The term Pest Management refers to the systematic control of unwanted organisms. These pests may be birds, rodents, insects, and other organisms that share a habitat with humans and feed on their possessions. Pest control can be achieved through various methods, such as exclusion, repulsion, physical removal, and chemical means. Biological control may be implemented through sterilisation programmes. For instance, red weaver ants have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia and Africa to control pests.
Many natural predators may be purchased, but these insects are only effective for a limited period. These insects are also susceptible to escaping the area when released back into the environment. Western lady beetles, for example, are able to fly long distances after hibernating. They will instinctively flee before feeding. However, the use of these natural predators can be effective in greenhouses and other environments where they are not available in the wild.
The biological control of pests has also proven effective. Insects are natural enemies of their own parasites, and these organisms attack pests through their natural defense mechanisms. These methods are called “microbial control” and can include the use of certain predators and parasites. Unlike the chemical treatments, biological control can help reduce pest populations by killing both the insects and the predators that feed on them. These techniques work because they are more effective when the predators attack a specific pest species.
Another approach is genetic manipulation. While genetic manipulation is not widely used yet, it has the potential to be effective in reducing pest populations. In some cases, the introduction of sterile males reduces a pest’s competitive viability. Moreover, genetic manipulation can produce new, pest-resistant plants. The downside of this approach is that it is costly and raises ethical and environmental issues. A number of pesticides have been registered through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their safety and effectiveness.