There are various methods of extermination and pest control. These include mechanical, chemical control, biological,and preventative methods. Let’s look at these individually.
Mechanical pest control includes traps (such as a mouse trap), mosquito zappers, ant bait stations, and other physical devices. Mechanical methods of pest control are usually the most environmentally friendly.
Biological pest control, is just what it sounds like, it is a product made from something that is living (bio=life) and includes products derived from plants or other organisms such as bacteria.
Chemical pest control is the use of pesticides in some form. This could be liquid, powder, or gel. Chemical extermination can be organic, if the chemical used came from plants. Examples would be pyrethin, which is from chrysanthemums or neem, which is from the Neem tree. Usually chemical control is from synthetic products.
IPM, Integrated Pest Management, is the coordinated use of pest control methods, including cultural, biological, genetic and chemical methods, to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means.
Integrated Pest Management stresses the use of complementary methods of pest control such as the introduction of natural predators. This method of pest control is much more ecologically responsible than relying on chemical methods.
It is important to know that there are various methods of pest control and which method your pest exterminator prefers to use, or normally uses. If you have any special needs, such as allergies, be sure to tell the pest exterminator that you hire so that they choose the best method for your needs.