Pests

Pests are organisms that cause harm or discomfort to humans, crops, or livestock. They are often associated with damage to property, agriculture, and human health. Pests can be insects, plants, birds, mammals, or microorganisms.

Types of Pests

There are several types of pests, including:

• Insects: These are the most common type of pests. They include mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, bedbugs, and termites. Insects can cause damage to crops, property, and human health.

• Plants: Some plants are considered pests because they invade crops, gardens, or landscapes. These include weeds, moss, and certain types of fungi.

• Birds: Some bird species can become pests when they cause damage to crops or property. Examples include pigeons, sparrows, and starlings.

• Mammals: Some mammals can also be pests. These include rats, mice, rabbits, and deer. They can cause damage to crops, property, and human health.

• Microorganisms: These include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

Control of Pests

Pest control involves the management or regulation of pests. Methods used for pest control include:

• Biological pest control: This involves using the pests' natural enemies to control them. This can include predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors.

• Chemical pest control: This involves using pesticides to kill pests. However, this method can also harm non-target organisms and the environment.

• Physical pest control: This involves using mechanical methods to control pests. This can include traps, barriers, or manual removal.

• Cultural pest control: This involves modifying the environment to make it less suitable for pests. This can include crop rotation, sanitation, or habitat manipulation.

See Also

• Integrated pest management
• Pesticide
• Invasive species