Pesticides 101

Pest Control Chemicals 101 – What Do The Pros Use?

Pest Control Chemicals

Pesticide products are dangerous. So taking safety precautions is paramount or better yet, let a professional take care of anything to do with pesticides.

Are you curious about what licensed pest controllers use to get rid of insects or bugs? Pests can be a real headache, and it’s essential to know how to deal with them effectively.

Types of Pesticides

Pesticides come in various forms and target different types of pests. Here’s a more comprehensive overview of the most common categories and their subtypes:

Insecticides

Insecticides play a crucial role in controlling and reducing insect population. They’re further divided into several groups of pesticides, each with unique properties and mechanisms of action.

1. Pyrethroids

  • Lambda-cyhalothrin: Effective against ants, mosquitoes, and spiders.
  • Permethrin: Targets fleas, ticks, and flies.
  • Cyfluthrin: Used against cockroaches, silverfish, and termites.

2. Neonicotinoids

  • Imidacloprid: Commonly applied to soil for root-feeding insects.
  • Thiamethoxam: Used on crops to manage sucking insects.
  • Clothianidin: Effective against whiteflies, thrips, and leafhoppers.

3. Organophosphates

  • Malathion: Targets mosquitoes, fruit flies, and spider mites.
  • Chlorpyrifos: Controls termites, ants, and cockroaches.
  • Acephate: Effective against various vegetable and fruit pests.

Rodenticides

Rodenticides are designed to manage rodent infestations. They come in several forms, such as bait blocks, pellets, and powders. They are regulated under the rodenticide act.

1. Anticoagulants

  • Warfarin: A first-generation anticoagulant with lower toxicity.
  • Brodifacoum: A more potent, second-generation anticoagulant.
  • Difenacoum: Effective against rats and mice resistant to other anticoagulants.

2. Non-anticoagulants

  • Bromethalin: A neurotoxin that causes paralysis and death in rodents.
  • Cholecalciferol: Increases calcium levels, leading to kidney and heart failure.
  • Zinc phosphide: Reacts with stomach acid to produce toxic phosphine gas.

Fungicides

Fungicides help control fungal pathogens in agriculture, horticulture, and structural settings.

1. Contact fungicides

  • Copper-based compounds: Effective against various fungal diseases on plants.
  • Chlorothalonil: A broad-spectrum fungicide for fruit, vegetable, and ornamental plants.

2. Systemic fungicides

  • Azoxystrobin: Targets fungal diseases in turf, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Tebuconazole: Effective against rusts, powdery mildew, and other plant diseases.

Herbicides

Herbicides manage unwanted insects and weeds. They also help control weed or disease issues.

1. Selective herbicides

  • 2,4-D: Controls broadleaf plants in lawn and crops.
  • Atrazine: Targets grassy and broadleaf weeds in cornfields.

2. Non-selective herbicides

  • Glyphosate: A widely used herbicide that kills most plants on contact.
  • Glufosinate: Effective against a broad range of weeds, often used in no-till farming.

Chemicals in Spray Containers

How Pest Control Professionals Choose Pesticides

Professionals carefully consider several factors when selecting the most appropriate pesticide for a pest control job, including:

  1. The specific pest species involved. They identify the target pest.
  2. The severity of the infestation.
  3. The potential impact on non-target organisms and the environment.
  4. The need for a fast-acting solution or long-term control.
  5. The cost-effectiveness of the pesticide.
  6. They also consider potential crop losses.

By evaluating these factors, pros can choose the best pesticide to solve a particular pest problem while minimising potential risks.

Pesticide Safety Precautions

When dealing with pesticides, safety is of the utmost importance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Make sure to read and follow the label instructions carefully.
  2. Use the recommended protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and goggles. Handle with caution.
  3. Keep pesticides away from children and pets.
  4. Store them in a secure, well-ventilated area.
  5. Reduce exposure to hazardous substance.
  6. Dispose of empty containers and unused pesticides according to local regulations.

The Good and The Bad

Pesticide has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s dive in and check them out.

Pros:

  1. Fast-acting and effective against a wide range of pests.
  2. Can provide long-term control when used correctly.
  3. Can be more cost-effective than other methods in some cases.

Cons:

  1. Can pose risks to humans, pets, and the environment if not used properly.
  2. Some pests may develop pesticide resistance.
  3. May not be suitable for all situations or pest species.

Spraying Pesticides

Alternative Methods

Use of pesticides are not always the best choice, especially when considering environmental and human health concerns. Here are more details about alternative strategies:

Biological Control

Biological methods are using living organisms to control pests. These organisms can be predators, parasites, or pathogens.

