Pest Control has many benefits. Integrated pest management, is a proactive approach to managing pests. It employs less toxic active ingredients and formulations, while also addressing the human health impacts of pesticides. By integrating a holistic approach to pest control Adelaide, a healthy environment is ensured and pests can be kept at bay without using toxic chemicals. In addition, IPM emphasizes prevention and education.
Integrated pest management refers to a set of practices that reduce the risk of harmful effects on humans and the environment while keeping the pest population under control. It uses various methods to identify and control pests that may pose a risk to humans, the environment, or both. This method is science-based and environmentally sound. Some other terms for IPM include Manejo Integrado de Plagas, Protection Integree des Cultures, and Integrated Pest Management.
One of the best known examples of integrated pest management is in schools. It involves the cooperation of school personnel with pest control personnel (in-house or commercial). The practice emphasizes the use of non-chemical approaches to combat pests while minimizing exposure to pesticides. The practices used are regularly monitored and modified as necessary to reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides. They are also refined over time to ensure that they are effective at controlling pest populations.
Less toxic active ingredients and formulations
In addition to using less-toxic active ingredients, the latest innovations in pesticide technology are also safer and easier to handle. These less-toxic ingredients are often referred to as synergists. These substances enhance the effect of another active ingredient, such as a pyrethrin, without directly affecting the pest. For example, pyrethrin-based insecticides often contain adjuvants, such as piperonyl butoxide or n-octyl bicycloheptane dicarboximide.
Concentrates and formulations use only a small amount of the active ingredient, so they require no further dilution before application. Unlike concentrates, these products do not stain fabrics or leave an unpleasant odor. These formulations are particularly useful for pest control in household settings and for agricultural, ornamental, and structural applications. Despite their benefits, less-toxic formulations are not without drawbacks.
Health effects of pesticides
In the process of using pesticides to kill insects, people can become exposed to a variety of chemicals that can have long-term health effects. Exposure to pesticides can lead to acute and chronic health effects, including cancer, reproductive damage, neurological effects, and irritability. Health effects of pesticides may also be delayed or ineffective, depending on the type of pesticide, the route of exposure, and a person’s sensitivity.
Exposure to pesticides may be especially harmful to people with preexisting diseases and conditions such as asthma. People with chronic health problems, such as thyroid disease, are more likely to develop illness from pesticide exposure. Exposure to pesticides in the home may result in overexposure and illnesses, especially when people do not follow the label instructions. Many pesticides penetrate the skin, and percutaneous absorption has been linked to acute illness and even death. It is estimated that about half of pesticide exposures result in dermatitis, which is the second most common occupational disease.