Parks are a source of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme and others. Pest problems are not limited to diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Consumers must also contend with insects that bite or sting, including ants, bees, poisonous spiders, flies, hornets and wasps. Other insects, such as fleas, lice, mites, cockroaches and beetles, can aggravate skin disorders or allergies and infest food supplies. Dr. Bobby Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting, Richmond, Ind., says rodents not only are linked to disease transmission, food contamination but also to electrical problems in city buildings, where they can gnaw through insulation for electrical wires, affecting critical computers and other equipment.
Pest control is a matter of education, personal protection, sanitation and elimination.
While a fly swatter may offer short-term solutions for insect control, many entomologists encourage consumers to focus on broader, more effective answers. Goddard recommends consumers first avoid exposure when possible and use insect repellents and an appropriate pest management program that includes pesticides. Pesticides are important public health tools in destroying health threats. When pesticides are used judiciously and according to their label, they are extremely safe tools for pest control. Koehler suggests consumers first learn what they can about the pests they are trying to control by searching the Internet, contacting Extension specialists or pest control professionals.