Pest control: comparison between insecticide-dependent methods and approaches based on entomology, ethology and risk management
Comparison between controls based on insecticides and strategies based on entomology, ethology and risk management to decide on more precise interventions.
Introduction: the importance of pest control and the current context
Pest control represents one of the most significant challenges in the urban pest control industry. In Mexico and the world, pest pressure on productive plants and other related plants in this great ecosystem called a city affects the productivity, quality, reputation and profitability of businesses that depend on efficient and effective control. Against this backdrop, control methods have evolved, but a marked dependence on chemical insecticides persists, particularly in contexts where the urgency of immediate demolition exceeds reflection on the long-term consequences. However, the advancement of scientific knowledge in entomology, ethology and risk management has opened new possibilities to address the problem in a more comprehensive and sustainable way.
Methods based only on insecticides: advantages, disadvantages and risks
The use of insecticides has been the main strategy to combat urban and agricultural pests for decades. Its advantages include the speed of action, the effective control of acute infestations and the availability of commercial products adaptable to different pests. For the end customer, these methods offer an immediate solution, allowing the reputational “integrity” and hygiene of the premises to be safeguarded against imminent threats. However, exclusive dependence on insecticides has important disadvantages. The development of resistance in pest populations is one of the most notable problems; Over time, insects survive doses that were previously lethal, forcing the amount of product to be increased or more toxic alternatives sought. Furthermore, indiscriminate use can affect non-target organisms, such as pollinators and natural enemies, altering the ecological balance and causing collateral damage to the environment and human health. Associated risks include contamination of soil and water, toxic residues on work surfaces, and exposure of workers to hazardous substances. In the Peruvian context, I would like to cite the third citizen monitoring of pesticides in Peru, carried out around October 2024, which revealed that 43.3% of food samples (especially celery and Chinese onion in Lima/Huánuco) contained toxic residues, exceeding maximum limits by more than 10,000% in some cases. Prohibited chemicals were detected, evidencing serious failures in SENASA's control. Key Results of the Third Study: Critical Foods: Celery and chinese onion showed the highest concentrations of pesticides. Extreme Contamination: Up to 9 different substances were found in a single sample of Chinese onion and 6 substances in a sample of celery, with impressive residue levels. Hazardous Chemicals: The residues detected are associated with risks of cancer, liver toxicity and endocrine problems. Failure in Supervision: Investigations show that SENASA does not guarantee safety, leading to the opening of investigations by crime prevention prosecutors. Persistence: Pesticides are not easily removed by washing or cooking foods. This study, focused on the
detection of residues in markets, highlights a chronic public health problem due to the lack of control in the use of agrochemicals in Peru. In the Mexican context, where environmental regulations require strict controls, the use of insecticides can imply sanctions and even the loss of the operating license.
Application of entomological knowledge: identification and understanding of pests
Entomology, a science that studies insects, provides fundamental tools for more precise and effective pest control. The first step is the correct identification of the problematic species, differentiating between primary pests, secondary pests and benign or beneficial species. This knowledge allows management strategies to be adjusted, avoiding the unnecessary application of insecticides and minimizing negative impacts. Entomology also facilitates the understanding of the biological cycles, critical periods and reproduction mechanisms of pests. For example, knowing when oviposition or larval development occurs can guide the application of controls at decisive times, increasing effectiveness and reducing the use of chemicals. This axiom becomes crucial in controlling, for example, dipterans, where larval oviposition sites must be determined. Furthermore, the identification of natural enemies and the recognition of ecological interactions promote the integration of biological methods, such as the release of parasitoids or predators, and the design of favorable environments for their action. In this way, control becomes more specific, less invasive and with lower risk of resistance.
Ethological approach: pest behavior and control strategies
Ethology, a discipline that studies animal behavior, offers relevant points for pest management. Understanding how pests feed, disperse and shelter allows us to design control strategies based on manipulating their habits. For example, the use of pheromone traps takes advantage of the chemical communication of insects, capturing individuals and monitoring populations without resorting to insecticides.
