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Frequently
Asked Questions
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Do You
Have A Pest Problem
The presence of an insect or weed does not necessarily mean that it is a pest. It is normal to have a few of these organisms around; indeed, their absence would be cause for alarm. So the first thing we need to change to are our expectations of what is normal. |
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It is only when
these organisms become unusually abundant that we need to examine
the situation to find the causes and take remedial action. |
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In most cases
the problem can be traced to something inappropriate that we did,
such as over-fertilizing, planting at the wrong time or in an unfavorable
location; or it may be due to natural deficiencies within our soils,
or because of a lack of natural controls. |
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Responding to
these causes requires us to learn about the pest and about the way
it is likely to respond to different conditions that discourage potential
pests. |
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Pests comprise
relatively few species. |
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Through misinformation,
people believe that most insects are harmful, whereas only 0. l %
are pests, 99.9% being neutral in their effects or essential to our
survival as pollinators, decomposes, regulators of pests, and as food
for other beneficial animals such as many fish and birds. |
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Pests are not
the causes of problems but rather the symptoms of badly designed,
mismanaged or malfunctioning gardens, farms, forests, etc. Hence the
solution is to correct their design and management, taking direct
actions against pests only in emergencies. |
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Many organisms
are regarded as pests only because of current "fashions" that cannot
be justified in terms of health or well-being, e.g., our desires for
cosmetically perfect fruits and vegetables and weed-free lawns. |
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Many weeds in
lawns are indicators of unbalanced or compacted soils. Removing the
weeds annually will not correct the underlying causes, which, if not
dealt with, will ensure that the problem will recur. |
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Pesticides include
fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, miticides and other biocides
that are used to reduce the number of unwanted organisms. |
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Although the
first two groups are slightly specific, insecticides and miticides
are nonspecific chemicals that are as poisonous to beneficial organisms
as they are to the pests; and all are poisonous to people and pets. |
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Most harmful
side effects of pesticides are not immediately apparent because they
are sub-lethal, and may be delayed. |
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These effects
are aggravated by the tendency of pesticides to persist in the environment. |
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As the pesticide
disperses and breaks down, the pests return, and sometimes new pests
are created due to the poisoning of their natural enemies. |
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Eventually all
pests become resistant to the materials use against them. |
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Despite these
problems pesticides have become an essential part of our food and
fibre production systems, partly because of their "magical bullet"
image and ability to give quick results, and because their harmful
effects rarely enter into the cost-benefit analyses. |
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As we become
more aware, responsible, and take into account long-term effects,
it is likely that this heavy reliance on toxic chemicals will gradually
be replaced by safe alternatives, and pesticides will only be used
in an emergency or as a last resort. |
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Do you
sell rat poisons that will embalm the rat or make him go outside to
die?
There has not or has there ever been a toxicant that would cause rodents
to go outside or prevent decaying odor should they die inside. Traps
are still the safest way to avoid odor problems when dealing with
rodents.
 What
kind of poison baits do you have for squirrels?
No poison baits are labeled for use for squirrels. Trapping with live
cage traps is the only reliable method of dealing with squirrels.
How can I tell if I have mice or rats?
The best way is to locate fecal droppings.
How can I be sure all my mice are gone after all the trapping
and baiting I've had done?
Place a small pile of sunflower seeds (raw unsalted) in an area frequented
by mice. If there are no scattered seeds within a couple of days...Mission
accomplished! |
| Call Us At 423-877-9266 To Take Care of Your Problems |
Welcome
| Services | FAQ
Bio Lab Pest & Termite Control
9101 East Brainerd Road • Chattanooga, TN 37421
Tel: 423-855-7378
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