Integrated pest management on a dairy farm has two main focuses: the first is keeping the pest out of the food product and the second is keeping the insects away from the cows. You've probably notice your cattle swatting at the flies with their tails on a hot summer day, but they can only reach so far. Remember, happy cows make tasty milk, so it's important make sure the animals aren't stressed out by biting insects.
Typically, it isn't much trouble to keep the pests out of the dairy product. As long as you're following proper milking procedures and keeping the milk sealed properly, you won't have much to worry about. Then, of course, the pasteurization process will remove anything you can't see with the naked eye.
According to Cornell University, using only insecticides to remove flies could prove to be wrong move in the long run. For instance, long-term use of chemical repellents might lead to increased resistance. It could also kill off the natural predators of the fly, effectively destroying a secondary means of control. These concerns are, of course, in addition to the safety concerns of the animals and farm workers. Excessive insecticide use could affect mammals as well - and that includes humans.
The first thing to consider should be sanitation. Simply put, if the confined areas are cleaned regularly, there's less of a chance of flies hatching. The insects like to lay their eggs in rotting materials or feces, so cleaning out these messes could mean less flies in the future. With that said, a barn is never going to be as clean as a kitchen. That's why other forms of pest control are necessary.
Michigan State University reported on a number of approved oils and tags that can be applied directly to the cattle to prevent fly bits and lice infections. Some oils need to be rubbed onto the backs of the animals periodically. There are also tags that can be clipped the animal's ear which release pest repellents that do not affect their ability to produce milk.
The pest management solution that's right for you will depend on the size of your operation and geographic location. But the main point to take away is that it is not enough to have only one control method. Multiple strategies will ensure the health and safety of the animals and the dairy product.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
