Month: April 2024

Body Essentials

How Does an Aluminum Free Deodorant Compare to the Traditional Stuff?

Jordan Lindsey

When rumors started linking aluminum-based antiperspirants to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, more people began switching to natural deodorants. But how do they compare to the traditional stuff?

Deodorant

Natural deodorants are formulated with clean ingredients that are gentle on the skin. They’re ideal for those who suffer from sensitive underarms, as they won’t cause redness or rashes. Visit their Website for more details.

When you use an aluminum-based antiperspirant, it clogs your sweat glands and prevents your body from naturally cooling itself. This can lead to odor-causing buildup and skin irritation. Luckily, clean beauty brands are crafting effective and safe deodorants that don’t contain aluminum. These natural formulas work by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on your skin and absorbing excess sweat.

They also include ingredients that keep your underarms feeling fresh and dry all day. For example, some clean beauty brands, like Type:A’s dry-cream formula, combine cornstarch and arrowroot powder to create an invisible barrier that keeps you feeling clean and fresh all day. Other formulas, like Tom’s of Maine’s scented organic coconut oil deodorant, combine zinc neodecanoate and shea butter to reduce odor and soothe your underarms.

No matter what kind of deodorant you choose, it’s important to apply it correctly. Make sure to wash your underarms before applying, and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. You’ll also want to experiment with how much you need to apply – some people may need more protection than others, so it’s important to find a formula that works best for you.

You’ve probably heard the rumors about a “detox” period when you switch to an aluminum free deodorant. That’s because years of wearing antiperspirant have plugged up your sweat ducts and your body has to recalibrate. This transition period typically lasts for a couple of weeks and can vary from person to person.

However, once you get past this period, you’ll love the benefits of a natural deodorant that’s better for your skin and health. For example, many natural deodorants like Kosas’ scented and unscented roll-on use an AHA blend to fight odor-causing bacteria, shea butter to nourish your underarms and glycerin to hydrate.

They’re also made without baking soda, which often leads to white marks on your clothes. And they’re free of the chemicals that can cause yellow stains on your favorite shirts, such as parabens, propylene glycol, talc, and petroleum. This means you’ll be able to wear your favorite clothes again without worrying about the embarrassing stains that can occur when you use an aluminum-based antiperspirant.

No More White Marks on Your Clothes

When you use antiperspirant that contains aluminum, it can rub off on your clothing and leave unsightly white marks or stains. These can be hard to get out of light shirts. With aluminum-free deodorant, you won’t have to worry about these stains. The best natural or aluminum-free deodorants are formulated to be non-greasy and do not leave any white marks on your clothes. The best aluminum free deodorants will also have a clean scent and be easy to apply, without any sticky residue.

Many people who have switched to an aluminum-free deodorant have experienced a detox phase when they first start using the product. The transition can last up to two weeks, and it is normal. This is because the aluminum in traditional antiperspirants has been clogging up your sweat glands, and you will need to retrain them to work normally again. After the transition period, most people find that their new deodorant works just as well (if not better) than the aluminum-based products they used before.

You may need to reapply your deodorant throughout the day to keep you fresh and odor-free, especially if you are active or sweat a lot. This is because some natural deodorants don’t have the same level of effectiveness as antiperspirant, but they do help to reduce body odor by preventing the growth of bacteria that causes odor.

The key is to find a natural deodorant that is gentle on your skin and works with your body chemistry. Many brands use ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, shea butter, sunflower seed or beeswax to control odor and keep you fresh all day long. This is why it’s important to try out different products until you find one that works for your unique body chemistry and activities.

If you do notice any white marks or stains on your clothing, it is best to use a damp cloth to remove them quickly. This will avoid further damage to your clothes and will also allow the deodorant to dry before you wear it again. Make sure you don’t scrub too hard, as this can cause the skin to become irritated.

No More Dark or Yellow Stains on Your Shirts

Sweat stains aren’t a sign of excessive perspiration, but rather, a chemical reaction between the aluminum in some antiperspirants and the proteins found in underarm sweat. Over time, this interaction can cause dark or yellow stains that can be very difficult to get out of clothing. Fortunately, switching to an aluminum free deodorant can help prevent these unsightly pit stains by eliminating the aluminum that causes them.

