Question

Define pests. Why do we control them? Describe at least four types.

Short answer

Pests are unwanted organisms that interfere with human activities. We control them to prevent damage to crops and property, protect human health, and maintain comfortable living and working environments. Four types of pests are insects, rodents, weeds, and microbial pests.

Step-by-step solution

Define pests

Pests refer to any undesired organisms, including animals, insects, plants, germs, or other forms of life, that interfere with human activities. They can harm our food production, property, and health, or just generally cause a nuisance.

Explain why we control pests

Pests are controlled to prevent damage to crops, livestock, and property; to protect human health; and to keep our living and working environments comfortable and safe. Uncontrolled pests can spread diseases, ruin food supplies, and damage buildings and other structures, causing significant economic loss and health problems.

Describe the first type of pest

Insects comprise a large category of pests. Examples include mosquitoes, which can spread diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, and locusts, which can destroy crops.

Describe the second type of pest

Rodents, such as rats and mice, can damage property by gnawing through materials, and can also spread diseases, including the plague and hantavirus fever.

Describe the third type of pest

Weeds are a type of plant pest that compete with crops for resources like space, light, water, and nutrients, reducing crop yields and quality.

Describe the fourth type of pest

Microbial pests like bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause diseases in both humans and livestock, and some can also damage crops. For example, bacterial pathogens can cause food poisoning, while certain fungi can spoil grains and other food crops.