What Is An Exterminator Professionalism?

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Exterminator Springfield MO is a person or business that eliminates pests, such as ants, roaches, mice, rats, and other animals, from homes and businesses. They use pest control methods, including traps, baits, and chemicals.

They also advise clients on more proactive preventive measures, such as keeping food secure and sealing gaps. They often operate according to a schedule and work quickly when a client notices warning signs, such as unusual smells or bite marks.

An exterminator is a person who specializes in controlling pests in homes and businesses. They use various methods, including chemical treatments and traps, to control pest infestations. They also provide recommendations to help prevent future problems, such as improving sanitation practices or sealing cracks and crevices. An exterminator must be able to communicate effectively and keep accurate records of their inspections, treatments, and follow-up visits.

A person who enjoys working with people would likely do well in a career as an exterminator. This is because an exterminator must work with clients to understand their problem and develop a plan for eliminating the pests. In addition, an exterminator must be able to explain the effects of certain chemicals and other treatment options on humans and animals. An exterminator must also be able to keep up with the latest safety regulations, as they may be required to wear protective equipment when applying treatments.

The job of an exterminator is very physically demanding and requires them to be comfortable working in a range of environments, including indoors and outdoors. They are often required to climb and crawl through tight spaces, such as attics or basements, to access areas where pests hide. In addition, they may be required to apply chemical treatments directly to the surface of the home or business. These chemicals can be very dangerous, so it is important for an exterminator to follow strict safety procedures when using them.

Another important characteristic of an exterminator is their ability to diagnose and treat pest infestations quickly and effectively. This involves identifying the type of pest, finding out where they are coming from, and developing a plan for removal. It may involve treating the pests with chemicals, baits, or traps. In addition, an exterminator may need to carry out structural repairs in order to prevent pests from returning.

In addition, an exterminator must be skilled at removing pests from difficult-to-reach places, such as behind walls or in crawl spaces. They must also be familiar with the different types of pests, their behavior, and the best methods for eradicating them.

Reputation

An exterminator’s reputation is a critical factor in deciding whether or not you want to hire them for your pest control needs. A good reputation is the result of a combination of technical expertise, clear communication with clients and customer service skills. A reputable exterminator will take the time to listen to their clients’ concerns and thoroughly inspect their property before beginning any treatment. They will also work with you to find an appropriate solution that meets your budget and schedule.

The best exterminators provide a full menu of pest control services and specialize in the specific pests that are common in their region. They also offer competitive prices and a satisfaction guarantee. They will also be able to give you an accurate estimate before starting any work. Ensure that the exterminator you choose has a solid business plan and is financially stable.

A reputable company will be able to demonstrate a track record of success with their past clients. You should also look for reviews and testimonials from former customers. If you are not satisfied with the results of a pest removal, you should contact the exterminator and request a refund or re-treatment. You should also be aware of the hidden costs of some pest control companies and be sure to read their terms and conditions carefully.

In addition to offering traditional pest control, a reputable exterminator will also help you prevent future infestations by providing advice on structural issues, landscaping practices and home sanitation. They will also offer preventive pest services like cockroach, termite and rodent inspections. Some will even handle wildlife pests like raccoons and snakes.

Arrow is one of the top-rated pest control companies, thanks to its comprehensive coverage and excellent company reputation. Its STEPS program offers both pest control and termite treatments, and the company has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Its website is easy to navigate and offers free termite inspections and a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the results. Its customer service representatives are available around the clock to answer questions and provide advice.

Customer Service

If you are a practical individual with a good work ethic, an exterminator might be the right career for you. This job can be quite stressful since pests are a nuisance to homeowners and business owners. It is the responsibility of an exterminator to provide their clients with high-quality customer service and prevent pest infestations in their properties.

For instance, if an exterminator suspects that there is a rodent infestation in a home, they will examine the property and determine the best way to treat it. They will use traps, insect growth regulators and pheromone baits to control the pest population.

In addition, they will educate their clients on the steps they can take to prevent pests from reentering their homes or businesses. They might recommend proper sanitation practices, repairing structural issues that may contribute to the problem and storing food properly in their properties. These measures are critical to ongoing pest prevention. They will also help their customers develop pest management plans for long-term success. These are individualized strategies that are tailored to each client’s situation and focus areas.

