Editing Pest control (section)

{{short description|Control of harmful species}}
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[[File:Crop Duster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|An [[agricultural aircraft]] applies low-insecticide bait against [[western corn rootworm]].]]
'''Pest control''' is the regulation or management of a [[species]] defined as a [[pest (organism)|pest]]; such as any animal, plant or fungus that impacts adversely on human activities or environment.<ref>Elliott, N. C., Farrell, J. A., Gutierrez, A. P., van Lenteren, J. C., Walton, M. P., & Wratten, S. (1995). ''Integrated pest management''. Springer Science & Business Media.</ref> The human response depends on the importance of the damage done and will range from tolerance, through deterrence and management, to attempts to completely eradicate the pest. Pest control measures may be performed as part of an [[integrated pest management]] strategy.

In agriculture, pests are kept at bay by [[Mechanical pest control|mechanical]], [[tillage|cultural]], [[pesticide|chemical]] and [[biological pest control |biological]] means.<ref>Dent, D., & Binks, R. H. (2020). ''Insect pest management''. Cabi.</ref> Ploughing and cultivation of the soil before sowing mitigate the pest burden, and crop rotation helps to reduce the build-up of a certain pest species. Concern about environment means limiting the use of pesticides in favour of other methods. This can be achieved by monitoring the crop, only applying [[Pesticide|pesticides]] when necessary, and by growing [[Variety (botany)|varieties]] and [[Crop|crops]] which are resistant to pests. Where possible, biological means are used, encouraging the natural enemies of the pests and introducing suitable [[Predation|predators]] or [[Parasitism|parasites]].<ref>Flint, M. L., & Van den Bosch, R. (2012). ''Introduction to integrated pest management''. Springer Science & Business Media.</ref>

In homes and urban environments, the pests are the [[Rodent|rodents]], [[Bird|birds]], [[Insect|insects]] and other organisms that share the habitat with humans, and that feed on or spoil possessions. Control of these pests is attempted through exclusion or [[quarantine]], repulsion, physical removal or chemical means.<ref>Gerozisis, J., Hadlington, P. W., & Staunton, I. (2008). ''Urban pest management in Australia''. UNSW Press.</ref> Alternatively, various methods of biological control can be used including sterilisation programmes.