From energy-efficient light bulbs to fuel-efficient cars, most of the eco-friendly initiatives not only protect the environment, but also benefit the uses. The same concept holds true for shifting to an environment-friendly pest control strategy. In most instances, these techniques replace the traditional pest control methodologies that use harsh chemicals or chemical based products. In addition to safeguarding the environment, these eco-friendly measures can keep your home or business safe from pests as well as exposure to the harmful chemicals.
In the recent years, the pest control industry has witnessed the emergence of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that utilise the latest technological advances. These programs take a holistic approach to pest management that involves addressing the root causes of the problem such as the pursuit of the pests for shelter, water, and food.
Adverse Impact of Pesticides:
The use of pesticides has increased steadily throughout Australia since the 1990s. At present, there are more than eight thousand formally registered pesticide products in the country. The Australian Bureau of Statistics mentions that in Queensland, the households spend $180 million per year on pesticides. These are unnerving figures considering the degree of damage these pesticides can cause to the environment and human health.
- Even when the pesticides are applied to a confined space, they tend to travel outside the space through water, soil, or air. Depending on their chemical composition, pesticides may remain in the environment for many years before getting decomposed.
- Use of pesticides has been linked to the killing of non-target creatures including pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, as well as lizards and several small mammals.
- Pesticide exposure for human beings may lead to issues related to their overall health, development, and reproduction. Birth defects, cancer, genetic changes, blood disorders, and nervous system malfunction are some of the effects of chronic pesticide exposure.
- Pets exposed to pesticides may display symptoms such as vomiting and fever to respiratory failure and seizures.
Benefits of Eco-friendly Techniques:
Eco-friendly pest management involves the use of biological or natural controls such as light, oils, tastes, scents, etc. along with greener and safe chemicals to target specific pest species, without affecting others. In addition to being safe for the nature and human beings, these pest management techniques have many other benefits.
- These techniques generally provide long-lasting results because they address the root cause of pest infestation.
- Traditional pest control using pesticides can ruin your landscape by destroying the grass, plants, and bushes. No such problem has been reported while using environment-friendly management techniques.
- Use of pesticides kills certain insect species that are beneficial for us. However, there are no such problems with eco-friendly pest control methods because they are specifically targeted.
- No need to deal with string and obnoxious smells.
- Unlike pesticides, there is no need to evacuate the house for treatment.
Some Examples of Eco-friendly Pest Management:
- Fly Lights: These units utilise UV light to attract flying insects and arrests them on a non-toxic sticky board.
- Heat Treatments: This treatment method uses a portable heater and duct to heat the pest infested area. The heat penetrates into the harborage areas to eradicate the pests. Heat treatment also helps prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, and mold.
- Odor Neutralizer: This is a specialised device used to eliminate persistent odors that are known to attract pests.
- Active Monitors: A latest technological innovation, active monitors use scent technologies, carbon dioxide, and advanced heat to draw pests out of its dwellings.
Use of LED light
In addition to the alternatives mentioned above, LED light traps are also used extensively these days as an environment friendly pest control alternative.
Some of the environmental advantages of using LED lights are mentioned below.
- Compared to incandescent or fluorescent and light, LED lights are up to 80% more energy efficient.
- LED lights do not contain any toxic elements
- LED Lights have approximately six times longer lifespan compared other types of lights. This translates to a significantly lower carbon emission. Moreover, a longer life means fewer replacements, and reduced resource utilisation for the manufacturing process.
At Vectothor, we have recently made use of this advanced technology to deliver a new standard for pest control and management. By combining LED technology with our unique Dynamic Oscillation Pulse Technology™, we are offering a range of products capable of creating light beam fluctuations that can significantly improve fly catch rates. These LED lamps consume 50% lower energy compared to traditional lights, and do not contain lead, mercury, or any other environmental pollutant.
