Pest Control is a process of managing the existence and presence of different types of organisms to minimise their negative impact on the environment they inhabit. This may involve killing them but can also encompass removing the conditions that make life for the pest and making it impossible for them to survive.

Keeping our surroundings clean helps to prevent the build-up of food and water sources which attract unwanted pests. This can include sweeping away stale bread crumbs from kitchen benches, wiping down surfaces regularly and scrubbing the inside of rubbish bins on a regular basis. Thoroughly cleaning outdoor kitchen and dining areas to reduce the mingling of crumbs with soil and mulch, keeping tin cans lidded and storing waste in tightly-fitting bins are other useful steps. Similarly, sealing and repairing the multitude of construction flaws which allow mice to slip in and out of roof spaces and allowing birds to nest outside can go a long way to reducing pigeon-related health problems such as E. coli, histoplasmosis and salmonella.

The use of biological Pest Control methods can help to further improve our environment. These can include introducing beneficial insects or organisms to the garden which will feed on the unwanted pests and/or parasitism. Parasitic nematodes, for example, are microscopic worms which can be introduced to the soil. The ‘helpful’ varieties, such as the cockroach-eating Steinernema carpocapsae, will kill their host insect by injecting it with a toxic bacteria that breaks down the bug from the inside.

Chemical pesticides can be very effective but they can be damaging to other organisms too, such as earthworms and bees. It is important to use them sparingly and always follow the product label instructions to the letter. If a pesticide is used incorrectly it can cause damage to surrounding plants or pets. It is important to apply pesticides carefully to only the target pest and to never apply more than the recommended amount.

Threshold-based decision-making is also vital. A few spiders in the garden or a few wasps around the house are unlikely to warrant action but a constant stream of ants and cockroaches may require immediate attention.

Using a combination of these control methods can ensure that a problem is not just managed but eradicated and prevented from returning. Regular monitoring and reviewing of the results will help to keep a problem at bay over the long term.