There are times when pest control just cannot be accomplished in the traditional way with pesticides. In fact, the best pest control is accomplished without total reliance on pesticides. This may be somewhat shocking, but it certainly is true. In previous articles we have discussed IPM or Integrated Pest Management as a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods of control of insect pests that make life uncomfortable or just plain dangerous in some instances. Let us investigate some examples of non-chemical pest control.
One example that comes up time and again is the example that the customer is just physically unable to leave the home for a chemical treatment. I am sorry to say that I have known of many instances that controlling general insect pests was not performed due to the inability to vacate the premises. I admit that using pesticides as a tool for quick control is a great option and thank goodness for research of pesticide manufacturers that makes our lives much better by proper use of their products, but there are other options that many times are ignored because those options require study and thinking outside the box while accomplishing a pest control treatment.
Another reason why non-chemical procedures are not normally used is that these types of treatments require cooperation from the customer which includes good preparation for treatment. Doing a treatment without good preparation and expecting quick and favorable results requires a certain amount of “magic,” not science. In cases where magic is required there are unreasonable expectations by the customer. After careful evaluation from the pest professional reasonable expectations can be voiced to the customer so no surprises are experienced during and after treatment.
Some non-chemical treatments may include heat, cold, steam, and non-pesticide products. Other types of treatment may include sealing cracks and crevices and/or physical alteration of problem breeding areas or harborages.
Education of the client plus cooperation is key. There are times when a non-chemical treatment is best, but such treatments are more expensive and take more time and recalls to achieve desired results.