You’ve probably heard of chemical and biological pest control, but how much do you really know about them? What about hand-picking, trap cropping, and other organic methods? The good news is that you’re not alone! In fact, most pest control professionals are surprised to learn that all of these methods have their own pros and cons. In this article, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each and discuss the best ways to approach them.
Table of Contents
Biological pest control
Biological pest control uses living organisms to fight insects, which include pathogens, parasitoids, and predators. These pest-control agents are more effective than chemicals because they can work against a wide variety of pests, including weeds and insects. Biological pest control services differ for each type of pest, which is a benefit because they can be recognized by the human eye and can be more effective than chemicals.
Chemical pest control
You may have heard of chemical pest control, but what is it? Essentially, chemical pest control involves using chemicals to kill pests or prevent them from thriving. Often, these chemicals are either natural products or synthesized mimics. However, they can have unintended consequences. Some are harmful to non-target organisms, such as people, pets, and the environment. Others are harmful to ecosystems, affecting the quality of soil and water.
Hand-picking
The least expensive organic method of pest control, hand-picking involves removing insects by hand. However, hand-picking must be done before the insects are able to cause damage, so gardeners must be vigilant and actively monitor their crops. In addition, hand-picking can be ineffective against large infestations of pests. Consequently, it is important to use other methods of pest control, such as mechanical spraying, to ensure that the pests are effectively removed from the garden.
Trap cropping
If you’re concerned that trap crops fail to reduce insect densities without using other inputs or conventional pesticides, think again. A literature review of more than 100 trap cropping systems found that only a few are successful on a commercial scale. These crops attract pests and hold them there, allowing the natural controls to spread to the main crop. Read on to learn about how trap cropping works and how it will change your approach to pest control.
Integrated pest management
Integrated pest management is a natural and environmentally friendly approach to managing pest problems. It incorporates common sense practices and the latest in pest knowledge and pest control technology to minimize damage caused by pests. Incorporating integrated pest management into your pest control strategy will change the way you approach pest control. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this approach. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes it can make!
