WHAT IS PEST CONTROL?

Pest control is a lot of things to different people, including industry professionals.

Some say pest control is a science.

Others refer to it as a system or process.

Most think it’s simply killing bugs with chemicals and traps.

Many also think that pest control is a one-time action.

• If the pests are gone immediately after treatment, it worked. 
• If the insects are still there after, it failed (which is not necessarily the case).

Why do we need Pest Control?

Most bugs and insects are harmless, and are beneficial to our ecosystem. BUT they are not liked, tolerated or wanted. They can be bothersome or be a serious health and safety concern.

Here are reasons why pest control services are saught out:

• Pests have a fierce, scary or grotesque appearance, like spiders, silverfish or earwigs.
• They bite or sting (real or perceived), like bed bugs, fleas, wasps, house centipedes and spiders.
• They have aggressive behaviour, like mud dauber wasps and yellow-jackets.
• They feed off you, like bed bugs.
• Some carry and spread diseases, like mice, rats, cockroaches and fleas.
• They can cause or trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities, like wasps, bees, cluster flies and cockroaches.
• They are a serious health concern, like cockroaches, mice and rats.
• They stain or smell foul, like pine seed bugs and boxelder bugs.
• They damage your home, gardens and personal items (like mice, rats, clothes moths, and ants).

Are Pest Control and Pest Management the same thing?

Pest Control is seen as an immediate action. It is about handling a specific issue, often with a one-time application or treatment, and nothing more.

Pest Management is a long-term, more comprehensive, and more educational approach. It addresses the current pest issue, and minimizes or prevents subsequent issues because it focuses on eliminating food, shelter and water. Pest management includes an integrated pest management plan or IPM plan (like our Green Pest Management System), which is a custom action plan designed by the pest control professional for your situation.

Pest control and pest management go together, and both are needed to effectively resolve issues as effectively as possible.

So, what is Pest Control really? 

Pest control is the process of controlling, managing, minimizing or removing undesirable insects and other pests, from spaces occupied by people. It should:

• Be handled by a licensed pest professional, who is a true expert on the pests they treat.
• Be educational.
  • This goes both ways with the professional sharing information about the problem pest, and the person in need of pest control service educating them about their situation.
• Include a plan of action to deal with the issue and prevent it from happening again.
  • This plan will likely include you. There are many things people could and should be doing to help minimize and prevent pests from invading and infestations from resulting.
  • A good pest control company will help make sure that you know and understand the role that you play in the solution.

Remember that the key word in ‘pest control’ is ‘control’, which means gaining control of the pest AND control of the situation. You cannot gain control without some level of pest management.

If you have questions about how to best handle a pest issue, we’d be happy to assit you.