Where to spray pest control — Nathan’s student essay
Lawn maintenance is an art in and of itself. Someone may spend countless hours in an effort just to keep their outdoor grass as healthy and luscious as humanly possible. But despite their effort to maintain their lawn’s appearance, the bane of these lawn aficionados can wreak havoc on even the most beautiful and well-maintained lawns if left unmanaged.
Ants not only can ruin the day of a small child who gets their hands on some sweet candy, but they can also lead to the destruction of an otherwise perfectly healthy lawn. All it can take is one seriously determined ant, and anyone’s yard can look like a warzone with numerous ant mounds littering the surface while a vast web of inter-connected tunnels lies underneath.
The applications for ant pest control need to be versatile, as ants can affect multiple locations of a building or yard. Ideally, any spot treatments need to be applied as close to the nest as possible.
By keeping the product close to the nest, any excessive damage to surrounding grass and neighboring beneficial insects can be avoided(GardeningKnowHow).
Additionally, the best method and location of applying pesticide is subject to change based on the species of ant at play, as one solution might not be as effective for one species as it is for another.
According to a survey performed by the National Pest Management Association, an average of 5 out of 10 pest professionals claim that ant infestations across the board are on the rise, as well as 6 out of 10 reporting an uptick in indoor odorous house ants(PestWorld.org). It is important that any pest control professional is aware of which species of ant is causing the issue, the nature of their lifecycle, and which method and location are best suited in order to swiftly and effectively solve the problem.
When a pest control professional applies a product, it is vital that he makes the building/ home-owner aware of the chemicals being used as a pesticide. One of the most common ways of effectively communicating the hazards and proper operating procedures for various chemicals is by providing the owner with the given chemical’s Safety Data Sheet(SDS). SDS’s can provide data on a chemical’s composition, handling and storage procedures, toxicological interactions, and even the flammability of the compound to ensure that the product is being used in the safest, most professional way possible to limit any adverse outcomes.
Additionally, when a sufficient amount of pesticide has been sprayed on a lawn, it is necessary to ensure that any dogs and/or children are not allowed near the applied product until it has dried or been absorbed into the soil. Pesticides are known to be very irritating, especially when it enters the eyes of an unexpecting dog or small child.
Ants have been a nuisance that has plagued mankind for countless generations. While they might seem overwhelming with their vast numbers and fast reproduction cycles, with the right pest control solution, ant infestations can be properly mitigated while any damage to property can be eliminated before more substantial solutions are required.
Author: Nathan Fahner
Arizona State University
References
- https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/ant-survey-executive-summary/
- https://www.turnerpest.com/lawn-outdoor/americas-1-nuisance-pest-ants/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/how-to-control-ants-in-lawns.htm