Safety

When pests invade your home or business, it’s important to take action. Unusual smells, droppings and bites are strong indicators of a problem that must be addressed quickly to prevent further damage and stress. A good exterminator will examine the problem and create a plan to get rid of the pests. They may use sprays, dust or bait to eliminate them and educate the client on prevention techniques.

Pest control experts usually have special training in how to deal with different pests. They understand their behavior and what to look for so they can quickly detect any issues. They also know how to handle the chemicals, fumigants and traps used in extermination procedures. Make sure your pest control expert has the proper licensing and insurance to handle these materials.

Many pests can be very dangerous to humans and pets. An exterminator will work to protect both your family and his own. They will put on protective gear to avoid exposure to the chemicals during treatment. This can include a mask, goggles, and gloves. They will also keep the area as clean as possible, removing any debris that could interfere with the treatment.

In residential settings, an exterminator will often have to crawl through tight spaces or up and down stairs. They will also have to enter the attic and crawlspaces, which can be damp and dark. In some cases, these areas will need to be gassed or sealed, which requires more equipment and safety precautions.

If you’re dealing with a roach infestation, for example, an exterminator will use gel bait stations that contain slow-acting poisons that roaches carry back to their nests and share with others. They may also use insect growth regulators, sprays with residual pesticides and a variety of other methods. A combination of these treatments, along with preventive measures such as improving sanitation and sealing crevices, is often needed to eradicate the bugs.

Before an exterminator treats your house, you should clear out food from kitchen cabinets and wrap any perishables in plastic to ensure they aren’t harmed by the solvent spray that is used during treatment. Clothing, children’s toys and toiletries should be stored away as well.

Pest Control

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Pest Control Allen TX reduces losses from damaging plants, crops, and products. This is accomplished through preventive and curative measures.

Clutter provides hiding places and breeding grounds for pests. Regularly trim bushes and keep garbage cans sealed.

Pests like rats and mice can chew through wires, contaminate food, and strip insulation. They can also spread diseases and annoy employees or customers with noise and droppings.

Prevention

Prevention is a key element of pest control. It’s far more economical than controlling established infestations. In many cases, prevention also reduces the risk of damage to property and human health. It involves preventing pests from entering the establishment, stopping them once they are inside, and keeping them in control. The most effective prevention methods include physical, mechanical, and environmental strategies.

For example, storing food in tightly sealed containers prevents rodents from gaining access to it and spoiling it. Installing screens on windows and doors stops insects from entering buildings. Removing clutter and keeping surfaces clean discourages pests from taking up residence. Eliminating accessible water sources like leaky pipes, stagnant puddles and bird baths keeps pests away from homes and businesses.

A good cleaning program keeps floors and other surfaces free of crumbs, spills, and food scraps that attract pests. Regularly vacuuming and cleaning upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, walls, and other surfaces keeps pest populations low. Keeping trash cans tightly closed and observing waste collection days keep pests from seeking out garbage. Landscape maintenance keeps trees, bushes and other vegetation away from buildings to eliminate potential pathways for pests.

Regular inspections of interior and exterior areas of buildings is another essential step in prevention. This includes checking for and sealing cracks, holes, and crevices that can be used by pests to enter the structure. Checking for and promptly repairing any damaged roofs, gutters, screens and other parts of the building is also important.

For museums, the inspection of artifacts and materials that will go into storage or display rooms can help prevent infestations. Preventing contamination by pests (like rats, cockroaches, ants, beetles, and mosquitoes) during transportation or storage will prevent them from spreading to the museum or contaminating other materials.

Educating people about the habits and life cycles of common pests empowers them to take preventive measures against them. For example, knowing that flies, ticks, and beetles can carry disease-causing bacteria, and that roaches, ants, and mice can chew through electrical wires to start fires, is knowledge that can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Suppression

Some pests are kept in check by natural forces that keep populations low. These include natural enemies (predators, parasitoids, and pathogens) and physical barriers (mountains, rivers, bodies of water). Natural features such as these restrict the spread of many pests. Availability of food and shelter also influences pest populations. Pests may be killed or suppressed by weather conditions such as rain, freezing temperatures, or drought that affect their ability to find and consume food or reproduce. Habitat changes that reduce the supply of host plants may reduce pest numbers as well.

The amount of damage a pest does to plants or other organisms determines whether it warrants action. A few insects in the lawn don’t usually warrant control, but many infesting a field or vegetable garden do. The goal is to keep the number of pests below a damaging threshold, using strategies that cause as little harm to non-target organisms as possible.