In addition, many manufacturers now offer natural deodorants that are completely aluminum-free. While these products may not block sweat the way that aluminum-based antiperspirants do, they still keep odor under control by using ingredients such as baking soda, activated charcoal, and mineral salts to absorb and neutralize body odor. These natural options are gentle on the skin and align with a more environmentally conscious approach to personal hygiene.

If you do decide to switch to an aluminum-free deodorant, be prepared for a brief detox period as your body adjusts to regulating odor without the sweat-blocking properties of aluminum. However, most people report that the detox phase lasts no longer than a few weeks. And, once the transition is complete, you’ll enjoy the full benefits of your new deodorant while keeping your underarms dry and smelling fresh.

Another benefit of choosing an aluminum-free deodorant is that it doesn’t leave dark or yellow stains on your shirt. This is because the aluminum in traditional antiperspirants can cause these stains when it interacts with the proteins found in underarm sweat. This interaction is triggered when the sweat dries and the alum in the antiperspirant rubs off on the shirt. As the sweat dries, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria that can stain your clothes with a yellowish color. This can happen even if you only apply the deodorant to your underarms and not the rest of your body, and it can occur with both men’s and women’s deodorants. The best solution for preventing these stains is to be sure to let your deodorant dry fully before you put on your clothes, and to wear dark or light colors so that the stains are less noticeable.

No More Harsh Chemicals

It wasn’t too long ago that when you reached the end of your deodorant stick, you would head down to the drug store and pick one up from the wall of different kinds. You may have gone with the cheapest option, or the one with the cool commercial that you saw on TV.

Today, however, there is a whole new kind of deodorant available: aluminum free. These products are made with natural ingredients and are not only a healthier alternative to traditional antiperspirant, but they also have a wide variety of other benefits.

In fact, these types of deodorants are growing in popularity. They’re becoming increasingly available in both drug stores and online retailers. This is largely due to the fact that many consumers are worried about the health risks associated with the use of antiperspirant, which contain aluminum. Some of these concerns include a possible link to Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer, among other things.

Another reason for the growing interest in these kinds of products is that they are a more environmentally friendly choice. While they do contain some chemicals, most of them are made from natural ingredients that can be found in the earth. They also tend to be less expensive than traditional antiperspirants.

When you choose a natural deodorant, it’s important to keep in mind that your body will need some time to adjust to the absence of aluminum. This is usually referred to as the detox period, and it’s normal for your armpits to smell during this time.

Once your body has adjusted to the lack of aluminum, you’ll be able to enjoy all the other benefits that come with this kind of deodorant. This includes keeping your underarms dry all day and eliminating white marks on your shirts. In addition, natural deodorants often do a better job at eliminating odor than the kinds that contain aluminum.

Finally, these deodorants can also help to reduce the dreaded underarm rash that some people experience with traditional antiperspirant. This is because they are formulated with more natural ingredients and tend to be less harsh on the skin than their aluminum-containing counterparts.

Electrician

Sparks and Solutions: Demystifying the Work of Electricians

Duncan Barrett

Electrician 24/7 prepares, assembles, installs, troubleshoots, tests, and repairs electrical wiring, fixtures, and control devices. They also collaborate with construction professionals and engineers to ensure that electrical installations meet specifications and safety codes.

Electrician

Becoming a certified electrician offers many opportunities for career growth and advancement. Read on to learn more about the skills and qualifications needed for this rewarding occupation.

Electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They read blueprints and electrical diagrams to understand the layout of an electrical system before starting work, then use hand and power tools to assemble wires and connect them to circuit breakers or other equipment. They must be able to follow strict safety protocols to avoid injury from working with live electrical components.

In addition to assembling and connecting electrical wiring, electricians also test circuits and other components to ensure they are functioning properly. They may work on a variety of electric systems, including HVAC, lighting, and alarms. Some electricians also specialize in specific types of electrical work, such as voice, data, or video (VDV) installation and maintenance.

Electricians who specialize in residential work perform a wide range of maintenance services for homeowners and apartment tenants. They often rewire electrical components and fixtures to accommodate new appliances or to upgrade outdated wiring. They can also repair faulty outlets and other devices that are not functioning correctly. They might also install security systems, telecommunications, and network cabling.

