An exterminator is a professional who specializes in pest management. They are often hired by homeowners who have pest problems they want to get rid of.
They also help businesses identify the best methods for keeping bugs, insects, and rodents out of their buildings. Then, they use various ways to get rid of them, including sprays, baiting, and trapping.
Pest Identification
Pest identification is the process of determining the exact species of a pest. It is the most critical step in pest control.
Knowing how much does an exterminator cost makes controlling a pest easier and often more effective. It also helps to avoid the risk of causing harm to people, pets, and the environment.
A pest management professional or your local Cooperative Extension Service can help you identify the pest. They can also help you learn about the problem, its life cycle, habits, and prevention or control methods.
Some of the most common pests found in the home include cockroaches, fleas, ants, spiders, termites, and bed bugs. These insects are not only annoying but can cause damage to your property and health problems.
Pest Prevention
Prevention focuses on keeping pests from becoming a problem in the first place. It’s the best way to protect your business and home.
Getting rid of food, water, and shelter sources can help keep pests from spreading to new areas. Cleaning trash regularly and storing food in sealed containers can also help.
These preventive measures are usually adequate for a long time. The key is to make sure that they are implemented consistently.
The next step in pest prevention is to educate your staff about how they can recognize and report the presence of pests. Again, it’s must know what to look for in a food establishment and understand why it’s necessary to keep them out.
Educating staff can take up to 60 days, but it is crucial to the success of your pest prevention program. When employees understand how their actions influence their pest control goals, it is much easier to secure buy-in and see positive results.
Pest Control Methods
There are various ways to control pests. Some of these methods involve chemicals and other substances, while others depend on natural predators.
Generally, exterminators choose the best method to resolve the problem of pests. They will determine which type of treatment is needed based on the severity of the infestation.
These treatments may include sprays, powders, and traps. Moreover, a pest control technician will also ensure that the area around your home is adequately protected to minimize potential health risks.
A typical method for eliminating aphids is to release a stable population of ladybugs that will feed on the aphids. This will help eradicate the problem without harming the crops.
Biological methods are mainly used on farmlands where pests are a significant issue. They are a combination of naturally occurring biochemicals that harm the pest but are often harmless to other organisms.
Pesticides
Pesticides are a chemical used to control or kill insects, rodents, and other critters. They are a common form of pest control and can be found on the market for almost every home or business.
However, they can cause harm to human health if not handled properly. They also affect non-pest organisms, which can cause significant environmental damage.
Occupational exposure to pesticides can occur through the work of agricultural workers in open fields and greenhouses, workers in the pesticide industry, and exterminators who spray chemicals or handle contaminated equipment. Exposure to pesticides can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
Symptoms of acute poisoning from pesticides usually appear within six to twelve hours. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and increased secretions of sweating, salivation, tearing, and respiratory secretions. In severe cases, symptoms include convulsions, involuntary urination, and coma. Organophosphates and carbamates are among the most common pesticides involved in poisoning incidents.
