The Importance of Pest Control

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Pests can cause property damage and health problems. They can gnaw on wires, carry diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis or simply be a nuisance. Click the Pest Control In Bakersfield to learn more.

Accurately identifying the pest is essential to selecting a management method. Consider preventive or nonchemical methods first.

Some natural forces affect pest populations, causing them to rise and fall. These include climate, natural enemies, barriers, food and water sources.

Insects

The control of insect pests is a major component of plant production and health. Insects can cause considerable damage to plants and crops, reducing yields, quality and marketable value. They can also transmit diseases from one crop to another. For example, western flower thrips can transmit mycoplasma-like organisms that cause Peach X disease and Aster yellows to impatiens growing in greenhouses. Pests can also transmit viruses, such as the ones that cause tomato spotted wilt and peach leaf curl disease.

Many insect pests have natural enemies that suppress their populations, making them less damaging. These natural enemies include predators, parasitoids and pathogens. Insecticides often devastate these natural enemies, allowing populations of potentially damaging insects to increase. In order to prevent this, the methods used for pest control must take into account their impact on natural enemies.

Chemical controls that reduce the impact on natural enemies can reduce pesticide use and minimize or eliminate the need for broader-scale spraying. For instance, products that provide a longer residual may reduce the need for repeated applications. Likewise, using spot applications or treating alternating strips in the field to reduce contact between beneficials and long-residual insecticides will decrease the need for additional spraying to maintain control.

Insecticides should only be applied when the benefits of treatment outweigh the costs. The need to treat a crop should be determined by estimating the economic injury level (ELL) or aesthetic injury level (AEL). An ELL is the amount of damage from an insect pest that must be incurred before the investment in controlling its population is justified. For example, the cost of spraying cabbage to protect it from imported cabbage worm would need to be greater than $15 in order for it to be economically justifiable.

Rodents

Rodents are the second most successful mammals on Earth, populating every continent except Antarctica. They have sharp incisors and chew through a wide variety of materials in search for food, shelter or water. Rodents are social animals and many species live in groups. Mating varies from monogamy to polygyny and promiscuity. Rodents range in size from pygmy mice to capybaras.

Rodents can cause significant damage to buildings, structures and equipment. They can gnaw through electrical wires, causing fires and costly repairs. They also consume ripening fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants and dig holes in compost piles, damaging the structure of the pile and stunting or killing plant life. Rodents are known carriers of diseases and can contaminate the foods we eat.

Infestations can be controlled with sanitation, exclusion and lethal control. A pest control professional will assess the situation and determine the best course of action to eliminate the rodents and prevent them from returning. The most important factors to consider are the species of rodent, their population dynamics and the ecological and sociocultural setting in which they operate.

In the home, storing dry goods in sealed jars and tins can help prevent infestations. It is also a good idea to keep food in cabinets and off of the floor. It is a good idea to keep garbage and compost bins tightly closed. Rodents are active at night, so if you hear scratching or gnawing during the evening hours, it is probably time to set some traps. Always use disposable gloves when handling rodents and bury or dispose of them properly. Be sure to check traps often and have backup traps ready. For more severe infestations, chemical rodent control methods may be required and should only be used by a licensed pest control operator. The most commonly used chemicals are zinc phosphide, which produces a toxic vapor when inhaled, and cholecalciferol, which causes toxicity by building up calcium in the bloodstream.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are difficult to control because of their stubborn nature and complex life cycle. They are very good at hiding, making inspections and treatment difficult. They are also able to survive the effects of many household pesticides and sprays. They can also hide in the smallest cracks and crevices, making it difficult to treat all areas of an infestation. Even after treatment, it is common for them to recur as they hatch from eggs with incubation periods of up to two weeks.

Their flattened bodies allow them to fit into tiny crevices about the size of a pencil eraser. They are usually nocturnal but will be active in the day if hungry. They will travel to feed, often 5-20 feet from their established harborage. The bite is painless, but it does irritate the skin. The insect ingests blood through needle-like mouthparts. After feeding they return to their hiding places.

During the early stages of an infestation, there are nonchemical control methods that can help. Vacuuming and washing bedding at high temperatures will help reduce the population. But they are only effective if conducted regularly and thoroughly. They are also not effective against the hardy nymphs and eggs.

During the later stages of an infestation, there are insecticides and temperature based treatments that will effectively control the pest. It is generally recommended that you use a pesticide labeled to control bed bugs, and that it be applied to mattresses and box springs, as well as cracks and crevices around the beds, and on the baseboards. It is best to avoid over the counter total-release aerosol foggers, which can be harmful if misapplied. You should only use pesticides that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and specifically labeled to control bed bugs.