Commercial electricians, on the other hand, typically perform maintenance on larger electrical systems within office buildings and retail spaces. They may also collaborate with other construction professionals, such as engineers and architects, to design electrical systems for new buildings or renovations.

If a power outage occurs in an area, an electrician is the person called to restore the electricity. They are the modern superheroes responsible for ensuring that homes, businesses, and industrial facilities have the energy they need to operate. They typically work in cramped, physically demanding environments and must adhere to stringent safety protocols.

Line electricians, also known as line electrical workers, specialize in maintaining high-voltage utility transmission and distribution systems. They may work on transmission lines that enter homes, businesses, and industrial facilities from power plants, or they might install electrical substations and voltage regulators. They are commonly employed by large utilities, but can be found in many other sectors as well.

Troubleshooting

When a fixture or appliance in your home stops working, or begins giving off sparks and other warning signs, it is time to call a professional. If you attempt to fix the problem yourself, you run the risk of electrocuting yourself or damaging the system even further. That is why it is crucial to trust a licensed electrician with the troubleshooting and repair process. The process is complex and requires a strong understanding of electrical theory and excellent manual dexterity. It is also a highly technical field that constantly changes to adapt to evolving safety protocols and advancements in technology.

One of the most important skills an electrician must possess is the ability to diagnose a problem and determine what parts are responsible for it. This process involves the following steps:

First, an electrician will identify which signals a malfunctioning device is sending. They will then examine these signals in order to find the source of the issue. This can include anything from a simple blown fuse to more complex issues like a short circuit.

Once the electrician has located the source of the malfunction, they will isolate or remove it from the fixture and then test it to see if it is working correctly. This can be done by analyzing the behavior of the fixture or using a wiring diagram to match it against the actual installation. Once the electrician has determined what component is causing the malfunction, they can then either repair or replace it.

Lastly, the electrician will perform the final test to ensure that the new or repaired component is functioning properly. They will repeat the troubleshooting process until they have identified and fixed the root cause of the problem.

Other electrical services that a reputable contractor will offer are rewiring and wiring upgrades. These services are essential for keeping homes and businesses safe and ensuring that electrical systems are up to code. A seasoned Electrician will be able to trace unexplained power surges or brownouts back to their source and can make sure that all outlets are not overloading their circuits with too many devices.

Maintenance

Electricians are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, factories, and other buildings. They read blueprints and building plans to ensure electrical work is up to code, collaborate with construction professionals, and troubleshoot problems during construction or renovation projects. Electricians also inspect and maintain existing electrical systems to identify safety hazards and restore them to safe operating condition.

Faulty wiring can cause electrical fires or shocks, so it’s important that electricians inspect and repair these components when necessary. They check for signs of wear and tear, like overheating or rusting, and replace or repair damaged wiring. They also install outlets, switches, and other electrical fixtures to keep your home or business running smoothly.

Many electricians specialize in low voltage systems, such as alarms, security, or network cabling. These electricians are knowledgeable about the latest technology and can integrate these systems seamlessly into existing electrical infrastructures. They can also recommend upgrades that improve the efficiency and security of your electrical system.

In addition to installing and maintaining electrical systems, electricians are often called upon to troubleshoot issues with appliances and machinery. They use their knowledge of circuitry and electrical theory to identify the source of an issue and develop effective solutions. This involves examining wiring, testing equipment and components with tools like voltmeters and oscilloscopes, and collaborating with other professional engineers and technicians to resolve complex electrical problems.

The most challenging aspect of being an Electrician is keeping up with evolving electrical codes and safety regulations. This requires continuous learning and a commitment to staying up-to-date with new technologies and sustainable practices. Additionally, working as an Electrician often involves working in cramped and physically demanding environments where the risk of injury is high. Thus, it’s crucial that these professionals adhere to strict safety protocols at all times.

Repair

Faulty wiring is a major safety hazard and can lead to electrical fires, shocks, or injuries. Electricians can repair or replace faulty wiring to ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and working properly.

Flickering lights are another common sign that it’s time to call an electrician. This can indicate a variety of issues, such as overloaded circuits, faulty switches, or outdated wiring. An electrician will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and easily.

