when applied correctly, they’re tough on pests but gentle on your household.
That said, it’s important to ask your exterminator exactly what chemicals they’ll be using, how they apply them, and what precautions you should take afterward. Better to ask questions so you know what’s being used in your home
2. Traps
Traps are another common way to get rid of pests. A professional exterminator places them in the right spots to catch the pest that has been causing problems. They are used for catching rodents mice and other small animals. This method is quick and gives visible results when done correctly.
3. Barrier
Barriers are used for long term pest prevention. Exterminators place them under the ground with the right amount of safe chemicals or pesticides to keep pests away. They act like a protective wall around your home or business. Once in place they keep working quietly in the background so you can enjoy a pest free space for months or even years.
Dave’s Pest Control - Your Local Pest Control
Welcome to Dave Pest Control- dedicated to protecting homes and businesses from pest invasion. We have 45 years of experience and a team of certified professionals, who make sure your place is clean from termites, ants, or any other nuisance. You can also check out one of our case studies, where we helped a Florida family reclaim their peace of mind & the safety of their home through effective and reliable pest control services.
At Dave Pest Control, we specialize in showing pests the door and making sure they don’t come back! If you are facing any pest trouble, just schedule your inspection with us and we will take care of it all!
