Do you have a pest infestation problem? Or do you have beneficial insects around your home? And more importantly, how can you tell the difference?

While there is some relationship between pests and insects, not all insects are pests. Some insects are beneficial to our ecosystem and to humans whereas pests are not.

What Are Pests?

In the dictionary, a pest is defined as a destructive insect or animal that attacks crops, food, livestock, etc. Pests are direct competitors with humans and are considered pests when they cause harm to humans beyond the economic threshold level (i.e. the level to which a pest population can be tolerated without economic loss).

Pests can include ticks, mites, insects, birds, mammals, and even plants. Invertebrate pests include transmitters of disease (flies, mosquitoes, and thrips), parasites (bed bugs and lice), and damage-causing pests (termites).

Agents used to kill pests are referred to as pesticides. Other alternative methods such as cultural practices, biological pest control, traps, repellent, and others can also help correct a pest problem.

What Are Insects?

Did you know insects have been around longer than humans? Insects constantly interact with humans either as a pest or as beneficial organisms. Our ecosystem wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for certain insects and the role they play in our world. Insects are crucial for pollination and environmental sustainability.

So, how can you tell if what you see is an insect? The insect body can be divided into three parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They typically have a pair of antennae, two pairs of wings (except for ants or flies which have one pair of wings), and three pairs of segmented legs.

Living in a World with Pests and Insects

When you see certain insects in your garden, this is a good thing! Or if you catch an occasional insect in your home, rather than squishing them or flushing them down the toilet, let them go free outside. They add value to the ecosystem and your yard or garden.

While an occasional insect may not be a problem in the home, an infestation of a pest or insect is not something anyone wants to live with. Safe and effective pest control methods by professionals can be used in the home to eliminate infestations. Traditional pesticides can be unsafe for use around children or pets. Eco-friendly pest control solutions that are safe for the whole family should be used by experienced pest control professionals. These professionals are knowledgeable about pests and can eliminate them safely and efficiently from the home.

Are you experiencing a pest infestation in your home or on your property? Call the professionals at Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control for help. We’ll send a trained technician to your home to assess the problem and offer recommendations for treatment. Our eco-friendly solutions offer the results you want while keeping you and your family safe. Request a free estimate today! 

 

Understanding the Difference Between Insects and a Pests Serving Mid-South | Millington TN | Memphis Metro Area

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