Humane and pest control are not two terms that many people would put together in the same sentence.
Responsible pest control companies, however, are incredibly dedicated to the term ensuring that lethal control methods are only used when an alternative is not a suitable option for protecting human health.
And that is a message that is important to understand. No-one likes the idea of killing animals, even pest insects and rodents, but by their very nature, pest pose a significant threat to the health and safety of humans and other species.
What threat do pests pose?
If they were left to run amok, the damage that pests would be to the eco-system would be severe, not the mention the diseases they would spread and the property destruction they would cause.
Many pests have already done a huge amount of harm. Grey squirrels for example, have devastated populations of the native Red in the UK and there is a reason it is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild.
So then, what exactly does the term ‘humane pest control’ mean, and is it really possible?
Absolutely it is! We provide affordable pest control in Bradford and care deeply about our responsibilities to the environment. We do use pesticides, trapping, and other lethal control methods, but only when absolutely necessary and only those that meet the highest standards of testing and regulation.
We would NEVER recommend that a customer uses pesticides or pest traps themselves, as it is all too easy for untrained individuals to accidentally harm a non-target species.
Another thing that we are passionate about are non-lethal control methods, where steps are taken once control has been achieved to protect the property from future attacks and prevent the need for further treatments from a professional pest controller.
Humane pest control options
Habitat Modification
If pests are on your property, something has attracted them there. Some of these things, warmth and shelter, for example, are unavoidable but others, such as uncovered food and a cluttered garden are not.
Removing debris from your outside space, especially piles of dead leaves and other mulch, will reduce the number of potential hiding spots and food sources for nearby pests and reduce the risk that you will be their next victim.
Pest Proofing
Pest proofing, or exclusion, involves physically building barriers between your property and any pests trying to get in.
Filling gaps in walls with steel wool, installing fly screens over your windows, and installing draft excluders under your exterior doors are all examples of effective pest proofing measures you should be aware of and actively doing on your own property.
Pest Repellents
Not something that will get rid of an active infestation, but there are certain natural scents that certain pests detest but are quite pleasant for humans.
Herbs such as peppermint and thyme, for example, will keep many pest insect species at bay, whilst ultrasonic devices may help ward off smaller mammals and rodents from your garden space.