pestcontrol

Pest control is the management of pest populations that threaten human health, agriculture, property, or comfort. Pests can include insects, rodents, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and other unwanted organisms. It covers residential, commercial, agricultural, and public health applications and aims to reduce damage and nuisance without unnecessary risks to people or the environment.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a common framework that emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and using a mix of methods to keep pests at acceptable levels. IPM emphasizes accurate pest identification, monitoring and thresholds, cultural practices, physical methods, biological controls, and, when needed, targeted chemical treatments chosen to minimize hazards.

Common methods include physical barriers and traps; sanitation and habitat modification; biological controls such as beneficial predators or microbial agents; and chemical measures. Pesticides should be used only according to label directions, with consideration of non-target species and environmental impact, and often rotate modes of action to reduce resistance.

Regulation and professional practice: Many jurisdictions require licensed applicators for pesticide products and for certain activities. Pesticide registration, storage, handling, and disposal must follow law to protect health and environment. Public health and agricultural programs increasingly promote IPM and non-chemical methods.

Effectiveness and challenges: Pests can develop resistance; chemical control can cause collateral damage; pest control requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation. The goal is sustainable suppression rather than eradication.