To prevent the human disease and discomfort caused by vectors, the unit provides
technical information to local health departments, governments and
the public on methods to monitor and control them. Vectors are insects,
ticks,
rats, mice, birds and other animals that transmit disease-producing
organisms to humans. Here are some common vectors that the public
can be aware of:
House
Mouse
Considered one of the most troublesome and economically important
pests in the United States. House mice live and thrive under a variety
of conditions in and around homes. House mice consume food meant
for humans or pets. They contaminate food-preparation surfaces with
their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning.
Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures
and property. Practicing proper sanitation methods can reduce the
number of mice in and around homes.
Norway
Rat
A destructive pest found in urban and suburban neighborhoods. These
rodents eat and contaminate food, damage buildings and other property
by their gnawing and burrowing, and may spread diseases that affect
people and household pets. Sealing holes and proper sanitation will
effectively reduce the percentage of rats in households and any
other infested areas.
Spiders
Although fear of spiders is common, dangerous types are not likely
to be encountered in many buildings. However, the Brown
Recluse Spider, which can inflict a serious bite, has been found
in buildings, particularly in the southern part of Illinois. Harmless,
crawling spiders are occasionally a nuisance in basements or other
areas. Tighter sealing around windows and utility access holes and
tight weather-stripping on exterior doors will usually reduce their
numbers. Residual insecticide sprayed on surfaces near potential
entry may help somewhat; dust and microencapsulated formulations
may have a greater chance for success. Spiders that build webs in
secluded corners or in outdoor locations, such as caves or lights,
can be most efficiently controlled with a vacuum. The general approach
of sealing up entry points and vacuuming up intruders should be
the first consideration for most types of spiders (and other crawling
pests, such as crickets and millipedes).
A homeowner can often control household
pests through a combination of preventive measures, including
proper sanitation and over-the-counter pesticides. However, some
pest infestations may be extensive, or a particular pest may be
difficult to control, requiring the services of a pest
control operator (PCO). A PCO should be a homeowner's last resort
to pest control, because both health and property can be damaged
through the misuse of pesticides. Therefore, it is important to
ensure that the PCO chosen is competent. Selecting a PCO should
be like choosing any other service. When you are using pesticides,
cost should not be the only factor that determines which PCO you
use. Make sure that the PCO is licensed and insured by the State
of Illinois. A good idea for choosing a PCO is to contact more than
one PCO to be aware of the proper procedures and service you are
getting as a homeowner.
Remember, innovative pest management solutions are recommended first,
to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides. Children
should not be involved with any preventive measures, but educated
of the dangers that are involved with pest control.
