What is a pesticide?
A simple definition of a pesticide is anything that controls bugs. This could be repelling them or killing them altogether.
How do pesticides work?
There are a few different general categories of pesticides. Repellent, Non-repellent, Growth Regulators, baits and granules. Each category of pesticide works differently and is used for different reasons.
Repellent Pesticides
These pesticides work by repelling pests away. We use these products to keep pests out or away from your home or another specific area. They are usually made with synthetic or organic oils that pests hate. Repellent pesticides usually don't last long.
Non-Repellent Pesticides
These pesticides don't keep bugs away. In fact, many are even scented to attract bugs to it. The idea here is that the insect interacts with the pesticide without realizing it. Then they spread it among the rest of the population. Then, the pesticides silently, quietly kill them. They don't even know what hit them. Non-reppellent pesticides usually contain Bifithrin or Friponol. They can last a long time, up to 45 days.
Baits
Baits attract the pest with a food supply that kills them. The insect eats the bait, then shares it with the rest of the population. This kills them all before they knew what hit them. Baits are usually made with Indoxacarb or non-repellent ingredients like fripinol.
Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulators are pesticides that fake the hormones found maturing insects. They interrupt the way insects grow and reproduce. These pesticides don't kill adult insects. They prevent reproduction, egg-hatching, and maturing from one stage to the next. These pesticides can be very effective for certain pests like cockroaches and fleas. However, they are slow acting compared with other methods of pesticides.
Granules
These include the same types of pesticides outlined above in a granule form. They are like rock salt or chunky sugar. We spread these on lawns and other foliage outdoors. As sprinklers run or rain falls the moisture activates the product.
Are Pesticides Bad?
No. There are many pesticides that are completely natural and harmless humans and the environment. There are some synthetic pesticides that can be harmful when miss-applied or used incorrectly. That's why you always want to hire a licensed, experienced professional. There has also been some controversial pesticides in the past. These have been harmful to people and the environment. This was long before modern research and regulation have made things safer for everyone. That said, pesticides aren't bad. But, you want to hire responsible companies and know what they are applying.
How long do pesticides last?
It depends. A good general answer is about 3 weeks. Some non-reppllent pesticides or granules can last 60 days or longer. Other pesticides only last a couple hours. Each has it's own place and reason we would apply them.
Are pesticides safe for my pets?
It depends. If the right products are used and they are properly applied. It's always important to hire a licensed professional to apply pesticides to your home. Especially if you have pets. Pets are uniquely susceptible to the risks that pesticides can carry. Pets will randomly eat off the floor, lay on the floor and will eat anything left on the ground. Different pets each have special considerations:
Dogs and Cats and Pesticides
Dogs, cats and other mammals like hamsters or gerbils can coexist with pest control really simply. There is very low risks if any for these pets if a few simple guidelines are followed. When coordinating your service just let us know you have a dog or a cat.
Fish, Reptiles and Pesticides
Unfortunately Fish and reptiles are especially sensitive to pesticides. Pest control with these types of pets does present higher risks to these animals. These pets must be completely out of the areas that are being treated. Be sure that your pest control provider is aware you have such pets.
Birds and Pesticides
Similar to fish and reptiles, birds can be very sensitive to pesticides. Be sure your bird is never near an area that is being treated with pesticides. Be sure that your pest control provider is aware you have such pets.