Bakersfield Exterminators work in various environments, including homes and warehouses. Their job requires them to work with distressed homeowners and educate them about the different strategies that can be used to control pest infestations.
Most exterminators rely solely on pesticides and rarely provide a guarantee for their services. They may also use chemicals that are more toxic than necessary to mitigate a problem in a larger area.
Pest identification is the first step in any pest management program. Whether the pest is an insect, weed, disease or vertebrate animal, accurate identification is crucial to selecting appropriate control tactics. The proper identification of a pest can save time and money, reduce damage to crops and prevent the application of unnecessary risks to people and the environment.
A variety of resources are available for pest identification, including books and online information. In addition, many county Extension services have a person or program that is responsible for pest identification and monitoring. The simplest way to identify a pest is by counting its legs or antennae, but if the pest moves too quickly to count or has too many legs or wings to distinguish, other identifiers can be helpful.
For example, color and markings can help distinguish pests from non-pests and other organisms. An insect’s colors can vary throughout its life cycle and with different environmental or feeding conditions. A pest’s shape and size can also be identifying characteristics, as well as its behavior.
When identifying a pest, it is also important to understand its role in the ecosystem and its interaction with other organisms. This helps avoid inappropriate pesticide applications that can harm beneficial organisms or result in unintended damage to plants or structures.
An insect’s feeding habits, damage symptoms, habitat requirements, and reproductive habits also provide clues for its identification. Become familiar with the pests in your fields or greenhouse, so that you can identify them quickly and accurately when they are present.
Once the pest is identified, it can be planned for by determining what cultural practices, tools or chemicals are needed to prevent or eliminate it. It is also necessary to evaluate the benefits and risks of each control tactic, to observe local, State or Federal regulations that apply and to consider any ecological concerns that may apply to a particular situation.
Pest Control Methods
Pests are more than just a nuisance: they damage crops and property and can carry disease. They are also difficult to remove and often return after treatment. Proper pest identification and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are the best ways to prevent and control pests.
Pests can be controlled by physical, biological or chemical means. Chemical control involves the use of a product to reduce a pest population below an acceptable threshold. Common products include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.
Physical and biological controls are nonchemical methods that eliminate a pest directly or prevent their entry into an area. A physical method is to knock a pest off a plant, such as spraying an aphid or mite off of a tomato plant with water, or a bait trap for rodents. A biological method is introducing natural predators or parasites to manage a pest population. Examples of this are nematodes to control snails or ladybugs to feed on aphids.
Chemical pest control is one of the most widely used and important methods. It is important to follow proper application techniques, especially with any aerosol sprays, to minimize off-target impact and to ensure an effective treatment. Insecticides can be applied by hand or by hand-held devices, such as a pump sprayer. Ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging, which is similar to a spray but uses much less insecticide, can be effective as well.
Preventing pests is generally easier and more cost-effective than eliminating an infestation once it starts. Store food in sealed containers and keep garbage cans tightly closed. Remove debris from outdoor spaces, and make sure there isn’t standing water or places for pests to hide indoors. Caulk cracks and crevices, and fill gaps around pipes. Regularly clean kitchen and bath areas, and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
Pesticides
A pesticide is a chemical substance that prevents, destroys or repels any sort of pest. It can be found in a variety of forms such as liquids, powders, sprays and crystals. It is important to note that pesticides come with security risks and should only be used by qualified exterminators who are licensed and trained to handle them.
The type of pesticide an exterminator uses depends on the severity of the infestation and the type of pest being treated. For example, an insecticide can be used to treat a flea infestation while a termiticide might be needed to eliminate a termite problem.
Before applying a pesticide, an exterminator will typically prepare the area by removing pets and clearing away food items or other sensitive materials. They will then choose the appropriate product for the pest and apply it using specialized tools. Following the application, they will advise the homeowner as to when it is safe to reenter the area.
While pesticides are necessary for controlling many types of pests, they can be harmful to humans if not used properly. The EPA regulates the sale of pesticides and enforces compliance with their labeling. State laws may also provide additional restrictions on the use of certain products. For example, some areas have laws prohibiting the use of organophosphate pesticides due to their potential toxicity to human beings.
Despite their dangers, pesticides are the most effective method for eliminating many common pests. For instance, pyrethrins, which are naturally-occurring compounds extracted from chrysanthemum flowers, are highly effective at controlling household insects such as ants and cockroaches. Likewise, termiticides are effective against termites and other wood-destroying pests.
When using pesticides, it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing and disposing of them. Ideally, they should be stored in dry, well-ventilated rooms that are locked and accessible only to those authorized to use them. They should never be stored with food, plants or fertilizer and should always be kept in original containers, containing the labels. The EPA also offers guidelines for rinsing and storing pesticides, which can be found here.
Safety
Whether they are working inside or outside, exterminators must take numerous safety measures to prevent injury. They also need to use their knowledge of pest identification and treatment methods, as well as the environment in which they work, to ensure that they are following the proper practices for each situation.
The primary responsibility of an exterminator is to inspect a property and identify the types of pests that need to be controlled. After the inspection, the exterminator develops a plan for treating the pests using appropriate methods. Depending on the type of pest, this may include chemical treatments, traps, or exclusion techniques. Rodent exterminators, for example, use traps and exclusion methods to control mice and other rodents.
A good exterminator will be able to explain their inspection and treatment processes in detail, answering any questions that their customers may have. They will also be able to offer advice on how to prevent future pest infestations. This could involve advising on better sanitation practices or sealing cracks and gaps where pests might enter the home or business.
Most exterminators work full time and often work evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs of their customers. They need to have the physical stamina to stand or crouch on their feet for hours at a time, as well as the ability to work in all kinds of weather conditions. Exterminators also need to keep detailed records of the inspections and treatments that they carry out.
As the need for pest control services continues to grow, so too does the demand for trained professionals. The majority of pest control technicians are college graduates with prior experience or on-the-job training. They may also take government-approved courses in pesticide application and safety procedures. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all pest control technicians must pass a licensing exam to be allowed to work in the field.
Before an exterminator visits your home or business, you should seal any openings where pests might enter and remove food from cupboards so that it doesn’t get contaminated. You should also ask how long the exterminator recommends staying out of the house after the treatment.