Cultural methods of suppression include preparing the soil; choosing plants that are better adapted to site conditions, less attractive to pests, and more tolerant to damage from insects and diseases; planting trap crops; interplanting; mowing to prevent overcrowding; and managing weeds. These methods reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides and can be used in combination with other control tactics to provide a comprehensive pest management program.

Biological controls are living organisms that reduce or destroy pests. These can include predators, parasitoids, and pathogens that occur naturally in the landscape, or they can be introduced or manufactured as biological control agents and released into the landscape to reduce pest populations. Biological control agents must be carefully researched and selected to ensure that they don’t negatively impact their intended targets, other native species, or the environment. They are generally released on a seasonal basis or inundatively, similar to the way chemical pesticides are often applied.

Physical barriers such as fences, dikes, and hedgerows can be effective in keeping some pests out. Choosing materials that are more resistant to pests such as wood, stone, or metal can also reduce the need for treatment. Finally, some pests can be controlled with the use of pheromones and other behavioral manipulations that affect how pests interact with their host plants or each other.

Detection

Detection of pests includes a thorough and frequent inspection of areas to identify infestations, maintenance needs, sanitation deficiencies and damage caused by the pests. Inspections should be conducted by qualified personnel to ensure the identification and correct classification of the pests. This is essential to developing a control program for the pests, because it allows you to determine the types of physical, biological and chemical controls needed.

Pests can cause a wide range of problems, including contamination of food products, physical damage to structures, and even sickness. For example, ants, rats and cockroaches can carry disease-causing bacteria that can contaminate surfaces and food. They also deteriorate plants and create musty and foul odors, as well as attract and cause discomfort to humans and pets.

Signs of infestation include the presence of pest droppings, damage to property, gnaw marks on objects or structures and unexplained sounds. Using a flashlight to inspect dark, secluded and inaccessible areas, as well as checking behind furniture or other items, can help you locate pest harborage sites. A telescoping mirror is another handy tool for examining hard-to-reach spaces like behind walls, in crawl spaces or attics.

Other signs of a pest problem include the smell of musty or foul odors in secluded or hidden areas, particularly when they are combined with other evidence of pest activity. Foul odors may indicate a rodent or insect nest or dead pest. Other signs include greasy marks or rub marks from the scurrying of rodents and other pests.

Some pests also emit pheromones, which are chemicals emitted by the organism to influence other members of the same species in how they behave. This can be a useful tool in monitoring pests, but it is important to know that the chemicals are not always effective in controlling them.

Regular scouting and monitoring of the site will also provide a good indication of how many pests are present and what their numbers are doing. For example, if you only see a few wasps around the garden each day, they are probably not an issue and do not require any action on your part. However, if you begin to notice that the number of wasps is increasing and they are beginning to gather in greater numbers around your house or garden, it is time for action.

Treatment

Many pest control problems require more than just scurrying rodents or slapping cockroaches. Once an infestation occurs, it can have a severe impact on food safety and quality. Physical contamination of foodstuffs by pest droppings, parts or excreta and contamination with disease-causing agents carried by the pests, are among the most serious issues. Direct damage to buildings and other structures by pests is also a common problem.

Once a pest infestation has been identified, a customized treatment plan is formulated to address the specific pests plaguing your home. This involves a thorough inspection of your property by a trained technician to identify entry points, nesting areas and other signs of pest activity. The technician will then devise a strategy for both indoor and outdoor treatments using spraying, baiting, trapping or dusting, depending on the type of pest and severity of the infestation.

Chemical pest control products are usually sprayed or placed in strategic locations where pests live or breed, such as along skirting boards or under floors. Other types of controls, including traps and baits, use nonchemical methods to lure pests in for a kill. Some of these control methods can be used with little or no risk to people and pets, provided that the correct methods are employed and the pests are targeted in the right places.

Biological or natural methods of controlling pests rely on predation, herbivory, parasitody or other mechanisms. They are most often combined with scouting and other proactive pest management strategies.

Other control measures include mechanical or physical controls that physically exclude or alter the habitats of pests, such as traps, screens, fences, nets and radiation. Physical controls also include changing environmental conditions, such as reducing the amount of water available or altering the temperature, which can affect pests’ ability to grow and survive.

