Pest Control Solutions for Farmers in California
As we’ve outlined in our previous blog post, controlling pests can be a headache for the untrained. Whether we are talking about pests and insects in residential, rural or commercial settings. In this blog post, we’re going to highlight more details about pest control measures for farmers in Los Angeles California.
Pesticides & Insecticides
One of the best methods (also cost-effective) for governing and managing pests is through prevention, as well as using safe and approved pesticides in California for any current pest or insect infestation. Although pesticides and or insecticides can be administered by anyone, having experience and knowledge of the latest technologies, and or complex pesticide formulas whether its in the form of secondary fertilizers or specific pesticides targeting specific type of pest is always recommended.
Certain pest control treatment measures can either be mixed in to the soil or sprayed on the plants to prevent or kill the pest infestation, thus, effectively saving the crops in the case of early infestation. Having said this, incorrect inappropriate usage of pesticides or insecticides can have negative effects because too much or using the incorrect pesticide mixtures can actually damage the crops, or worse yet, make the soil unusable for upcoming seasons. The chemical compounds found in insecticide or pesticide can also permeate itself with the crop, thus, ruining it, which can even be very harmful if consumed.
Fumigation
Fumigation is another important and very common method of prevention and pest infestation treatment. Pesticides or insect killers are manufactured in the form of smoke (or gas) and are sprayed in the crop field. This spreads far and wide and effectively controls pest outbreak, usually applied for outbreaks which are labelled as small. Once again, using any type of fumigation for controlling pests can become harmful because the chemicals used in certain fumigation mixtures can be very harsh and also reactive causing skin damage and lung issues if inhaled by humans.
Although pest control bombs or large scale fumigation methods in agricultural settings are often used, what’s more important is the identification, planning and implementation of such control methods so that its safe and produces an effective outcome for the farmer.
Biological Pest Control
Our team here at Maximum Pest Control Services understands that there are countless different ways to control and exterminate pests and insects, one of which is by using biotic techniques. Because doing so can be ideal (at times, the only option) because such methods are eco-friendly and can be administered in strictly controlled manner.
The way it works is through introduction of certain bacteria which is added to the water source for the crops, this technique then kills the pests or insects without being harmful to humans or any other bio-species.
Biological pest control in agricultural settings, at times, uses fungi as a primary ingredient in manufacturing such chemicals for eliminating pests. When sprayed, these fungi take host in the pests’ bodies, mostly bigger ones like locusts, and continue to grow, and thus, hinders the unwanted pest’s metabolism and eventually kills them. This is a highly efficient, world-recognized, and department of pesticide regulation approved method because the fungi are chemically engineered to target specific pests in the form of herbicides and insecticides, as a result, can be highly efficient and safe to use managing large pest infestation problems.
Mechanical Pest Control
Another proven technique is called mechanical pest control using different procedures, aided by pest control devices, to remove targeted pests. Methods such as suctioning, screening, barrier formation, clipping, trapping, insect vacuums, and pruning are all labelled as mechanical pest control techniques.
Controlled Burn
Although not as common in California USA farming settings, field burning is another method used for pest control. After harvest, under strict and controlled measures, fully qualified technicians sets fire (controlled burn) to the field to kill off harmful bacteria, insects, pests, and even their eggs. Because field burning (also called back-fire or hazard reduction burning) poses unintended risks, its not commonly used in CA as such methods may negatively effect soil nutrients causing the land to become barren.
Poisoned Bait
Another (time tested) technique for controlling pests is by using poisoned baits that attract insects and killing them. Such baits are either applied to the plant or sprinkled on the soil for the insect to make contact with. These poisons are specifically engineered in such a way that they do not harm the plants or the soil, and yet, they are dangerous enough for pests and insects so that you can get rid of the problem. This method is often used in rural areas where farmers lack access to modern technology and other pest control treatment measures and products.
Trap Crop
Let’s face it, we have to admire the ingenuity of farmers past and present. To be able to control pests and insects, humans have worked out many different ways as mentioned above. Another technique is by using a trap plant that is sowed near the crop field. Doing so attracts the problem pest to the trap plant itself, leaving the actual sown harvest unharmed. This method is a sub-type of the poisoned bait method because the trap plant can also be poisoned to efficiently kill the pests as well.
Proven Pest Control Services for Farmers in California USA
Own a farm or a garden? Plagued by any type of pests or insects needing professional extermination in Los Angeles California? Our expert team is here to help. We offer wide range of pest control and management solutions for our valued clients both for residential and commercial properties. Simply contact us to learn more about Maximum Pest Control Services cost-effective and proven solutions.
