Is Technology The Future Of Pest Control?

Pest control is deeply intertwined with technology. In fact, this industry was basically created when scientists came up with chemical solutions for destroying pests. In the time since then, these scientists have continued to create new methods for extermination. But where does the future of pest control lie, and what part does technology play in this?

How is technology used in pest control?

Early pest control methods were crude. These methods mostly involved basic chemicals that were used to kill pests like cockroaches and bed bugs. Along with this, you had basic traps such as the traditional spring-operated mouse trap which isn’t the most effective rodent control.

While these methods did work, they were not nearly as effective as today’s techniques. This is why scientists continued refining their methods and inventing new methods. Another was the money involved. Pest control is a billion pound industry. Whoever can come up with the most effective methods stands to make a lot of money. This is why the future of pest control has always involved technology. Yet another reason is because pests are continually adapting. A good example of this are pests who have built up an immunity to pesticides.

What does the future of pest control hold?

This is why scientists have now invented advanced technology like heat treatments and enclosed traps. It’s also why we are seeing more and more powerful pesticides and rodenticides, and also the use of drones. But believe it or not, the biggest shift in pest control has happened because of the internet and smart devices allowing 24 hour access.

With these devices, pest infestations can be monitored remotely without needing pest inspections. Pest controllers can determine the extent of the outbreak, and even predict infestations. A lot of this technology depends on algorithms, and this really seems to be where the future of pest control lies. In fact, it’s more than possible that we may be using A.I. to control pests in the future.

Along with this these are other exotic solutions. It’s not impossible to imagine a future where Nano-bots, or bio-engineered organisms are used in pest control. Maybe it’s possible to create a virus that only targets certain pests? While this might sound like science fiction, it could become a reality.

That being said, technology shouldn’t be seen as the answer to everything. While the future of pest control may lie in technology, you do not want to become over reliant on this. People want a technological solution to everything, but this often does more harm than good.

This is why old-school pest prevention strategies are still the best. Basically, keep your home clean and your property in good repair. This should help to keep most pests away and means you will not have to pray that technology saves you.