What pest control products are the most commonly used? Pyrethroids are the most commonly used ingredient in Pest Control. According to Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Director of Technical Services at Terminix...
According to Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Director of Technical Services at Terminix International, "The active ingredients that are most commonly used are Pyrethroids. There are a variety of insecticides out there that belong to that class of material. Boric acid, silica gel and dust is widely used. Another product used comes from naturally occurring material that comes from Chrysanthemum plants. It is reared in Australia and in Africa, like Kenya. It is one of the most widely used products since it has been around for some time, maybe 100 years or more."
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, at www.epa.gov, "Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act in a similar manner to pyrethrins, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are widely used for controlling various insects."
The website, http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/pyrethri.htm, Extension Toxicology Network, has this to say about pyrethroids. "Pyrethrins are natural insecticides produced by certain species of the chrysanthemum plant. The flowers of the plant are harvested shortly after blooming and are either dried and powdered or the oils within the flowers are extracted with solvents. Semisynthetic derivatives of the chrysanthemumic acids have been developed as insecticides. These are called pyrethroids and tend to be more effective than natural pyrethrins while they are less toxic to mammals."
"If you decide to use [pyrethroids], carefully follow the instructions, on how to apply them properly and how long to wait before reentering the treated area. Do not apply more than the recommended amount,"states an Illinois Department of Public Health, Environmental Health factsheet, at http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/pyrethroid.htm
Other widely used products by consumers include baits and traps, especially when dealing with cockroaches or ants. While a severe infestation requires more treatment than can be obtained through baits and traps alone, they are a smart start in a strategy to eradicate insect populations in the home. The traps should be monitored to determine, first of all, exactly what species of insect you are dealing with. This is crucial information that will help in planning treatment. Different insects have different patterns of eating, living, breeding and different favorite foods and hiding places. Next, the traps should be monitored to see where the insects seem to be in greatest numbers or the most active.
However, the best method of treating pest infestations is a multipronged approach. Try to exclude pests from the home, by barring easy entry. Seal cracks and crevices. Don't allow garbage to overflow, and instead keep it away from the house and in containers with tightly fitting lids. Don't allow piles of lumber, stones, foliage, build up a harborage for pests. Keep your home well ventilated and pay attention to any damp, shady areas that so many pests are attracted to. Keep food items stored in plastic or glass containers, and wipe up and vacuum spills and crumbs. Don't create an overly moist environment, as many pests desire that type of setting.
Use traps to monitor pest population, and be ready to call in a professional pest control company in the case of any severe infestation.
