Pest control is the act of using various methods to deter or remove pests from your home or business. Pests can include insects, rodents, and other animals that can cause damage to your property or pose a health hazard to you and your family. There are two main types of pest control: lethal and non-lethal. Lethal pest control involves using methods that will kill the pests, while non-lethal pest control uses methods that will deter the pests without killing them.
Many pest control experts, similar to JB’s Pest Control, should offer both options, allowing you to choose between the two. So, which type of pest control is better?
Lethal Methods
Lethal methods, such as using pesticides or deadly traps, are often the most effective way to get rid of pests. They are also usually the quickest and most economical option, but there are serious consequences to their misuse…
- Pros
Lethal pest control has a number of benefits. Firstly, it is often very effective. If you have a serious infestation of pests, then lethal pest control can help to get rid of them quickly. Secondly, lethal pest control is often more permanent than non-lethal pest control. Once the pests are killed, they will not be able to come back. Finally, lethal pest control is usually less expensive than non-lethal pest control as it does not require repeat treatments.
- Cons
Lethal pest control also has some negatives. Obviously, it can be very harmful to the environment. If the pest control methods are not used properly, they can contaminate the soil and water and kill other animals, including humans. Chemical methods can also cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, blindness, and cancer. It’s also important to note that lethal methods can be incredibly cruel, with pests often suffering in extreme pain before finally succumbing to death.
Non-Lethal Methods
Non-lethal methods, such as exclusion methods or catch-and-release traps, provide an alternative for those who do not wish to use lethal methods. However, it also has both pros and cons.
- Pros
Non-lethal pest control has a number of benefits. It is much safer for the environment and wildlife, whilst it’s also safer for humans and pets. Many catch-and-release trap are re-usable too, which can save money. Non-lethal pest control is often seen as a more humane option, making it suitable for those who are ethically conscious. Endangered animals are also less likely to be killed accidentally, meaning animals such as foxes and moles, which can cause a nuisance, are still protected.
- Cons
Non-lethal pest control also has some drawbacks, however. Firstly, it can be less effective than lethal pest control. If you have a serious infestation of pests, then you may need to call in a professional to help you with your problem. Secondly, non-lethal pest control can be more expensive than lethal pest control as you may need to keep repeating the method time and time again, which may require more equipment. Thirdly, non-lethal methods can require the handling of live animals, which can be dangerous if you’re untrained.
Bonus – Natural Methods
It’s worth noting that natural methods of pest control may provide you with a good in-between solution. Whilst natural methods can still be lethal, they could occur in nature anyway, so they may be considered less cruel. For example, one natural method includes using a working cat for controlling rodents. The rodent would still be killed, but the cat would be able to eat it, meaning it didn’t die for no reason. Similarly, smoking out a house replicates a forest fire in which many pests would die naturally, making it suitable for insect infestations that are too big for non-lethal methods.
Overall
If you have a serious infestation of pests, then lethal pest control maybe your best option. However, if you only have a small number of pests or if you prefer not to kill them, then non-lethal pest control may be a better option for you. It’s important to consider which suits your situation best and whether lethal natural methods could be used instead of lethal chemical methods. With the tips above, you should be able to make a decision that works for you.
