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. 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.
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. Judicious use of pesticides will not only help protect consumers from disease-carrying insects and rodents, it will help preserve the effectiveness of the products in use. Consumers do not need to fear being around pesticides when products are being used according to the label. Since they have not been exposed to much, reactions can be more severe than with adults.