Chemical control with pesticides or non-chemical control using traps and deterrents are the most common methods of pest control. Additionally, advanced pest management relies on comprehensive Integrated Pest Management programs that incorporate inspection, exclusion, and sanitation, as well as chemical control when necessary.
Other natural pest control methods are less well-known or researched. That is, you may enlist the help of natural predators to perform the dirty work for you. Cats and barn owls are natural rodent predators, dogs can detect pests like bed bugs and termites, and birds are natural insect predators.
DOGS
Bedbug-sniffing canines have become an important instrument in the battle against the rapidly growing populations of bed bugs after their reemergence. The dogs go through a similar training program to police dogs, and instead of bombs or narcotics, they learn to detect bedbugs. Termite detection programs have also been created in a similar way.
Many pest control businesses include dogs in their inspection operations because they are reported to be faster and more efficient at detecting bed bugs in their hiding places. This can save the homeowner a lot of money because bed bugs can easily repopulate if even a single area is left untreated.
CATS
Cats may help in the management of pests such as mice, gophers, rats, and other damaging rodents since they naturally hunt them.
Across the United States, programs are being established to encourage the adoption of feral or barn cats, utilizing these animals’ natural tendencies and protecting some cats from slaughter. The Barn Cat Program at the Lodi Animal Shelter in California is one example. The shelter invites people and businesses who satisfy certain criteria to adopt stray cats to help manage rats on their property.
BARN OWLS & BIRDS
Barn owls are skilled rodent hunters that can aid in the management of rodent infestations.
Some problem birds, moles, gophers, and flying insects can also be controlled by barn owls. If you want to attract barn owls to your property to help with your pest problem, you may build and place nesting boxes to offer them refuge. Barn Owl Headquarters can assist you with getting started.
While some birds are undesirable neighbors, others, such as songbirds and wild birds, are helpful. These birds eat grasshoppers, webworms, slugs, snails, and several species of moths, all of which are beneficial to a garden’s health.
FROGS, TOADS, AND SALAMANDERS
Frogs and toads are amphibians that may help clear a farm or garden of pest insects. However, because they don’t differentiate, they might be consuming beneficial insects like ladybugs as well. A single frog or toad can consume up to 100 insects in a single night. Beetles, flies, moths, caterpillars, various insect larvae, slugs, and snails are among the pests they eat. Salamanders devour a variety of pests, including mosquitoes and ticks.
If you are looking for a natural way to naturally get rid of pests in your home you can try getting one of these animals. But if all else fails, it is best to contact the pros to handle your pest problems. Contact Bama Exterminating today and we’ll be happy to help you with all your pest problems.