Many older homes have fewer outlets than newer ones, leading to extension cords being used in order to accommodate all of the devices and appliances. This isn’t a safe or convenient solution, and it’s important to have an electrician add outlets to your home in order to improve safety and convenience.

If your home has a fuse box that constantly blows, it’s likely because the wires inside are frayed or have melted. This is a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately. Electricians can repair or replace fuses and ensure that your home’s wiring is safe and up to code.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

If you’re running out of space in your home’s electrical panel, it may be time to invest in a new one. Electricians can install a new panel that will be able to handle the power demands of your home and keep it running smoothly.

Lighting Installation

Electricians can help you update your home’s lighting with new fixtures and bulbs. They can also install smart home technology like lighting control systems and thermostats.

Industrial Electrician

Industrial electrical work involves high-voltage systems, motor controls, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Industrial electricians are skilled in maintaining and repairing these complex machines, making them essential for any manufacturing or processing business that relies on them.

Roofing

Repairing Your Home’s Roof

Noel Mccarty

Repair costs are influenced by the extent of damage, the type and design of roof and whether an insurance claim is involved. Often, repairs are more cost-effective than replacing a whole roof.

Roof

Regular maintenance is key to reducing roof repair expenses. A few preventive measures include trimming overhanging branches, installing adequate attic insulation and ensuring proper gutter drainage. Contact Montana Roofing Solutions for professional help.

There are a variety of reasons why roof tiles or shingles may become damaged. Weather conditions, animal activity (such as squirrels) or simply age and wear can all cause tiles to crack and break.

While a broken tile isn’t as obvious as a missing shingle, you should still inspect your roof regularly and replace any damaged tiles immediately. Not only will this prevent moisture from getting in, but it’ll also help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Shingles are less susceptible to damage than tiles, but a hail storm can leave them with gaps and holes in which water can seep. This can lead to moss, mold and other issues that can affect the structural integrity of your roof.

Replacing a single shingle is fairly easy, and depending on how comfortable you are on your roof, it’s something that you can do yourself if the repair doesn’t require you to access difficult-to-reach places. The trick is knowing where to nail a new shingle so it’s secure for the long haul, and this is typically something best left to the professionals.

Leaks are more common with shingled roofs, and while it’s possible for them to develop where there’s open area of uninterrupted shingles, it’s far more common for leaks to occur where items penetrate the roof such as plumbing and roof vents, chimneys or dormers. It’s also a good idea to check that the caulk around windows, corner boards and between window and siding is intact and not cracked or peeling, as this can allow water to dribble down and into the house.

Leaks don’t just damage the shingles and tiles, they can also affect the support beams and foundation of your home, leading to costly structural problems over time. This is why it’s important to check your roof after any significant weather events and take action as soon as you notice damage. It’s also why it makes sense to work with a professional roofing company for any repairs you need. They’ll be able to quickly and efficiently get the job done and ensure your roof is as water-tight as possible.

Leaks

A leaky roof can be a serious problem. Water damage not only can ruin ceilings, but it can also lead to mold and mildew problems in walls and other parts of the house. It’s important to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Leaks are usually easy to spot inside the home, but locating their source on the roof can be difficult. Start by checking your attic on a rainy day, as this will reveal any areas where water is collecting. Look for stains on the ceiling or walls, and listen for dripping noises that may indicate a leak.

If you find a leaky area, shut off the water to that room and use a ladder to access the roof. Take a look at the flashing around the area to see if it is cracked or missing shingles. If you can’t find the source of the leak, use roofing tar to cover the area and secure it with plywood or shingles. This is only a temporary repair and should be done until you can call a professional for more permanent repairs.

Another good way to check for leaks is to inspect the roof from outside after it rains. This can be a simple job, depending on your skill level and how comfortable you are with heights. If you don’t want to climb a ladder, you can use binoculars from the ground or even a drone for a closer look. Look for any signs of leaks or other damage such as shingle debris, clogged gutters and downspouts, and rusty metal chimney flashing.

If you do notice water stains on the ceiling, don’t wait to contact a professional. Ignoring a leaky roof can lead to severe and expensive water damage and structural issues in the home. Fortunately, many leaks can be easily fixed if you know where to look and what tools to use. For the most serious leaks, it’s always best to call in a professional roofing contractor for proper diagnosis and roof repair.