Mosquitoes

Over 200 types of mosquitoes live in the United States and its territories, but only about 12 of these pests spread germs that can make people sick. The majority of mosquitoes simply bother people by biting them and carrying bacteria, viruses or parasites on their legs or bodies. These organisms may cause diseases including encephalitis, dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and Zika.

Mosquitoes become most active after rainstorms, when their populations grow rapidly. They breed in small pools of water and hatch into larvae in moist soil, in tree holes, in rotting logs and stumps, or in containers such as old tires, bird baths, and discarded crates. The larvae feed on decaying vegetation, algae and other organic matter and, in some species of mosquito, on animal blood.

Female mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide emitted from the breathing of humans and other animals, which she detects by sensing changes in air pressure. Once she lands, she probes the skin with her mouthparts (known as a proboscis) to locate a capillary to sucker. She injects a tiny amount of salivary fluid into the blood vessel to help her draw up the liquid meal. This fluid contains a chemical that prevents the blood from clotting as it flows into her body.

Adult mosquitoes are killed with a variety of insecticides, usually in a spray form. These include pyrethroids, which are synthetic forms of the natural plant pyrethrins, and organophosphates, such as malathion. In addition, some products kill mosquitoes at the larval stage by using bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti), which does not harm butterflies, bees, frogs or fish but is highly specific to mosquitoes and other insect larvicides.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless insects that attach to host animals, especially mammals such as dogs and cats, and feed on them. They are reddish-brown in color and have itchy bites that can easily become swollen and inflamed. Fleas spread germs that can cause diseases in people and pets by either directly feeding on hosts or through fecal contamination, which is caused when infected flea feces (poop) scratched into an open wound. Flea infestations often begin in the yard and are brought indoors on pets or by rodents, raccoons or feral cats that live in or around homes.

Understanding the flea life cycle is vital to effective pest control. Once eggs hatch, the larvae feed on organic debris and flea dirt until ready to pupate into adult fleas. The fleas lay their pupal cocoons in places where host animals rest such as rugs, blankets and furniture. When the fleas mature, they will use their powerful legs to jump onto their host and remain there until it is time to mate.

Pest control professionals utilize a wide range of tools to successfully treat flea infestations. This includes insect growth regulators, which interfere with the normal development of fleas, and spraying homes, pet sleeping areas and carpeted areas with a pesticide that contains an insect growth regulator. It is important to follow all pre-treatment and post-treatment preparation instructions provided by your pest control professional, which may include putting all throw rugs in hot water, washing pet bedding and regularly vacuuming rugs, carpeted areas and crevices. Vacuuming stimulates insecticide-resistant flea pupae/cocoons to hatch, bringing the adult fleas into contact with the treatment sooner.

The effectiveness of pest control services depends on a partnership between the homeowner and the pest management company. Thorough sanitation practices such as sanitizing rooms and floors with hot soapy water, vacuuming frequently, washing pets in hot, soapy water and destroying all vacuum bags are the keys to successful pest control.

The Benefits of Power Wash

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Power Wash uses a high-pressure water stream to blast away dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other debris from surfaces like driveways, patios, porches, and siding. Regular power washing helps to prevent the build-up of contaminants and enhances curb appeal. Contact Windsor Power Wash for professional help.

Power Wash

Because it’s hot, power washing is also a good choice for spaces that need to be sanitized (like restaurants or auto shops). Read on to learn how this heavy-duty cleaning method works.

The high-pressure water blast used in power washing can remove dirt, dust, mildew, algae, and more from many surfaces. It is also effective at cleaning concrete and other hard surfaces, although care needs to be taken on softer materials, as the force of the water can cause damage. Using a low-pressure setting or using a surface cleaner attachment can help reduce the risk of damage.

Getting rid of the build-up of contaminants on the exterior of your home or commercial building can improve its appearance and increase its value. This preventative maintenance is often less costly than repairing the damage that can occur over time. Keeping your property clean can also minimize the spread of mold, mildew, and other toxins that can be dangerous to human health.

Regular power washing can prevent the deterioration of exterior surfaces, as well as reduce the risk of insect infestations. Power washing can remove cobwebs, stains, and other debris that can make your property look run down or neglected. It can also get rid of the growth of harmful organisms that can irritate allergies and even lead to long-term illness.

While most people think of power washing as a way to enhance the curb appeal of their homes, it can also be effective at removing harmful materials that impact the health and safety of those in a building. Mold, mildew, and allergens can all grow on the outside of buildings and if not removed regularly, they can affect the health of those that live or work in the building.

