Pest Control Glossary
Understanding pest control terminology helps you make informed decisions about protecting your property
Biology
Frass
Insect excrement or debris produced by boring insects. Frass appearance helps identify pest species - termite frass resembles sawdust while cockroach frass looks like pepper.
Harborage
Areas where pests hide, nest, or breed. Identifying and eliminating harborage sites is crucial for effective pest management. Examples include wall voids, cluttered storage areas, and dense vegetation.
Resistance
The ability of pest populations to survive pesticide treatments due to genetic changes over generations. Rotating active ingredients and using IPM helps prevent resistance development.
Vector
An organism that transmits disease-causing pathogens from one host to another. Common pest vectors include mosquitoes (malaria, dengue), rodents (leptospirosis), and cockroaches (bacteria).
Equipment
Bait Station
A tamper-resistant container holding pesticide bait that allows pests to enter and consume the bait while protecting children, pets, and non-target animals from exposure. Commonly used for rodent and ant control.
Pheromone Trap
A monitoring device using synthetic insect hormones to attract specific pest species. Used to detect pest presence, monitor population levels, and time treatments effectively.
General
Infestation
The presence of pests in numbers or under conditions that pose health risks, cause damage, or are otherwise unacceptable. Severity ranges from light to heavy based on pest density.
Non-Target Species
Organisms unintentionally affected by pest control measures, including beneficial insects, pets, and wildlife. Proper application techniques minimize non-target impacts.
Re-infestation
Return of pests after treatment, either from surviving individuals, eggs that weren't eliminated, or new pests entering from outside. Follow-up treatments prevent re-infestation.
Industry
PMANZ
Pest Management Association of New Zealand - the professional body representing pest management companies in NZ. Members adhere to industry standards and continuing education requirements.
Methods
Colony Elimination
The complete destruction of a pest colony, including the queen and reproductive members. Essential for long-term control of social insects like ants, termites, and wasps.
Fumigation
A pest control method where gaseous pesticides (fumigants) fill an enclosed space to eliminate pests. Often used for severe infestations of termites, bed bugs, or stored product pests.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A comprehensive approach combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize pest damage while reducing risks to people and the environment. IPM focuses on long-term prevention through habitat modification and monitoring.
Knockdown
The rapid immobilization or killing of pests immediately after pesticide contact. Products with good knockdown action provide quick visible results but may not offer long-term control.
Monitoring
Regular inspection and tracking of pest activity using traps, visual surveys, or other methods. Monitoring data guides treatment decisions and evaluates control effectiveness.
Perimeter Treatment
Application of pesticide around the exterior foundation of a building to create a barrier against crawling pests. A preventive measure that stops pests before they enter.
Residual Spray
A liquid pesticide applied to surfaces that continues to kill pests for an extended period after application, typically 30-90 days. Creates a protective barrier against crawling insects.
Spot Treatment
Application of pesticide to specific, localized areas where pests are found or likely to harbor. More targeted than broadcast treatments, reducing overall pesticide use.
Thermal Treatment
A non-chemical pest control method using heat (typically 50-60°C) to kill pests. Particularly effective for bed bugs as heat penetrates into hiding spots that chemicals may not reach.
Prevention
Exclusion
Physical pest prevention by sealing entry points such as gaps, cracks, and holes in buildings. A key component of IPM that prevents pests from entering rather than treating after infestation.
Pre-Construction Treatment
Termite prevention measures applied during building construction, including soil treatment and physical barriers. More effective and economical than post-construction treatment.
Sanitation
Practices that remove pest food sources, water, and shelter. Essential for long-term pest prevention and a fundamental component of any IPM program.
Products
Active Ingredient
The chemical component in a pesticide product that actually kills or repels pests. Product labels list active ingredients by name and percentage concentration.
Dust Formulation
A dry pesticide powder applied to wall voids, attics, and other enclosed spaces. Provides long-lasting protection in areas protected from moisture.
Gel Bait
A pesticide formulation with a gel consistency that's applied in small amounts to cracks and crevices. Commonly used for cockroach and ant control due to its targeted application.
Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
A pesticide that disrupts insect development by mimicking or blocking hormones. IGRs prevent larvae from maturing into reproducing adults, breaking the pest life cycle.
Repellent
A substance that deters pests from entering or remaining in an area without necessarily killing them. Natural repellents include peppermint oil and citronella.
Rodenticide
A pesticide specifically designed to kill rodents. Available in various formulations including blocks, pellets, and liquid concentrates. Must be used in bait stations to prevent non-target exposure.
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