Flashing Issues

Flashing is the metal material that is installed where your roof meets other surfaces, like chimneys or other walls and structures. It funnels water away from seams and transition points, but it can leak if it is damaged or not correctly fitted. A skilled roof repair expert can inspect the flashing and identify issues that need to be repaired. Flashing problems can lead to mold, wood rot and other serious damage to the underlying structure of your home. The longer these issues are ignored, the more expensive they can become.

Damage to flashing is commonly caused by exposure to the elements, including UV rays and extreme temperature changes. This causes the flashing to expand and contract, which can cause it to develop a wrinkled look that allows water to seep into the roof or walls of your house in the next rainstorm. It is also possible for the flashing to become loose, which can be a result of faulty installation or even foundation problems.

Typical signs of flashing failure include water stains on your ceiling or walls that align with the location of the leaking roof seam. The leaking area may also be accompanied by sagging areas of your roof, moisture stains and mildew. Other signs to watch for are rust and corrosion, which can be an indication that the flashing has been exposed to moisture for too long.

When a leaking roof seam is detected, the flashing should be removed, and a new piece of flashing should be installed. This will usually involve cutting the old piece of flashing and removing some of the shingles to allow the flashing to be installed properly. It is important that the flashing material used is the same as that of your roof to ensure a reliable seal. A qualified roof repair company should be able to provide the necessary flashing in the right size and material to match your roof. The new piece of flashing will then be trimmed to the correct length, and roofing cement should be applied around the edges to ensure a watertight seal.

Old Age

Older shingles can be repaired but it’s an involved process. If the shingles are brittle and falling off, or they’re in bad shape you may need to replace them, especially if you have replacement cost coverage. However, it is possible to do a roof repair with older shingles if the damage is limited to a small area.

If you are concerned about the condition of your roof and want to know if it is worth repair or replacing, contact your trusted roofing professional for a free roof inspection. They will help you make the best decision based on your needs and budget.

To do a roof repair you will need some basic tools, such as a pry bar, pliers, a nail puller, shears and maybe a utility knife. A good place to start is the attic or ceiling, looking for water spots, mold, mildew and dark streaks. You should also check the flashing around any roof penetrations, like chimneys and vents, as well as valleys. If this is damaged, it will need to be bent back into place and resealed.

Pest Control

The Basics of Pest Control

Woody Holland

Pest invasions can disrupt normal activities and cause damage to plants, crops and property. They can also spread disease.

Prevention includes regularly removing debris and clearing away places for pests to hide. It includes fixing ripped window and door screens and sealing cracks in walls and around pipes. It includes keeping food in sealed containers and storing garbage securely. Contact Pest Control Euless TX now!

Pest identification is an important first step in developing a pest control program. It helps ensure that the correct control tactics are used, and prevents unnecessary risks to people and the environment. It also allows you to evaluate the benefits and costs of each control tactic.

In some cases, precise pest identification may require consulting with experts or sending samples to specialized laboratories. This is especially true when dealing with rare or exotic species. However, for the majority of pests, accurate identification can be done with a little effort.

The key to correctly identifying a pest is to look at it from several different angles, and keep an eye out for any unusual features or behavior. For example, scale insects may look similar to aphids or mites from the side, but can be easily distinguished from them by the way they move. Another good rule of thumb is to always consider whether a pest is alive or dead. Many “pests” are actually beneficial organisms or harmless visitors, and it can be hard to tell if what you are seeing is an actual problem until you get a closer look.

Pests are easier to control when they are in small numbers or in early or late stages of their life cycle. Insects are easiest to control in their immature stages, and weeds are easier to manage when they are seedlings or just beginning to grow (annuals) or when they are preparing for dormancy (perennials).

Once you know what the pest is, you can evaluate its impact on your crop and decide how much harm it warrants. This is called “integrated pest management.” It focuses on preventing pest problems or reducing their damage to an acceptable level, rather than trying to eliminate all of the pests or destroy the crop entirely.

Accurate pest identification can be difficult, especially if you are not familiar with the weeds, insects or diseases that are common in your area. If you are not sure about the identity of a pest, ask your local Agricultural Research Station or Cooperative Extension Agent for help.