The regular removal of these substances by power washing can also prevent the deterioration of exterior surfaces, which can save you money on repairs in the future. This is especially important for older homes, which may have a more vulnerable exterior surface than newer buildings. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, it is a good idea to keep up with regular power washing to maintain its value and appearance. This is particularly important during the change of seasons, when weather can leave a lot of grime behind on your building.

Prevents Water Damage

When dirt and grime build up on the outside of a home or business, it can cause water damage. Using a power washing system, heated and pressurized water can blast away contaminants and debris. This prevents rot and other forms of damage to exterior surfaces. In addition, it also eliminates cobwebs and other pest infestations that can impact the appearance of a building.

As long as the right amount of pressure is used, cleaning with a power wash can safely be done on most exterior surfaces. However, it’s important to choose a qualified professional who knows how much pressure is safe for each surface. For example, if a wooden deck is power washed with too high of a pressure, it can crack and splinter. Incorrect settings can also strip paint from vinyl siding and erode soft stone. Additionally, pointing the wand too close to an electrical fixture can damage it and cause an unsafe situation.

Using hot water in a power wash also helps to sanitize the surface being cleaned. It’s much more effective than a cold water rinse when it comes to killing bacteria and other germs. In addition, it’s a faster and more effective method of cleaning than hand scrubbing.

The most common reason people use a power washing system is to remove stubborn mold, mildew, and grime from their homes or businesses. However, a professional power wash can also be used to remove oil and other chemicals that can stain surfaces. It can also be beneficial for eliminating weeds and other unwanted vegetation from property lines.

While it’s possible for individuals to rent a power washing system and do the work themselves, it’s usually best to leave the job to professionals. They have the proper equipment, time-saving tools and crew to quickly and safely complete the job. Plus, they can use environmentally friendly cleaners that protect landscaping and minimize the negative impact on local water sources. This keeps the environment, employees and customers healthy and safe. So the next time you’re thinking of hiring a professional to power wash your property, be sure to ask about their experience, safety procedures and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Eliminates Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but they also cause health problems and corrode surfaces. Power washing is one of the most effective ways to remove these harmful growths, especially when conducted by a professional using specialized equipment and methods.

Power washing breaks down and washes away mold spores, eliminating them and preventing their colonization by removing the food they require to grow. The high-powered water also reaches into crevices, loosening and washing away stubborn spots that might otherwise be impossible to reach. This process can be enhanced by the use of a solution specifically formulated to kill and remove mold, which can be applied to surfaces before power washing. Specialized attachments and nozzles allow for the cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, and proper rinsing ensures that all residue is removed from surfaces.

However, it is important to note that while power washing is very effective at removing the visible signs of mold and mildew, it does not address the underlying issues that are causing the problem. Unless the conditions that promote the growth of these fungal organisms are changed, they will likely return. This is why it is critical to combine power washing with a comprehensive mold remediation plan that includes inspection, repairs, and often, chemical treatments to prevent future mold and mildew growth.

In addition to being unsightly, mold and mildew can deteriorate surface materials, such as wood, concrete, vinyl siding, and brick. This damage can compromise the integrity of these materials, leading to structural failures and potentially costly repairs. By keeping these organisms at bay with regular power washing, you can extend the lifespan of your structures and reduce their vulnerability to moisture. The same goes for decks, porches, and patios, which can become slick and hazardous when covered with mold and mildew. By regularly power washing these areas, you can eliminate the food that mold and mildew need to thrive and protect them from moisture damage.

Enhances Appearance

Power washing is a cost-effective method of enhancing the appearance of residential and commercial properties. Over time, surfaces such as walls, driveways, fences, decks, and siding accumulate dirt, mildew, moss, lichens, oil stains, and other contaminants that make them look dull. Regular power washing eliminates these substances, revealing the clean and bright surface underneath. In addition, power washing helps to prevent the buildup of harmful substances that can damage the surface. For example, mold and mildew can deteriorate wood, while dirt and grime can crack concrete.

The power wash feature on your WEILI global foldable washing machine is great for tackling tough stains and heavy soiling that wouldn’t be removed by a standard rinse cycle. However, it’s important to understand that this function is not intended for use on delicate fabrics. If you have delicate garments that are heavily soiled or stained, consider removing them before using the power wash feature on your machine.

For business owners, a well-maintained exterior can enhance the perception of your company and encourage customers to visit your establishment. However, dirt, algae, and other pollutants can accumulate on storefronts and office buildings over time, making them appear neglected and unappealing. Adding routine power washing to your commercial property maintenance plan can drastically improve the aesthetics, hygiene, and longevity of your building’s exterior. In bustling areas like Kirkwood and Maryland Heights, a well-maintained property can also help your business stand out from the competition.