Innovations in Pest Control Methods
Shortfalls of Traditional Pest Control
Modern synthetic pesticides have been in use since the Second World War, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. In time, their effectiveness seems to have waned. Genetic variance in pests, such as mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches lead to the development of resistance to common chemicals, resulting in the dominance of some species over others.
Moreover, as the pesticides exterminate indiscriminately, also killing off their natural enemies, there may be a resurgence in greater numbers. However, the most significant problem of all is that in the absence of proper applicators, it is not possible to restrict the pesticides to its target, therefore leaving behind toxic residues in the environment.
Regulations on the Use of Pesticides and the Need for Trained Professionals
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA is responsible for ensuring that pesticides do not pose a threat to people and the environment. The EPA regulates the use of pesticides via two regulatory laws, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Under these laws, all pesticides that are sold legally must be registered with the EPA and must bear on their packaging the registration number.
Moreover, pesticide dealers and commercial applicators are required to hold category and subcategory licenses under federal law. The license is proof that commercial applicators have undergone basic and category on-the-job training. Those who were never licensed and those whose license has expired are required to undergo training once again, according to the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Humane Animal Control Practices
There are some pests that are mild-natured and harmless, but may carry infectious diseases or could cause other forms of damage to personal property. These pests, including squirrels and birds, need to be managed humanely, rather than be harmed. This can be done by taking measures to ensure that the access points into the home and office are duly sealed and one way exit tunnels are created so that the creatures that manage to wander in, are able to find their way out, without gaining re-entry.
For instance, squirrels are quite common in New Jersey and the Fairfield area, and it is also not uncommon for them to be carrying transferable ticks and fleas, says Heritage Pest Control. This is why they need to be removed from human habitation, with as little harm done to them as possible.
Integrated Pest Management or IPM
Not only is this method most effective in avoiding repeated infestations, it is also best for both humans and wildlife. Integrated Pest Management works on the basis of prevention, monitoring and control. Under this method, chemicals are used as the very last resort and then too care is taken to ensure that only chemicals with the least toxic components are used. Moreover, under this program, treatments are not administered at regular intervals, rather they are used when monitoring has indicated that there is a growth in the number of pests, which might lead to economic or medical harm to people exposed to them.
According to the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, the tenets of the IPM program are monitoring, sanitation practices, education, solid waste management, building and ground maintenance, physical or biological methods of pest control and judicious use of pesticides.