Posted on June 8th, 2022

What are the latest innovations in pest control technology?

• The Internet of Things
• Non-toxic heat treatments
• Canine detection
• Decorative fly lights
• Birth control

Innovation is a crucial part of a thriving industry or business and pest control is no exception. New ways of getting rid of these pesky creatures are coming in thick and fast thanks to the development of new technology and best practices. While there is nothing wrong with the existing methods in the world of pest control, developing new and better ways of doing the task is beneficial for everyone.

That being said, you may not be updated with the latest innovations regarding pest control technology. To help you out, here is a list that should get you up to speed, and hopefully give you ideas on how to have better pest control.

The Internet of Things

One of the concepts that continue to remain on the cutting edge of innovation is the ‘internet of things’ or ‘IoT’. If you are not too familiar with the IoT, it is the interconnection of computing devices and machines with one another and with people through the internet.

Many day-to-day devices are starting to have the capability of sending and receiving data thanks to ‘smart’ technology and the advent of integrated computing. Pest control is now also benefitting from IoT, specifically in the automation of pest observation.

Specifically, traps and devices that have monitoring capabilities such as automated insect monitoring devices (AIM), pheromone dispensers with sensors, and camera-enabled pest traps are becoming more and more available to the market.

Aside from their stand-alone usefulness, they work best when connected to each other and to you through the internet because they send important data to you or your pest control expert. Data can be an essential factor in determining the level of infestation you are dealing with and the effectiveness of the treatment you are applying to combat the said infestation.

Aside from that, it eliminates the excess time that experts and technicians use to inspect traps and devices which leads to a more efficient pest control process as a whole.

Most state-of-the-art monitoring systems can even use small drones with thermal imaging technology, which can survey large areas for an even more detailed and localized detection of infestations.

Non-toxic heat treatments

While the usage of heat in pest control is not necessarily a new concept, thanks to technology and innovative thinking, it can now be applied in new ways that are beneficial for you.

Despite the knowledge that insects thrive in heat, new research shows that it also has negative effects. Modern heat treatments that are scaled up for commercial use include the use of infrared rays that penetrate surfaces where pests could be lurking without destroying the physical structure of the surface it is used on. The heat kills insects through dehydration and the disruption of their natural physiological processes.

Rather than using toxic sprays that only cover the surface on which it is sprayed, the heat delivered by infrared rays kills insects from the inside. The big advantage of non-toxic heat treatment includes the avoidance of the development of insects’ resilience to spray chemicals that can be passed on to future offspring through their genes.

Aside from that, it also does not expose the user to chemical irritants that could be harmful to people. Lastly, it also kills insects at any point in their life stage whether it’s in the larval stage or a fully grown adult.

Canine detection

The use of trained canines is a rather recent innovation in pest detection and control. That is to say, dogs can be trained to detect infestations in your homes such as bed bugs and termites.

Using canines for this purpose involves a dog and a handler or trainer. Apparently, canines are supremely effective in detecting pests because they can smell live bugs and eggs with a high degree of accuracy. The best part about it is that it is environment-friendly and is another way for you to bond with your canine best friend, assuming you train your own.

Decorative fly lights

While the fly lights themselves are nothing new to the world of pest management, innovation has made a way for it to be implemented in a new way. With design and style in mind, fly lights can now be elegantly implemented in your home without compromising your interior aesthetic value and decor.

Fly lights are also continually being improved and as more people use them for pest control, the specifications and efficacy of specific lights are being determined. Moving forward, the most effective bulbs are going to replace substandard ones in fly lights.

Birth control

The common theme of innovative pest control technology is the avoidance of using pesticides and other harmful chemicals. That being said, birth control is not only applicable to humans but to pests as well.

Sterilizing insects usually involve the use of radiation. When applied, scientists sterilize insects in their larval stage by irradiating them and then are released shortly after. Once they turn into flies and mosquitoes, they are unable to reproduce, ultimately reducing their numbers.

For rats and other rodents, instead of using radiation — oral birth control is administered through baits in areas with high rodent activity. This method hinders the production of egg cells in rats, effectively sterilizing them.

Key Takeaway

Pests continually adapt to the methods humans use to get rid of them. This is why innovation is important along with the proper implementation of already existing methods in order to keep them in check.

No specific method of pest control is perfect which is why you should always coordinate with your pest control service provider to find the best solution for you.

Original Article: 5 Latest Innovations in Pest Control Technology