Pest control refers to the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest, usually because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health, the ecology or the economy.

Pest control is at least as old as agriculture, as there has always been a need to keep crops free from pests. In order to maximize food production, it is advantageous to protect crops from competing species of plants, as well as from herbivores competing with humans.

The conventional approach was probably the first to be employed, since it is comparatively easy to destroy weeds by burning them or plowing them under, and to kill larger competing herbivores, such as crows and other birds eating seeds. Techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting (also known as intercropping or mixed cropping), and the selective breeding of pest-resistant cultivars have a long history.

Many pests have only become a problem because of the direct actions of humans. Modifying these actions can often substantially reduce the pest problem. In the USA, raccoons caused a nuisance by tearing open refuse sacks. Many householders introduced bins with locking lids, which deterred the raccoons from visiting. House flies tend to accumulate wherever there is human activity and is virtually a global phenomenon, especially where food or food waste is exposed. Similarly, seagulls have become pests at many seaside resorts. Tourists would often feed the birds with scraps of fish and chips, and before long, the birds would become dependent on this food source and act aggressively towards humans.

In the UK, following concern about animal welfare, humane pest control and deterrence is gaining ground through the use of animal psychology rather than destruction. For instance, with the urban Red Fox which territorial behaviour is used against the animal, usually in conjunction with non-injurious chemical repellents. In rural areas of Britain, the use of firearms for pest control is quite common. Airguns are particularly popular for control of small pests such as rats, rabbits and grey squirrels, because of their lower power they can be used in more restrictive spaces such as gardens, where using a firearm would be unsafe.

Chemical pesticides date back 4,500 years, when the Sumerians used sulfur compounds as insecticides. The Rig Veda, which is about 4,000 years old, also mentions the use of poisonous plants for pest control. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures are known to have used chemical pest controls. But it was only with the industrialization and mechanization of agriculture in the 18th and 19th century, and the introduction of the insecticides pyrethrum and derris that chemical pest control became widespread. In the 20th century, the discovery of several synthetic insecticides, such as DDT, and herbicides boosted this development. Chemical pest control is still the predominant type of pest control today, although its long-term effects led to a renewed interest in traditional and biological pest control towards the end of the 20th century.

Sign in Ilfracombe, England designed to help control Seagull presence

From Wikipedia under the GNU Free Documentation License
Tue Nov 17 22:31:26 2009

How do I get into the pest control industry?
Q. This seems to be the caveat of many jobs... I am looking to start in pest control, but they all want licensed agents. How can one get licensed unless they get their foot in the door first? Any advice?
Asked by Ben19999 - Mon Oct 5 16:36:38 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. see if you can be hired as an apprentice and from there you can obtain a license. the license in this industry is for the checmical applications and safe applications. also to protect the water source. good luck.
Answered by Michael M - Wed Oct 7 09:33:04 2009

How do I go about getting a Pest Control Licsence for general pest and Termite?
Q. I would like to get a pest control job but I heard you need these licsences to obtain a job in the field. Does anyone know how I could obtain them on my own
Asked by Rocky man - Thu Jun 12 04:27:41 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It depends on what state you live in, but usually it's handled by the Department of Agriculture. Try applying for a job with a pest control company first. Most will train you and help you get certified.
Answered by amkoffee - Fri Jun 13 22:27:08 2008

what is the best way to get rid of raccoons on the roof? pest control or animal control?
Q. do I have to make long term contracts with animal control or pest control.? what do I do? I only want a one time deal and to just get rid of them.
Asked by heather - Fri May 29 19:47:29 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. find out how they are getting up there and remove it
Answered by pickmefirstplz - Fri May 29 20:57:09 2009

From Yahoo Answer Search: "Pest Control"
Wed Nov 4 11:47:52 2009

See also:

  • Scarafaggio.comScarafaggio.com
    scarafaggio.com
    Provides information and advice about pests and pest control.
  • Dr Don's Termite PagesDr Don's Termite Pages
    drdons.net
    Help with termites. Find out what they do, why they do it and how to avoid problems. Hints for choosing a pest controller and some fun and bizarre links.
  • Insect and Rodent Pest Control InformationInsect and Rodent Pest Control Information
    bugspray.com
    Insect and rodent pest control articles covering a broad variety pests and methods of control.
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