Pest control is not a new business but for some the news that insects are now being used to fight other insects may be new information. Currently, in Bakersfield, California, local and state agricultural representatives are utilizing a method of fighting an insect problem with another insect. The Asian citrus psyllid is threatening citrus trees. This isn’t a typical, annoying pest. The Asian citrus psyllid carries with them a disease that can eradicate the citrus industry. It happened in Florida and decimated the citrus crops. In Los Angeles county, the disease has been detected in more than two dozen trees and with a annual crop valued at almost $1 billion, officials are not taking any chances. While officials search for an alternative method to eradicate the Asian citrus psyllid, they are utilizing the Tamarixia radiata which is a tiny wasp native to Pakistan. This wasp is a natural predator of psyllid. Officials ensure residents that there is no potential risk to residents and that they likely won’t even notice these tiny wasps.

While this issue may be surprising to some, the concept of Biological pest control has actually been a common method for quite some time. By definition, biological pest control eradicates insects utilizing other organisms. This process typically involves active human participation to coordinate the overall effort and execution. There are actually three forms of biological pest control:

• Importation- introduces a natural enemy of the pest in hopes of controlling the current pest problem
• Augmentation- locally occurring naturally enemies are bred and released to gain control and help with conservation
• Conservation- utilizes measures to increase natural enemies. Natural enemies of insect pests are also commonly referred to as biological control agents.

Beneficial insects for pest control is obviously a chemical-free, natural process that occurs every day and every night without anyone batting an eye. Oftentimes, these beneficial insects can thwart a potential issue before you even notice it.

In general, pest control is beneficial to the overall health of people along with the benefits it can provide for valuable crops. Waiting until you see a problem is waiting too long. Pest control is not a one-time event because of an isolated event. It’s a plan to keep your home and family safe from potential disease-ridden insects. A good pest control company will be proactive and help develop a plan to prevent future problems. Many times the first visit is reactive because of a noticeable problem, but once that problem is under control, having a plan for pest control that lasts is important. Proper pest control can prevent thousands of dollars in property damage but more importantly protect the health of your family.

Photo by David Hall [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons