Pest control is the attempt to prevent or eliminate unwanted organisms that threaten health, property or profit. These organisms may be plants, weeds, rodents, birds or insects. In agriculture and gardening, the main pests are insects and fungi that damage crops, trees and shrubs. Pests are generally considered to be harmful when they reduce yields or cause aesthetic or structural damage. In other cases, such as in health care and food processing facilities, the presence of some organisms is unacceptable even if the numbers are low. In general, actions taken to control pests fall into three categories: prevention — keeping pests from getting out of hand; suppression — reducing their population below an acceptable level; and eradication — destroying the entire population.
Preventing pests usually involves removing their food sources, water or shelter. This is the most basic form of pest control Essex. In gardens, this means covering young beets and carrots with a light mulch to stop leaf miners; protecting tomatoes with insect netting or row covers to keep squirrels out; and covering strawberries with a tarp to protect them from deer.
Other methods of preventing pests include the use of barriers, traps, fences, or nets to exclude them. Chemical controls such as weed killers, fungicides and insecticides can also be used to eliminate pests. However, these chemicals can harm other organisms, including humans and animals, so their use should be limited whenever possible.
Whenever possible, try to encourage beneficial insects to live in your garden. This can be done by providing the right conditions, such as planting flowers that attract them ladybug nymphs love aphids and munch away happily, or simply placing their food sources near the affected plant. The best approach, though, is to try to mimic natural ecosystems in your own garden.
If pesticides are needed, try to use the most environmentally friendly ones possible. Avoid spraying during the day when pollinating insects and other beneficial organisms are about. Wait till the evening if you can, and try to target your spraying to the specific areas where pests are causing problems.
Regularly trim bushes and trees around your home, making sure that their branches are not touching the house. This will help to prevent pests from crawling up the walls and into your living spaces. Also, be sure to dispose of any fallen fruit or vegetables that have rotted on the ground; they can attract flies and rodents. Finally, do not feed wild birds or possums; they can introduce disease into your garden. If you do have to feed birds, do so with rodent-proof feeders.