Pests are organisms that can damage crops by decreasing plant density and reducing production capacity. Nowadays, new techniques are applied by farmers to protect crops against pests. In this article, we are about to provide you with practical details regarding new technologies applied by pest control industries.
New methods of pest control
Nowadays, pest control industries apply new products and technologies to prevent and manage pests. They utilize new technologies to decrease or eliminate the negative impacts of pesticides on the natural environment. Here are some of these methods:
The main factor is using the least-impact materials to have little or no negative impact on the natural environment. One type of these materials is pheromones. Insects or mammals release this chemical substance to affect the other species behaviorally or physiologically. This chemical substance is used by some different ant species such as Indian Mealmoths. This is a kind of mating technique. It keeps the male moths from finding females. “pheromone-assisted technique” heightens the efficiency of insecticides against ants. It works by keeping away ants from their usual trails and sending them to the location of the insecticide. Obviously, this method reduces the contact of insecticide with the environment.
IGRs (Insect Growth Regulators)
This technique is similar to pheromone traps. IGRs utilize different synthetic hormones released by insects. This method disrupts the life cycle of the pests and prevents them from reaching maturity by interfering with the molting process. It affects the pests by inhibiting the process of developing exoskeletons, or cuticles making them completely vulnerable and defenseless. It is also less toxic to humans.
Nontoxic Heat Treatments
This method is one of a wide variety of low-toxic solutions that can be more sustainable and effective than harsh chemicals. It is a new solution for eradicating bedbugs and cockroaches. Insects are killed by internal damage caused by dehydration and damage to essential physiological processes. Whereas, using sprays often does not penetrate the hard outer shell. The temperature of 56-60C is high enough to kill pests at all stages of life i.e. egg, larva, pupa, and mature insects.
CRISPR Technology to Control Pests
In this method, key genes are altered to regulate the fertility and sex determination of insects. It is a safe, self-limiting, and manageable technique. It can be utilized to confront a plethora of insect pests and disease vectors in the field to suppress and destroy target species.
AI-Driven Sensing Technology
This is one of the newest technologies which is attached directly to the trees to detect and eliminate pests that remain concealed inside them before any significant damage can occur. This technology works with active cooperation between artificial intelligence, vibroacoustic insect libraries, and severely sensitive vibration sensors.
Thermal Imaging Technology
This technique is an extremely beneficial way to detect the source of pests hidden behind a wall or other surfaces. It is capable of recognizing the source of heat by utilizing thermal detection instruments.
Drone Pest Control
It is one of the best methods for areas that aren’t easy to reach. It is particularly used to check for pest infestation, helps reduce the risk factor, and saves time.
This is actually the mobile data-capture device helping capture real-time data of the location and pest existence problems. Facility managers and pest control professionals have access to an online database to track multiple facilities, take timely corrective actions, and provide effective pest control treatments.
Second-Generation Green Products
As we know, first-generation insecticides may have an unpleasant smell because of containing plant essential oils and can have negative impacts. Nowadays, the demand for green products is increasing due to having better original ingredients, greater efficiency, and fewer disadvantages. Second-generation green products are absolutely eco-friendly and have no unpleasant smell while they are still being administered.
Fly baits are sticker panels coated with food particles and insecticides. It is one of the latest innovations in order to control the fly species population. It is particularly beneficial for areas where flies congregate like windows, under counters, trash cans, food storage areas, behind equipment, and near floor drains. It can knock down the flies within a minute. These panels can remain effective for up to seven months.
Rodent Birth Control
Pest control industries have managed the population of pest birds by using birth control techniques. They use similar techniques to control the rodent population as prolific breeders like mice and rats. This method doesn’t cause any harm to other creatures.
- Third-Generation SDHI Fungicide
It is effective against all of the main foliar pathogens of wheat and barley.
- Growth Promoters
It is a three-in-one product including a fungicide, a biocide, and a plant activator simultaneously. It’s a water-soluble powder containing zinc ions and has low toxicity.
- Dual-action as a plant activator and a fungicide
Some products that improve germination, emergence, plant survival, and growth. Besides, they have a marked effect on bacteria like salmonella, cholera, and E.coli. so, it has the potential to be used in disinfectant-type products, seed treatments, and foliar sprays. It has been tested on onions, wheat, barley, and maize and has lived up to expectations.
- Gel Applications
It is a lure-and-kill technique. In which to get a better kill, UV-stable gel that is coating the device attracts and traps the insects.
In essence, as applying new technologies to fight pests comes with many advantages, farmers are becoming increasingly interested in using them. In this article, we have tried to provide you with comprehensive information regarding new methods of pest control and answer all your questions.