The best farmers have very many techniques of ensuring that pests do not destroy all of their crops before harvesting. Pest management by professional team like Pest Exterminators is considered more comfortable than getting rid of pests completely. However, experienced farmers use the following methods to remove the parasites from their agricultural fields:
Crop Rotation
When a farmer changes the crops grown every year, the pests that target a particular crop will no longer thrive. That forces them to leave the field, and the yield will increase when the cultivator plants the same crop next time because this farming method also improves soil fertility.
One can do crop rotation by dividing their plants into legumes, root crops, and leaf crops. They are also supposed to separate the garden into several areas. The farmer will then plant a different crop in each field every year. Incorporating livestock in this practice is also possible when a piece of land is not cultivated for a season of grazing.
Intercropping
This involves planting two or more crops in the same field at the same time. It is an effective farming method because the distance between the same species’ plants will be at definite intervals from one another. The other crops planted divert or attract the pests away from their target host plants since their location is between the plants of the same species. Consequently, there will be a reduction in the possibility of losing every crop to pests.
Biological Methods
This is where farmers use other animals or insects to fight their battles. They introduce predatory living organisms like mites that kill additional pests. Implementing this pest control method requires keenness because it is possible to add the pests that will consume your plants instead of the ones that will feed on the other insects or animals.
Using Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals that kill the insects, animals, and weeds that hinder the proper growth of plants and animals or human beings’ well-being. When you classify them according to their methods of production, we have natural and synthetic pesticides.
Natural or organic pesticides date back to centuries ago. They are known for their health benefits and productivity. Most pests have never developed resistance to them, so they always do a good job. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly because you can obtain them from the ground, plants, or animals. They are also known for their ability to improve soil fertility since they contain useful nutrients.
Synthetic pesticides are manufactured in laboratories by mixing different types of chemicals. Such chemicals can be harmful to human beings or pets. Therefore, it is necessary to use them with caution; for instance, one must wear personal protective equipment. They are very useful when you want to eliminate the pests at a speedy rate.
Planting Cover Crops
Cover crops reduce infestation by insects, diseases, and weeds. These pest-fighting cover crops hinder the growth of weeds that can play host to the pests that can consume plants. Therefore, the farmer will stop overreliance on pesticides, reduce their chemical exposure, and protect the surroundings.