Analysis of movement patterns and habitat preferences helps identify critical intervention points. In tomato crops, for example, the strategic placement of sticky traps can significantly reduce pest pressure. Likewise, modifying the environment through cultural practices, such as crop rotation or waste management, affects behavior and reduces the incidence of attacks. The integration of ethology into control programs makes it possible to anticipate outbreaks, adjust management calendars and optimize resources, favoring sustainability and reducing negative impacts.
Risk management and analysis: prevention and comprehensive management
Risk management is an approach that seeks to prevent and mitigate the adverse consequences of pests through the systematic analysis of threats, vulnerabilities and response capabilities. In the agricultural context, it involves the evaluation of factors such as climate, crop susceptibility, the presence of natural enemies, and infestation history. Risk analysis allows you to prioritize actions, allocate resources efficiently, and establish monitoring and response protocols. For example, the implementation of early warning systems, based on monitoring populations and environmental conditions, reduces the need for chemical interventions and promotes the adoption of preventive measures. Comprehensive management involves the training of producers and technicians, the documentation of cases and the periodic review of results. This process encourages continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges, strengthening the resilience of the agricultural system.
Comparison between both approaches: effectiveness, sustainability and environmental impact
The comparison between methods dependent exclusively on insecticides and those based on entomological, ethological and risk management knowledge reveals substantial differences in effectiveness, sustainability and environmental impact. Although insecticides offer immediate solutions, their effectiveness can be diminished by resistance and side effects. In contrast, scientific approaches allow for more specific, prolonged and adaptive management, reducing the need for chemicals and promoting ecosystem health. In terms of sustainability, integrated methods promote the conservation of resources, the protection of biodiversity and the reduction of toxic waste. The environmental impact is lower and the quality of agricultural products is maintained or improved, facilitating access to demanding markets and allowing the certification of responsible practices. Long-term effectiveness is also benefited, since management based on scientific knowledge prevents the appearance of new
pests and minimizes the risk of severe outbreaks, ensuring the stability of the production system.
Practical cases and examples
In citrus production in Veracruz, the exclusive application of insecticides against aphids has generated resistance and the disappearance of natural enemies, which has resulted in recurrent outbreaks and higher management costs. By integrating entomological and ethological knowledge, pheromone traps and parasitoid release were implemented, achieving a significant reduction in the pest population and restoring ecological balance. Another relevant case is observed in Blattella germanica, which has developed a serious aversion to many gel matrices on the market. The use of cultural practices and waste management reduced the incidence, avoiding the massive application of insecticides and preserving the health of the facility. In restaurants and food processing establishments, the combination of adhesive traps, with expulsion with silicone polymers or even knockdown with soap has been tested and proven to be efficient and effective.
Conclusion: recommendations and future perspectives
Pest management requires a comprehensive vision, where the use of insecticides must be considered as part of a set of tools and not as the only solution. The exclusive dependence on chemicals generates problems of resistance, environmental impact and health risks, while the application of knowledge in entomology, ethology and risk management allows for more effective, sustainable management adapted to local conditions. Regardless of the fact that “throwing” any active ingredient when and where it is not needed is synonymous with contaminating the area. Urban professionals—and I dare extrapolate to mention agricultural and technical professionals—are recommended to strengthen their training in biological sciences, promote the integration of alternative methods, and document experiences to improve decision-making. At this point, for us the use of the Rupipest software has been crucial for the detailed analysis of incidents, projections (trend analysis) and, above all, the efficiency and accuracy of documenting everything in situ and ipso facto, since later the perspective is completely lost because the paper “holds everything”. The future of pest control involves innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and constant adaptation (constant monitoring of incidents, which are clearly the trigger of an action that is not necessarily chemical), guaranteeing more resilient, robust and sustainable systems, which translates into more responsibility with the environment and a true differentiating factor from those that spew “poison”. Since with a better argumentation of the sales process here you differ tremendously vs. the “insecticides” and you efficiently and effectively break with the victimization of “the client doesn't pay for it” or “the competition gives very cheap.” DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF NOW! I conclude by stating that the transition towards approaches based on scientific knowledge represents an opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce costs and protect the health of people and the environment. The challenge is to transform the institutional culture and promote the adoption of practices that benefit all actors in the sector. Because, to be honest... how ridiculous we would look inspecting Blattella germanica at noon, right? Well... something like this happens, happens and happens when we "throw insecticide" just to fulfill a whim.