Ventilation is important to reduce the spread of pesticides, especially in indoor areas where you may have a lot of furniture or clutter. If pesticides do move through your indoor air, odor absorbers or commercial deodorizers can help reduce the intensity of the odor and provide a more pleasant atmosphere. Baking soda or activated charcoal can also be sprinkled on carpets and upholstery to neutralize unpleasant odors.

What Does an Exterminator Do?

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Exterminator Woodland Hills is a professional who specializes in eliminating vermin and other pests from buildings and homes. They often use chemical sprays and traps to remove the pests. They also inspect buildings to identify potential infestations.

An exterminator should know the different types of pests and their habits. This will help them quickly and accurately determine the best treatment options.

An exterminator is a professional who removes unwanted pests from homes, apartments, and commercial buildings. These include insects such as ants and cockroaches and rodents like rats and mice. These professionals use various methods to control pests, including trapping, chemical treatments, and exclusion techniques. In addition to killing the pests, they may also provide recommendations on preventing future pest infestations.

An important aspect of an exterminator’s job is inspection. During this process, the technician evaluates the extent of the pest infestation and determines the best course of treatment. The inspection can include checking the exterior of the building as well as interior rooms such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. In addition, the exterminator must be able to work in confined spaces.

Once the inspector has completed their work, they must prepare a report and submit it to their employer. The report must detail the results of the inspection and any follow-up treatments that will be required. It is also the exterminator’s responsibility to ensure that all chemicals used are stored and applied safely. This includes wearing protective gear such as gloves and respirators.

A good exterminator must be able to communicate with clients in a clear and understandable manner. They must also be able to respond to questions and concerns in a timely fashion. In addition, they must have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to work independently.

Pests can be a serious health hazard for humans and animals. They can spread diseases and cause property damage. They can also create uncomfortable living conditions for people and animals. For example, mosquitoes can spread diseases such as encephalitis, West Nile virus, and dengue fever. Likewise, fleas can spread tapeworms, plague, and other deadly diseases.

Some of the most common pests include roaches, ticks, and fleas. However, there are many other species of pests that require the services of a qualified exterminator. For example, squirrels, raccoons, and pigeons are some of the most common nuisance wildlife pests that need to be removed from residential properties. A qualified exterminator can help homeowners identify the source of the problem and implement long-term solutions such as one-way valves and bird excluders.

Education and training requirements

Before you decide to become an exterminator, it is important to understand the education and training requirements for the job. You will need a high school diploma or equivalent to work in the industry, and most of your training will be on-the-job. You may also want to consider taking courses at a community college or vocational school to gain specialized knowledge and skills in the field. These programs will teach you how to perform an assessment and create a pest control plan. Some programs also include hands-on training with the use of industry-specific equipment.

In addition to educational qualifications, you will need to meet state licensing and certification requirements. These requirements vary by state, but typically involve passing exams on pest control principles, pesticide safety, and state regulations. You may also need to pass practical tests that assess your ability to apply pest control techniques in real-world situations. Some states require that you obtain a license to apply restricted-use pesticides, which can be dangerous and requires extensive training.

A career as an exterminator is challenging but rewarding. Exterminators need to have a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to their job. They must be able to work effectively in a variety of environments and work as part of a team. They must also be able to identify and solve complex problems. They are often responsible for working in difficult locations, such as sewage systems and garbage disposal areas.

You can choose to work as a self-employed exterminator or as an employee of a pest control company. Whether you are self-employed or employed, it is important to maintain a healthy work schedule and a positive attitude. Many exterminators work part-time, which allows them to balance their careers with other personal commitments.

A successful career in pest control requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of pest behavior and life cycle. An aspiring exterminator should start out with an entry-level position in the industry to learn from more experienced workers. This will allow them to get a feel for the day-to-day tasks of the job and to develop problem-solving strategies. In addition, this will give them an opportunity to develop their customer service skills.

Work environment

Exterminators work in a variety of environments. They are primarily responsible for the control and prevention of pest infestations, including insects and rodents. They use a wide range of methods to control pests, including chemical treatments and traps. They may also offer recommendations to their clients on how to prevent future pest problems, such as improving sanitation or sealing cracks and gaps in their buildings.

The work environment for an exterminator is typically quiet and calm, with a low stress level. Exterminators are usually realistic individuals, meaning they prefer jobs that involve practical tasks. They tend to enjoy tasks that are tactile, physical or athletic. They also like to be independent and persistent.

