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Understand the challenges of pest management and learn their prevention methods
A pest is an insect or animal that feeds on plants and crops and causes considerable damage to them. Pest infestation has dire economic consequences. Pest-infested plants become weak, diseased and their ability to bear fruit is severely effective, resulting in a low and substandard crop yield. Effective and proactive pest management and control are needed to prevent your trees from infestation. Let us take a look at some important dos and don’ts of pest management and control.
1. Do Adopt A Proactive and Preventive Approach
The best way to protect your plants from pests is by taking proactive and preventive measures. The following precautionary measures should be adopted to prevent pests from invading your garden and trees:
- Insects hide in dark and damp places such as pipes, drainage systems, and crevices. They find plenty of food and shelter in these hidden areas. Most of the time, pest infestation starts in these areas. Inspect these sheltered areas during the start and end of all seasons and spay them with pesticides as a precautionary measure. Don’t let stagnant water accumulate in your backyard.
- Prevent the entry of insects by sealing up any holes or cracks in the walls of your fence.
- Clean your lawn regularly and don’t throw leftover food near your plants.
- Mow the grass regularly, especially during the summer season. Bugs hide and multiply in tall and bushy patches of grass.
2. Don’t Leave Dangerous Pesticides in The Open
- Unattended pesticides and traps are a health and safety risk to children and pets. Don’t leave them out in the open where unknowing children or pets can reach them. If you have recently sprayed your lawn or backyard with pesticides, then alert all members of the family so unnecessary exposure can be avoided.
3. Do Identify The Problem At Hand Before Taking Any Action
- There are hundreds of pests in nature, all of which vary in their mode of attack, the extent of damage they cause, and treatment for removing them. For effective pest management, it is important to first identify the problem at hand and then decide on the removal solution. The control and removal solution that works for earwigs will not work for fungus gnats. Using the wrong removal solution can do more harm than good.
4. Don’t Use Outdoor Pesticides inside Your Home
A pest infestation can occur for indoor plants as well. Indoor pest infestation is an even bigger nuisance as the pests pose a threat to human health as well. For indoor pests, special pesticide solutions are formulated which are not as harsh and toxic as the more potent outdoor chemical solutions. Using outdoor removal treatments inside your home can pose a health emergency as they comprise dangerous and toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health.
5. Do Nip An Infestation in The Bud
- Pet infestation does not occur all of a sudden, rather it starts with a couple of bugs that grow and multiply in no time. If you find a few pests wandering over your trees, take immediate action and use the appropriate pet removal method. A smaller infestation is easier to control and remove. If you feel that you cannot handle the pest infestation on your own, then call in professional help and let them nip the infestation in the bud.
In most cases, pest infestation can be challenging to deal with on your own. Most homes are not equipped to tackle a serious pest infestation. Hence, for the protection of your plants and trees, contact American Tree Experts, Inc. We provide effective pest management solutions for all types of pests and bugs. Call us at 973-744-6091. We are located in Mont Clair, New Jersey.