Pests

Learning About Pests and How to Manage Them

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Learning Objectives

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By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define what pests are and why they are a problem.
• Identify common household pests and their characteristics.
• Understand how pests affect agriculture and food production.
• Explore natural ways to control pests and prevent them at home.

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What are Pests?

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Simple Definition

Pests are organisms that cause problems for humans, animals, or plants. They can include insects, rodents, and weeds.

Examples

• Insects like ants and cockroaches
• Rodents like mice and rats
• Weeds that invade gardens

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Why Pests are a Problem

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Damage and Nuisance

• Damage to Property: Pests can chew through wires, wood, and fabrics.
• Health Risks: Some pests carry diseases that can affect humans and pets.
• Crop Loss: They can destroy crops, leading to food shortages.

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Common Household Pests

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Ants

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Mice

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Spiders

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Size

• Pests vary in size from tiny ants to larger rodents.

Color

• They can be brown, black, gray, or even colorful.

Habits

• Pests often hide in dark places and are active at night.

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Characteristics of Pests

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Characteristics of Pests

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Behavior

• Some pests, like ants, work in groups.

Habitat

• Many pests like warm, moist environments.

Lifespan

• Pests can live from a few days to several years.

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Pests in Agriculture

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Impact on Crops

• Destruction: Pests eat leaves, stems, and roots of plants.
• Spread Disease: Some pests can spread plant diseases.
• Reduce Yield: Farmers get less produce due to pest damage.

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How Pests Affect Food Production

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Losses and Waste

• Food Loss: Pests can destroy stored food supplies.
• Increased Costs: Farmers spend more on pest control.
• Food Safety: Contaminated food can be unsafe to eat.

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Natural Pest Control

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Introduction to Safe Methods

• Companion Planting: Using plants that repel pests.
• Beneficial Insects: Encouraging insects that eat pests.
• Organic Solutions: Using natural sprays and oils.

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Examples of Natural Pest Control

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Marigolds

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Ladybugs

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Neem Oil

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Pest Control Professionals

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Who They Are

Pest control professionals are trained experts who help manage and eliminate pests in homes, gardens, and farms.

What They Do

• Inspect: Check for signs of pests.
• Identify: Determine the type of pest.
• Treat: Use methods to control or eliminate pests.

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Methods Used by Pest Control Professionals

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Common Techniques

• Chemical Treatments: Use of safe pesticides.
• Traps: Setting traps for rodents and insects.
• Exclusion: Sealing entry points to prevent pests.

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Preventing Pests at Home

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Keep kitchen clean, dispose of garbage regularly

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Fix leaks, store food properly

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Keeping Pests Out

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Sealing and Cleaning

• Seal Cracks: Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps.
• Clean Regularly: Vacuum and dust to remove crumbs and debris.
• Remove Clutter: Pests love to hide in cluttered areas.

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Safe Storage

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Protecting Food from Pests

• Use Airtight Containers: Store food in sealed containers.
• Refrigerate Perishables: Keep food fresh and safe.
• Check Expiration Dates: Dispose of expired food promptly.

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Activity: Identify Pests in a Picture

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Let's Practice!

Look at the picture and identify the different pests you see. How many can you find? What types are they?

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Activity: Matching Pests to Their Characteristics

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Match the Following

• Ants: Small, work in groups
• Cockroaches: Nocturnal, flat bodies
• Mice: Furry, long tails

Can you match each pest to its characteristics?

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Activity: Discuss Natural Pest Control Methods

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Group Discussion

Discuss with your classmates:

• What are some natural pest control methods?
• How can we use these methods in our gardens or homes?

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Review

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Recap Learning Objectives

• Defined what pests are and why they are a problem.
• Identified common household pests and their characteristics.
• Understood how pests affect agriculture and food production.
• Explored natural ways to control pests and prevent them at home.

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Summary

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What We Learned Today

Today we learned about:

• The definition and examples of pests
• The impact of pests on homes and agriculture
• Natural and professional pest control methods
• Ways to prevent pests from entering our homes

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