The City of New York is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. This includes an environment free of discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s sex, race, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. The Department of Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary

An exterminator is a specialist who can provide pest control services to homes and businesses. They are responsible for killing pests such as roaches, bed bugs and rodents. They also advise clients on how to prevent pest infestations by improving sanitation and sealing gaps around the house. In addition, an exterminator can also help with termite treatment, if needed.

The salary of an exterminator can vary depending on the level of experience and expertise. Those who are just starting out can expect to earn a lower salary than those with several years of experience. However, the salary can increase as an exterminator gains more knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Additionally, the salary of an exterminator can vary based on their location. Cities with a higher cost of living typically pay exterminators more than rural locations. In addition, an exterminator’s salary can increase if they specialize in a particular area such as bed bug removal or termite treatment.

Another way to increase the salary of an exterminator is to offer add-on services, such as wildlife removal or preventative pest control measures. This can help boost the reputation of the company and increase revenue. In addition, an exterminator can boost their income by acquiring additional skills and certifications.

In order to become an exterminator, you will need a good amount of customer service and physical stamina. The job involves standing or crouching for hours at a time, as well as working in a variety of environments. You may also be exposed to toxic chemicals. In addition, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Those with a bachelor’s degree in entomology can command higher salaries. You can also enhance your career opportunities by earning a master’s degree in entomology, which can lead to better employment options. In addition, you can pursue certifications in new pest control technologies and techniques. These can increase your salary and allow you to compete with other exterminators in the market. The salary of an exterminator can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including your education and work experience.

Pest Control 101: Essential Tips for Every Homeowner

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Pezz Pest Control is a wide variety of techniques used to rid homes, farms and businesses of unwanted pests. These include physical, biological and chemical methods.

Pest Control

Pesticides are chemicals that kill or repel specific pests. They must be carefully selected and applied to avoid harming non-target insects or animals. It’s important to read and follow pesticide labels.

Rats are a troublesome pest that can cause damage in and around buildings, crops and gardens. They can also contaminate food and transmit parasites and diseases to humans, pets and livestock. Indicators of a rat infestation include droppings, rub marks and feeding damage. The best way to keep rats away from buildings is to seal entry points and remove food, water and shelter. Snap traps are the most effective, safe and economical rodent control method.

A rat infestation can cost businesses and households a fortune. In addition to the loss of reputation and lost business, many businesses face fines from Environmental Health Officers for poor rat management.

In the past, harsh winters would naturally cull rat populations, but milder weather has seen them thrive in recent years. They are known to carry a wide range of disease-causing pathogens, and can transmit them to people through contact with their urine or body fluids, particularly if they contaminate food preparation areas.

The smallest of rats can fit through gaps as small as one inch, so a home owner should ensure that all access points are sealed properly. This includes any rat-accessible vents and ducts, openings for water pipes and electrical wires, drain spouts and foundations. A rat can chew through almost anything, including cinderblock, wood and metal, so a rat-proofing programme should also involve covering any unprotected areas with wire mesh or heavy sheet metal.

A rat infestation should always be dealt with quickly, before the problem escalates. In the meantime, residents should make sure that sheds and other buildings are kept clear of debris that could provide rats with a hiding place, and check that doors and windows shut tightly. They should also listen for scurrying sounds and look for signs of gnawing and scratching in dark places.

Pest control professionals use a variety of fast-acting rat removal methods, but even these can take time to work effectively. Follow-up visits are essential to assess progress, look for re-infestation indicators and make necessary adjustments. In severe cases, pest control services can recommend fumigation, which involves using gaseous poison to rid enclosed spaces of rats.

Rodents

Rodents, which are members of the order Rodentia, are very diverse mammals with different ecological and habitat requirements. Their common morphological feature is the presence of a single upper and lower pair of incisor teeth that grow continuously and must be gnawed away to make room for the next set of front teeth. The well-known rodents are mice and rats, although squirrels, voles, porcupines and beavers also belong to this group. They are found in every terrestrial habitat and often use human structures for food and shelter.

Rats and mice reproduce rapidly, with a female mouse having up to 10 litters of 5-6 young each year. Consequently, rodent populations can quickly get out of control in homes and commercial buildings, where food and water are readily available. Effective pest control begins with a thorough inspection to identify the conditions that attract rodents to a location. Look for tracks, gnawing damage and grease marks. It is important to keep firewood elevated and away from buildings and not to store garbage in the vicinity of a building. Keeping the lawn and surrounding area free of debris, weeds and overgrown vegetation also helps to prevent rodent attraction. Planting bushes and shrubs that provide natural rodent deterrents, such as the bush elderberry and prickly pear, can be helpful. Installing barn owl and other predator nest boxes is another good control measure.

