Environmentally Friendly Pest Control Practices for Commercial Properties

Organic methods for pest control are usually less damaging to the environment, and less toxic to the insects (which aren’t targeted), mammals, as well as aquatic life. The most unfortunate thing is that most of the commercial property owners nowadays, due to their time-starved lifestyles, only want the most effective, one application products –regardless of what consequences there may be.

Environmentally friendly pest control practices for commercial properties include the use of the least toxic methods. There are a few highly effective natural pest control treatments which are available. With the proper cultural practices and preparation, they can prove to be quite useful.

Even though there are several treatments to choose from, we will be discussing some of the most common options. Let’s have a look:

Diatomaceous Earth

DE is the fossilized silica shell of algae. Despite the fact that in terms of size, the shells are microscopic, they are covered with a sharp projection which penetrates and cuts the cuticle of insects. Due to this, the pest leaks vital body fluids and this ultimately results in death from dehydration. One unique aspect about DE is that the damage isn’t poisonous, but it is rather physically abrasive.

Insecticidal Soaps

Such soaps use fatty acids and salts inside them and target several soft bodied pests such as earwigs, mealy bugs, thrips, whiteflies, and aphids. Insecticidal soaps penetrate the supple outer shells of these pests and resultantly damage the cell membranes. After that, they start breaking down and cause starvation and dehydration.

Microbial Insecticides

Microbial insecticides cause the pests to get sick. They are quite specific to the targeted pests, as they don’t harm any beneficial insects, and neither are they toxic to the mammals. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most popular choice in microbial insecticides. It can be used for treating a range of worm larvae from cabbage loopers to cutworms and hornworms.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is taken from the native Indian Neem tree. It is a broad spectrum insecticide which acts as a repellent, deterrent, and poison. It can also sterilize certain insects while stopping the growth cycle of a few others. Neem is applicable as a soil drench or foliar spray. It can kill a variety of pests, such as mealy bugs, whiteflies, thrips, aphids, and loopers.

Insecticidal Oils

These oils suffocate the pests. They coat the pests with horticultural grade, petroleum based liquid which cuts off their supply of oxygen. This method for pest control is one of the oldest eco-friendly practices. It can kill eggs as well as immature stages of the insects. Insecticidal oils are highly effective since they spread well and break down rather quickly. What’s more, they are also less toxic to the beneficial insects.

To find out more about environmentally friendly commercial pest control practices for your property, you should get in touch with Command7. Give us a call at 8855-214-2168 for more information.