1. Predators

  • Ladybugs: Eat aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects.
  • Green lacewings: Consume aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
  • Praying mantises: Hunt a wide variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and grasshoppers.

2. Parasites

  • Braconid wasps: Lay eggs inside caterpillars and beetles.
  • Tachinid flies: Deposit eggs on caterpillars and stink bugs, with larvae feeding on the host.
  • Trichogramma wasps: Attack the eggs of moths and butterflies.

3. Pathogens

  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): A bacterium that produces a toxin harmful to various insect larvae.
  • Entomopathogenic fungi: Fungi that infect and kill insects, like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae.
  • Nematodes: Microscopic roundworms that attack grubs and root maggots.

Mechanical Control

This process physically remove pests or create barriers to prevent their entry.

1. Traps

  • Snap traps: Capture rodents such as mice and rats.
  • Sticky traps: Entrap insects such as flies and spiders.
  • Pheromone traps: Attract pests using species-specific chemical signals.

2. Barriers

  • Row covers: Protect plants while still allowing sunlight and water to pass through.
  • Copper tape: Deters slugs and snails from entering garden beds.
  • Mesh screens: Block insects from entering homes and buildings.

3. Manual removal

  • Hand-picking: Physically remove caterpillars and beetles from plants.
  • Vacuuming: Suck up flies and ants from indoor spaces.
  • Water sprays: Dislodge aphids and spider mites from plant leaves.

Cultural Control

Cultural methods involve adjusting practices or conditions to make the environment less conducive to unwanted guests.

1. Crop rotation

  • Interrupts the lifecycle of bugs by changing the host plant.
  • Reduces the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.
  • Farmers often use crop rotation.

2. Sanitation

  • Regularly cleaning and removing debris reduces hiding places and breeding grounds.
  • Check your shed for stored items.
  • Properly storing food and disposing of waste minimises pest attraction.

3. Landscaping practices

  • Mowing lawns regularly keeps grass at a height less favorable to bugs.
  • Pruning and thinning plants increase airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and pest infestations.
  • Use mulch to help retain moisture.
  • Selecting pest-resistant plant varieties can minimise the need for intervention.

How to Choose the Right Pest Control Method

When selecting an effective method, consider the following factors:

  1. The specific pest species involved.
  2. The size and location of the infestation.
  3. The potential impact on non-target organisms and the environment.
  4. The effectiveness and cost of the method.
  5. Your personal preferences and comfort level with the chosen method.

FAQs

Can I use pesticides myself, or should I hire a professional?

While some products are available for DIY, it’s often best to hire a professional to ensure proper application and minimise risks.

Are pesticides harmful to the environment?

Some pesticides can harm the environment if not used correctly. Always follow label instructions and consider alternative methods if environmental impact is a concern.

How do I know if a pesticide is safe for my pets?

Always read the pesticide label carefully to determine if a product is safe around pets. If you’re unsure, consult with a pest control professional for advice.

Can a pest become resistant to chemical treatments?

Yes, some resilient pests can develop resistance to a certain pesticide, making them less effective over time. Pest management professionals may need to switch to other products or methods to manage resistant pests.

How often should a pesticide be applied?

The frequency of application depends on the specific chemical, pest, and situation. Some pesticides require regular applications, while others may provide long-term control with a single treatment. Always follow label instructions and consult with a professional if necessary.

What are the best pesticides to kill cockroaches?

  • Gel baits: These insecticide-filled substances attract roaches and eliminate them once ingested. Some popular active ingredients include fipronil, hydramethylnon, indoxacarb, and dinotefuran.
  • Boric acid: A less toxic option, boric acid is a slow-acting poison that kills cockroaches when they come into contact with it or ingest it while grooming themselves.
  • Insect growth regulators (IGRs): IGRs such as hydroprene or methoprene work by interfering with the development and reproduction of cockroaches, curbing their lifecycle without directly killing them.
  • Roach tablets and powders: Containing ingredients such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth, these tablets or powders can be strategically placed around your home to target high-traffic areas for roaches.
  • Residual spray: Many pesticides contain chemicals like cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, or permethrin. These create a long-lasting barrier on treated surfaces that effectively kills roaches upon contact.

It’s important to remember that using pesticides at home should only be done after proper research on cockroaches and following all safety guidelines outlined on the product label. Moreover, consider seeking advice from experts regarding the most appropriate amount of pesticide according to your infestation’s severity and specific location factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, specific pesticides are an essential tool for professionals to use. They help protect food supplies. However, they should be used responsibly and with the necessary precautions. By understanding the different types of pesticides and their alternatives, you can make informed decisions about the best pest control strategy for your situation.

Resources

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) https://apvma.gov.au/