Chemical rodenticides can be very effective at removing existing rodent populations. However, they offer little or no prevention and should always be accompanied by other control measures. Rodenticides are toxic to other animals and humans and may cause serious or even fatal illness if they come into contact with skin, eyes or mouth. In addition, they can be transferred to people and pets by inhalation or ingested through foods that contain residues from the dead rodents.

The most effective control measures for preventing rodents are those that remove the food and shelter they seek. This includes ensuring that food is stored in tightly sealed containers and that compost piles are kept as far away from buildings as possible, reducing the amount of weeds or grass near buildings and regularly inspecting for rodent signs such as tracks and droppings.

Spiders

Despite what you may have heard in the media, a vanishingly small number of spiders are dangerous to people. These eight-legged arachnids prey on insects, and they can help keep pest populations in check in your yard and home. However, a large infestation can cause stress and fear in the home environment. Some species of spiders also bite, and the venom from some can be painful or even fatal for humans.

Thorough inspection of your home and property by a professional will help you determine the best approach for spider control. Treatment options may include insecticide dusts or aerosols sprayed in cracks and crevices that spiders frequent. However, spraying can be problematic since most insects habitually clean their mouthparts with legs and feet as they walk through tight surfaces, allowing the sprayed pesticide to be transferred to the spider’s mouthparts and then ingested.

Vacuum cleaners with proper attachments can also be effective for removing spiders and their webs. However, this method can be labor-intensive and requires regular cleaning and emptying of the vacuum bag or canister. Spider catchers, on the other hand, are devices that gently capture spiders without harming them and allow for safe and easy removal from the surface.

Maintaining a clutter-free indoor space will reduce spiders’ attraction to your house. Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas such as closets and garages. Eliminating food and harborage for other pests can also deter spiders, as can repairing all cracks and crevices that they can use to enter your home.

In your yard, minimizing moisture will deter spiders since they thrive in damp conditions. Avoid stacking firewood or other materials near the house, and remove items that provide shelter like birdbaths, kiddie pools, and pet water dishes. Also, minimize the number of plants near your home’s foundation, and trim shrubs, vines, and tree limbs that hang over or touch the structure.

The best way to prevent spiders is through regular pest management services that address the other insect pests that these predatory arachnids prey upon. A good service will offer a plan that is customized to your home and property, providing scheduled shipments with easy-to-follow instructions for preventive measures you can take in your own backyard.

Insects

Insects are the most common class of pests affecting homes and gardens. Typically, this group includes the familiar houseflies, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes and ticks. Insects are the largest group of arthropod invertebrates, with over a million described species. Insects have a chitinous exoskeleton, three body segments (head, thorax and abdomen), three pairs of legs and two antennae.

Most insects are important from a natural perspective, pollinating plants and spreading seeds, producing valuable substances, controlling other pests, and acting as decomposers of organic matter. They also shape the appearance and complexity of agricultural, natural and urban landscapes.

However, some insects are problematic. They can carry disease-causing microorganisms, such as intestinal worms and parasitic protozoans that cause malaria and other diseases, and they can directly damage food products and buildings. In addition, their discarded parts and excrement can be a nuisance in outdoor environments.

A variety of physical, biological and chemical methods are used to control pests. The selection of a control method depends on the pest, its location and environment and how serious the problem is. For example, a few bees or wasps buzzing around the garden probably don’t require action, but a colony located in an unused shed may warrant removal and destruction. In general, preventing pests from entering structures by proper sanitation and garbage disposal, reducing food, water and shelter sources, caulking and screening off entry points, and eliminating hiding places through structural repairs are the first steps in controlling pests.

Pest control may involve applying spray, dust, bait or aerosol insecticides to exterior and interior surfaces. A professional service usually is recommended for larger infestations and to obtain access to application equipment not available to most homeowners.

Another approach to pest control is microbial pesticides that harness microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, to kill insects. The microbial pesticides are applied to soil and ingested by the insects, killing them from the inside. This is generally a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. However, the microbial pesticides do not last very long and must be applied repeatedly to be effective.