Pest+Control



Pest control is defined as "the elimination of pests or the inhibition of their reproduction, development, or migration ".

Chemical control, by implementation of pesticides, is the most widely used form of pest control. The objective of a pesticide is to kill or prevent a pest from striving in a specific environment. These chemicals are named after the pest they intend to control (i.e. insecticides: insects, herbicides: plants, fungicides: fungi, rodenticides: rodents, etc) (Pest Control, 2005).

__**THE EFFECTS OF IPM ON SOCIETY**__
__RISKS (PESTICIDE USE)__ In the developing world, certain pesticide poisoning can cause more death than infectious disease. Pesticide use is often poorly regulated and dangerous. Also, since they are easily accessible they can become an easy means of self harm. There is a voluntary code of conduct for the pesticide industry to try and limit the harmful chemicals in the pesticides but, since there is little governmental resources in developing countries, makes this code ineffective and there are many deaths due to the pesticides (Eddleston, 2002).

Since there is such a great use of pesticides, the pests are becoming more resistant to the poisons to the point where using the pesticides actually can hurt the income of agricultural areas. IPM encourages the use of less pesticides and more environmentally friendly practices. The strategy of integrated pest management increases productivity and profitability, and also decreases the number of human deaths (Eddleston, 2002).

In a 2003 interview of Brenda Jones, the side-effects of pesticides are all too real. She hired a business called TRUEGREEN Chemlawn that sprayed out pesticides that would kill the bugs in her yard. Since then both her and her two young children have been poisoned by the chemicals used to maintain her lawn. Two chemicals in particular, Atrazine and Bifinthrine, that are used to kill weeds and insects, are the most damaging used and have infected victims so severely, they still suffer symptoms years after immediate exposure. Brenda states that her son cannot go to a public school due to his weakened resistance to pesticides that may be used nearby. Although she tries to halt use of the pesticides, she receives a comment that all pesticides are registered by the EPA and therefore safe for human contact.

__BENEFITS__ Since the use if IPM became more popular, the effects are more beneficial to the earth and society. The use of pesticides is greatly reduced, so they have less of an effect on the earth and the organisms on it, making it safer. The use of IPM practices are also more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient to agriculture.

__**Illegal Pesticides**__ Pesticides like DDT and Silvex that have been banned are extremely dangerous to not only the environment, but anyone that they come in contact with. Using banned pesticides breaks both federal and state laws. In 1962 the idea that DDT was causing cancer in humans with direct contact was introduced in the book //Silent Spring// by Rachel Carson. A controversial argument ensued and in most countries around the world it was banned. Around the same time as the Endangered Species Act, the ban on DDT and other pesticides was a major part of the Environmental Movement. As if to prove the potency of the pesticide, shortly after the ban bald eagles began to repopulate.

Rules for using Pesticides -Keep all pesticides locked in a secure area that is away from animal feed, children, and livestock. The vapors from the pesticide can seep into the feed and cause harm to those that come in contact with it.

-Do not remove a pesticide from its original container. An unmarked container would be dangerous for anyone that does not know its contents and will be missing important emergency health information in case something happens.

-The use of banned pesticides is breaking both federal and state laws.

__Alternate Forms of Pest Control[[image:ladybugs.jpg width="229" height="355" align="right" caption=""Gardening," 2003 (AP Images)"]]__
In order to minimize pesticide usage, IPM related pest management systems can be used. One example is biological control. This method involves the use of predators or parasites. Before predators are released, pest populations are monitored to better estimate the numbers of parasites or predators to release. This method was first used by the ancient Chinese, who used ants to control crop consuming insects. Insects have also been used to control bean beetle, tomato hornworms, and aphids (at right: lady bugs that consume aphids). Bacteria can be used to control insect larvae (Pest Control, 2005). Although this method may not produce immediate results, predator species often self-perpetuate, and are non toxic to other organisms. The use of "biopesticies" is another method on controlling pests with consideration of the environment. These are pesticides composed of natural ingredients, such as plants, minerals, animals, etc. One example is neem oil, made from the seeds of the neem tree. This chemical prevents insects, such as caterpillars, gypsy moths, leafminers, and mealybugs, from molting to their next stage. Ideally, pest management systems accomplish four goals: " (1) harms only the target pest ; (2) breaks down into harmless compounds after use; (3) does not cause genetic resistance in target pests ; and (4) is economically viable . Concerning economics, IPM systems have been shown to reduce costs by 50-95% (J. Robert Hatherill, 2000). The following is an example of a situation demonstrating IPM and its four steps:

__IPM Example__
A homeowner suspects his home is infested with termites. In the first step of IPM, the homeowner would set action thresholds. In this case, when the termites damaged the home's wooden structures enough to make the home unsafe, or call for expensive repair, IPM would be necessary.

During step two, the homeowner would monitor and identify the pest. The homeowner notices hexagonal shaped pellets in his attic. Immediately, the homeowner can rule out Dampwood Termites and Subterranean Termites, due to the fact that both of these require moist environments, greatly contrasting from the dry attic environment. The sensible remaining candidate is Drywood Termites. Drywood termites are difficult to detect. A suggested method of detection would be to remove the pellets, and check a few days later and see if more can be found. This would indicate an active infestation of Drywood Termites. Generally, professional help is needed to detect termites. Also, the removal of walls or paneling may be necessary.

In this case, the third step of IPM, prevention, is impractical. Once an infestation is established, pest control is mandatory. However, preventative measures can be taken before an infestation, such as using pressure treated wood, setting up barriers like screens or paint, or using resistant wood.

As far as termite control, many chemical and non-chemical options exist. Heat can kill termites, but may damage wood or other heat sensitive items. Electrocution is another option, but requires drilling. Fumigants are also commonly used, but requires the residents to leave the home. Infested wood can be replaced, however this might be expensive and may not cover the entire infestation. Chemical foams and liquids are further options. Overall, every option has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the homeowner would need to consult a professional, and discuss the environmental and economical impacts of each treatment option (Lewis, 2002).

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