Examine plants and containers carefully, especially when buying or bringing plants indoors. Look for insects, webbing, holes and eggs.
Deny pests food, water and shelter. Learn to identify your pests and study their life cycle and behavior. Consider cultural control methods such as sanitation, removing infested debris and growing competitive plants before turning to pesticides.
Pest Identification
Identified Pest Control in Houston TX can be very useful in the development of integrated pest management systems. Proper identification can help determine what the pest eats, environmental and harborage conditions it prefers and other key biological information that may aid in controlling the population.
Identifying pests can be done through visual observation or the use of other diagnostic tools. Features such as shape of wings, color and size of eggs, specific dots, lines or spots on the pest can be helpful for identifying different species.
Other diagnostic tools include studying the damage caused by the pest as well as what the pest looks like when it is in the early stages of development or adulthood. For example, caterpillars make holes in plants and their feces are visible on plant leaves. Thrips leave speckled or distorted fruit, and their sucking mouth parts also transmit pathogens to plants such as viruses, bacteria and fungus, causing weakened or wilted plants. Knowing which symptoms to look for will help you decide if a control action is necessary.
Pest Prevention
Pests are organisms that impact human activities by damaging crops, gardens, homes and other structures, or by spreading pathogens that can cause disease in humans or animals. They may also spread nuisance values such as noise, odors or other factors that interfere with human activities.
All of us wish to avoid Pest Control in Houston TX and the problems they can cause. However, some pests are simply an integral part of the ecological balance that keeps our world functioning as it should.
It is important to understand the life cycle and biology of a pest before trying to control it. Once you know more about the pest, you can choose an appropriate management method and minimize the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Before rushing to spray pests, first try other methods of prevention, such as sanitation, cultural practices, weed removal or growing competitive plants. If you must use a pesticide, follow the label and apply it according to professional recommendations.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemical products designed to kill or control organisms that harm plants and animals. They are sprayed or poured onto crops, soil or water to protect them from disease, predators and parasites.
A variety of pesticides are available, including insecticides (for insects), herbicides (for weeds), rodenticides (rodents) and molluscicides (for snails and other mollusks). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
All pesticides must be carefully tested before being sold in Canada. The toxicity of each product is listed on the label in terms of its lethality to pests and potential harm to other species. The label should include safe use, handling and storage directions.
Many pesticides are endocrine disruptors, meaning that at very low doses they interfere with hormones that regulate metabolism, brain development and sleep cycles. They also may cause cancer and reproductive damage. Children are particularly vulnerable to exposure because their organs, nervous systems and immune systems are still developing.
Plant Insect Sprays
A few pesticides are labeled for use on houseplants, but be sure to read labels carefully. These products are usually ready-to-use pressurized aerosols or finger-pump atomizers and can injure plants if used too close or too often. If possible, it’s best to treat plants outdoors and bring them inside after spraying. This helps prevent over-spray on furniture, drapes or carpet.
Sprayable insecticides like neem oil are safer and less toxic than chemical pesticides, but they’re also slower-acting. If you choose to use them, apply neem oil when insects are most active and repeat frequently.
Thoroughly examine plants and containers for Pest Control in Houston TX. Look for webbing, holes and distorted leaves. Check under the leaf surface as well as on the upper sides. A ten-power hand magnifying lens is helpful when inspecting tiny bugs. Avoid spraying during the heat of the day when the sun and oil could burn plant foliage.
