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What Are the Types of Methods Used to Control Pest?

Pests such as rats, mice and insects pose more than just a nuisance for homeowners and businesses--they sometimes also pose a health risk. Ignoring an infestation only makes the problem worse because the pest population continues to grow. A proactive approach to pest control is the best policy, dealing with the issue as soon as it develops. A number of pest control methods can be employed.

  1. Sticky Traps

    • For some households and businesses, it is important to use a pest control method that will not release chemical toxins into the space. One method of controlling pests is through sticky traps (pheromone traps, fly traps, light traps). Depending on the pest you are trying to control, there are a number of sticky traps that target mice, rats, cockroaches and flies. The traps consist of an adhesive on a paper surface, which is placed in spots that the pests frequent. The adhesive traps the pest on the sticky surface. After the traps have served their purpose, you can pick up the sticky trap and place it in the trash, replacing it with a new one in the same area.

    Dust Boric Acid

    • Dust boric acid is a type of pesticide that is relatively safe for use in most household and business environments because in small doses the chemical will pose no serious risk to humans or most mammals. The chemical has insecticidal, herbicidal and fungicidal properties, which do not evaporate into the air. It generally stays isolated in the area where it is dispensed. The chemical works by slowly poisoning small insects, such as ants, cockroaches, beetles and silverfish. The best practice is to dispense the boric acid in areas that are high traffic for pests. Over the course of a few weeks, the population of pests should reduce dramatically.

    Bait Boxes

    • For mice, rats and raccoons, try setting up a number of bait boxes in and around your house, which will draw the creature in with food and then trap them. Boxes can be purchased at most local hardware stores. Rat and mice bait boxes should be set-up in high traffic areas, such as corners and against the walls. For raccoon bait boxes, look for areas with high quantities of their feces, which will indicate the areas they frequent. Each box should have some bait or food placed in the box to draw the creature inside it. There is also the option of poisoning the bait so the pest consumes the food and dies, making it easier to eliminate the pest.

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