Pests are any organisms, including animals, weeds and diseases, capable of causing unwanted harm to people, the environment or the economy. Pest management covers actions aimed at avoiding or limiting unwanted harm from pests.
While pests can present hazards to our health and well being, so too can the toxic practices used to prevent them. If pests are a problem in or around the workplace, it may be possible to manage them without introducing toxic pesticides. Some ideas for reducing insect or animal pests inside include:
- removing any food or water sources pests are seeking
- checking seals on windows, doors and floors to minimise entry points
- removing or altering a particular habitat for the pest
- physical removal of the pest such as using a cobweb broom to remove spiders rather than spraying
- use of organic or botanical pesticides which involve the use of a combination of plant oils which target insects but not mammals
- use of low pesticide and low odour chemical sprays.
Ways to consider pest control in outdoor spaces and workplace gardens without chemicals include:
- removing any food scraps or items attracting pests
- use of planting to attract ‘good pests’ which naturally eliminate ‘bad pests’ and reduce the need for chemical sprays
- practice companion planting to naturally deter garden pests
- use natural barriers to pests such as lime or powder
- physically remove garden pests such as caterpillars or snails
- use of natural sprays or natural pyrethrum sprays
- if having to resort to chemical sprays – use targeted sprays for particular pests only.
Termite control around buildings has been traditionally undertaken through the application of chemicals on a regular basis. Alternative physical barriers made out of stainless steel mesh, plastic impregnated with termiticide and aggregate unable to be moved by termites are now available that can be installed during building to reduce the ongoing need for chemical treatments.
New types of insecticides are also being developed that specifically target crop insect pests by altering the chemistry of the particular insect’s hormones. This is considered to be more target specific, rather than having to spray entire crops and is therefore more environmentally friendly. Biological controls are also being developed to assist with weed management practices.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals with a sensitivity to chemicals or for those wanting to reduce their exposure to chemicals or decrease air pollution, environmentally friendly pest management strategies are now being developed and used. Investigations into appropriate preventative and treatment methods for various pests can be investigated as required. If it is not possible to use alternative pest management practices within the workplace it is recommended to:
- provide staff with pre-notification of pesticide applications
- make alternative work arrangements so employees can avoid the workplace when pesticides are being used such as working from home or an alternative office
- use low odour or low allergenic insect sprays and allow employees to leave the room when sprayed.
Information that you might like to consider when trying to minimise exposure to chemicals can be found at the link below:
References
CSIRO 2006, Environmentally friendly insecticides, CSIRO, Melbourne, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.csiro.au/science/ps213.html.
CSIRO 2008, Fact Sheet: Biological control of weeds (Overview), CSIRO, Melbourne, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.csiro.au/org/WeedBiocontrol.html.
EcoWise (no date specified), Services Performed by Eco-Wise Green Pest Management, Critter Control, Inc., Australia, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.ecowisepestcontrol.com/services.html.
Penrith City Council (no date specified), Green Cleaning and Less Toxic Pest Control, Penrith City Council, Penrith, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.asp?id=2867.
ToolBase Services 2001-2008, Termite Control-Alternative Measures, NAHB Research Centre, Maryland, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Sitework/termite-control.