Pests Can Also Disrupt Agricultural Production

Pests are organisms that invade people's spaces, damage property and harm health. Pests can include rodents, birds, weeds, fungus, insects, fleas, ticks and nematodes. Pest control is the regulation of these organisms to protect the environment and human occupancy.

Pest Control Services Granbury companies are responsible for identifying the source of an infestation and eliminating it. This can be done through exclusion, quarantine, repulsion, physical removal or chemical treatments. Pesticides, fumigants and baits are some of the most common pest control products. While these can be effective, it is important to hire a licensed pest control expert that uses safe and environmentally friendly products. The right company will also provide preventive maintenance services that reduce the amount of pests in your home, such as sweeping and vacuuming the insides of your house.

In order to keep pests away, it is necessary to remove their food, water and shelter sources. For example, wiping up spills and crumbs immediately will prevent pests from finding an easy meal and keeping trash in a can with a tight-fitting lid will prevent them from coming into your kitchen. Also, making prompt plumbing repairs and decreasing moisture in basements will decrease the attractiveness of your property to pests.

The presence of pests in homes and commercial buildings can pose a serious health threat. Pests can carry and spread bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses in humans. For example, pigeons carrying salmonella and other pathogens can infect people with encephalitis, histoplasmosis, and candidiasis. Cockroaches and other pests can spread these pathogens through contaminated surfaces and infected airborne particles.

Pests can also disrupt agricultural production. For example, locusts can devour crops in short periods of time, leading to reduced food supplies and higher prices for consumers. Besides, rodents and other pests can contaminate agricultural produce by eating seeds or damaging plants. In addition, pests can contaminate drinking water through their excrement or fecal matter.

As the seasons change, pests become more active. During the winter, rodents and other wildlife search for warmer environments in houses and apartments. This is when rat infestations often occur. During the spring, ants and cockroaches begin to increase in numbers due to increased moisture and warming temperatures. The summer brings mosquitoes and stinging insects, which can transmit dangerous diseases like plague, typhus, cat scratch fever and flea-borne spotted fever through bites.

Before hiring a pest control company, check their reputation on the Better Business Bureau website and explore customer reviews. Also, find out how long the company has been in business and whether it is licensed by the state of New York. Then, ask about pest-specific treatment plans and if they have any service certifications such as GreenPro. In order to earn these certifications, a pest control company must meet certain service standards and uphold technician training. This is a good indication that the company has experience and dedication to their work.