Pest Control Technicians are all too familiar with the hassle of managing pests. You need an organized and effective arsenal of tools to get the job done quickly and safely. This article provides a comprehensive list of essential pest control tools for technicians. So, learn about the best ways to keep pests at bay without breaking the bank!
Personal Protection Equipment
Personal protection equipment (PPE) is critical for pest control technicians to minimize potential exposure to dangerous chemicals and pests. It is essential that technicians identify all risks before beginning a job and, where necessary, use the appropriate PPE to protect against specific hazards. A basic list of PPE for pest control technicians includes:
- Safety goggles: standard/splash-proof safety goggles will help protect your eyes from dirt, dust, flying debris and other potential contaminants.
- Full-face shield: a full-face shield provides maximum protection from impacts, splashes and facial damage.
- Gloves: use gloves suited to your particular job – rubber or chemical proof gloves are best suited for handling certain chemicals or insecticides.
- Coveralls/protective clothing: depending on the level of contamination, long sleeve shirts, trousers and protective overalls should be worn if there is a risk of pesticide residue.
- Boots/overboots/shoes: choose footwear that is both comfortable and offers good support while also providing protection against slips and falls. Overboots can provide extra protection if needed on contaminated sites or when wading in water.
- Respiratory protective equipment (RPE): may be required in areas with high levels of airborne dust or fumes – basic filter masks would usually suffice but more specialist equipment may be required in hazardous environments.
Chemical Sprayers and Foggers
Chemical sprays and foggers are widely used tools for pest control and can provide an effective solution depending on the type of pests that require management. Chemical sprays come in aerosol, pump, and dusters. Aerosol sprays are ideal for spot applications, with the nozzle able to adjust to focus the chemical spray to reach all parts of a pest hide-away. Pump type sprayers are better suited for larger surface areas while dusters allow technicians to spread dry chemicals, such as pyrethroid dusts, over areas that must remain virtually pest-free.
Foggers are usually used in hard-to-reach places or expansive spaces like attics or basements where pests may be hiding unconventionally. A professional grade fogger will produce microscopic particles of insecticide dispensed in a dense and fast acting aerosol mist. The dense and quick nature of this fog is an effective way to cover all areas of a room and flush out or smother any crawling insects inside the space being treated.
According to the team from Empire Pest Control, a reputable pest control company based in Malaysia, both chemical sprays and foggers can be effective in controlling pests when used correctly. They recommend that chemical sprays are used to treat specific targets such as cracks and crevices, while foggers should be used for larger spaces like attics and basements. In addition, Empire Pest Control stresses that proper safety measures need to be taken before using either method of pest control such as wearing a face mask, goggles or gloves. This is important for the safety of those treating the area and anyone else in the vicinity.
When selecting a chemical sprayer or fogger for pest control jobs, consider the following:
- Tank capacity
- Output rate
- Hose length
- Ease of cleaning
A reliable quality chemical sprayer machine should have quality nozzle options that can handle different substances with ease as well as useful features such as adjustable output rate settings for constant application rate delivery regardless of chemical levels low or high viscosity fluids such as oils etcetera.
Bait Insecticides
Bait insecticides are one of the most valuable tools in the pest control technician’s arsenal. These products work by luring insects away from a specific area and trapping them in an enclosed area where they can be monitored and eliminated.
Bait insecticides come in a variety of formulations, including dusts, granules, sprays, and gels. It is important to choose bait insecticides that are designed to eliminate the particular insect species you are targeting as well as other insects in your area. This will encourage all target pests to feed on the bait without affecting other beneficial insects.
When selecting bait insecticides, it is important to understand which pests can be controlled with this method, as well as any potential risks associated with their use:
- Which pests can be controlled with this method?
- What are the potential risks associated with their use?
Insect Traps
Insect traps are an important tool for effective pest control. These traps can range from glue boards to light-monitoring traps, depending on the pest and the location.
Glue boards are an economical choice for trapping insects that can be monitored with ease, offering a non-toxic approach to pest control. Light-monitoring traps use either a light or a reflective plate to attract nocturnal insects, like moths and aphids, by detecting the ultraviolet rays of the lights themselves. These traps have both sticky surface holders and canopies that house insecticides for long-term exposure or dust which is released only as needed.
Other types of insect traps include:
- Odorous bait systems
- Pheromone baits
- Fly sponges or paper strips to make sticking easier in areas that cannot be reached easily.
Pest control technicians should always choose the right type of trap for each situation to achieve maximum efficiency and safety in controlling insect pests.
Inspection Mirror
Inspection mirrors are an important tool for pest control professionals, allowing them to see inside hard-to-reach spots without having to touch or take apart furniture. These mirrors are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
The most popular shapes for inspection mirrors include round, square, concave and convex options. Depending on the specific need of the technician, some may opt for a larger head and more sharply angled neck design while others may prefer a smaller mirror with adjustable swivel capabilities.
In addition to shapes and sizes, materials used vary greatly as well. Popular types of material used in making inspection mirrors include acrylic plastic, stainless steel, glass-filled polycarbonate and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that can allow in light without distortion or magnification. For an added level of safety when working with electricity or other flammable liquids/gasses inspection mirrors also come fitted with a blowfire resistant mirror film attached to their face.
LED Flashlight
LED flashlights are essential for pest control technicians who need to explore dark, enclosed areas that might be infested with pests. These flashlights have several advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs that make them superior tools for pest control technicians.
- LED bulbs provide better illumination and can last up to ten times longer than normal incandescent bulbs.
- They require fewer battery changes, making them more cost effective.
- An LED flashlight is also much safer to use around combustible materials such as wood chips and other debris since it will not produce a spark like a regular bulb does.
- Lastly, many LED flashlights feature adjustable beam options and strobe settings which are useful for chasing away pests or illuminating hard-to-reach spaces in walls and ceilings.
Ultrasonic Pest Repellents
Ultrasonic pest repellents work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are intended to annoy pests such as rodents or insects, driving them away from the treated area. These devices are designed to be safe for humans, pets, and the environment. They are one option for do-it-yourself pest controllers, as well as a tool that can be used by professional pest control technicians.
Advantages of using ultrasonic pest repellents include their convenience and affordability; they might also act faster than traps or poisons in clearing pests from an area. Disadvantages include the fact that their effectiveness may vary significantly between different types of pests and environments.
For optimal results from ultrasonic pest repellents, professionals often recommend:
- Selecting the correct model for your particular needs.
- Proper placement of the device within a space or structure.
- Regularly monitoring for any additional infestations or emerging problems.
Conclusion
Pest control can be a daunting task, whether you are working on a large-scale project or on a smaller, localized level. With the right knowledge and the right tools, controlling pests can become an easier process for pest control technicians. To keep your work consistent and effective over time, it is vital to have a comprehensive list of necessary pest control supplies and to stay abreast of new developments in the industry.