Pest Prevention

Pest prevention is a key part of pest control, as “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” Instead of waiting until an infestation has taken hold, it’s important to prevent pests from getting a foothold by implementing a range of strategies. This includes cleaning surfaces, sealing entry points and regularly inspecting for pest activity. In addition, learning about pests and their ideal habitats can empower individuals to take preventative measures on their own.

Preventing pests is especially important in indoor environments, where they can spread germs, contaminate food and cause structural damage to buildings. For this reason, preventing pests is the primary goal of pest management in many homes, schools, offices and health care facilities.

Keeping surfaces clean reduces the ability of pests to hide, breed and feed. Taking out trash frequently and knowing your local waste collection schedule reduces the chances of overflowing bins that attract pests. Properly storing food in airtight containers prevents pests from gaining access to fresh ingredients. Stacks of cardboard boxes can provide hiding places for rodents and insects, so it’s important to regularly check the contents of grocery bags before carrying them into a home or office.

Other methods to prevent pests include physically modifying the environment and using biological controls. Physical methods of pest control include trapping, screening, fences, barriers, netting and radiation. Devices, machines and other devices that modify the environment include lights, heat, refrigeration, humidity and more.

Chemicals used to kill pests are called pesticides. Common types of pesticides include insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. It’s important to know the differences between different types of pesticides to make informed decisions when selecting an application method for a specific situation.

In addition to minimizing the need for chemical control, prevention can also save money by reducing the amount of treatment needed after an infestation has taken hold. In some cases, the right type of preventative measure can even eliminate the need for any treatment at all. As a result, pest prevention can be considered an extremely cost-effective and environmentally conscious option in addressing pest problems.

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemical substances or mixtures that control unwanted organisms that damage crops, food stores or homes. They include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other plant protection products as well as rodenticides and biocontrol agents such as viruses, bacteria and nematodes.

Insecticides reduce the destruction of crops by insects and their eggs. Herbicides kill weeds and improve crop yields. Fungicides protect harvested and stored crops from fungal diseases. In general, pesticides are designed to kill or injure the target pest, while causing minimal injury or nuisance to humans and other non-target organisms.

Each pesticide contains an active ingredient that is by itself toxic to the target pest. The remaining chemicals in a pesticide are called “inert ingredients.” Inert ingredients act as carriers and sticking agents to allow the active ingredient to penetrate, coat or stick to the target organism. In general, inert ingredients make up over 95% of a pesticide product. Most pesticides contain a number of other additives, such as solvents, surfactants and depressants, which help the active ingredient to disperse and absorb into the target organism.

All pesticides have some level of risk to human health. The toxicity of a particular pesticide depends on its mode of action and its persistence in the environment. Some older pesticides, such as DDT and DDE, can persist for years in the soil and groundwater. Newer pesticides are generally less persistent and pose fewer risks to human health, but they still have some hazards. They can, for example, cause nerve damage by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses and depress the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase.

Pesticides get into the environment through air, water or soil spraying, runoff and leaching. They are also carried by wind currents to other areas or places where they can be ingested or inhaled. They can also be washed into surface waters (rivers, lakes and reservoirs) or absorbed into the groundwater. In addition, they can move through the water and into the atmosphere as vapor or aerosols.

People are exposed to low levels of pesticide residue in their home, schools and workplaces. Those with the greatest exposure are farmers and other workers who apply pesticides. Health Canada carefully considers the health of those who work with pesticides and develops and applies regulations to minimize the health impacts from exposure to pesticides. It reviews and assesses the health impact of new pesticides, including specific risk assessments for sensitive groups such as children and pregnant women. These studies use internationally-accepted study protocols and are overseen by independent experts.

Biological Control

Biological control is the introduction of naturally occurring organisms to manage pests. It predates the modern chemical era and was used before the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring”. Many growers and green industry professionals are looking for alternatives to pesticides that have negative effects on pollinators, bees, birds, wildlife and human health. This has led to the resurgence of natural, classical and conservation biological control.

Generally, the goal of biological control is to establish populations of predators or parasitoids at high enough densities to suppress pest species, and to do so with a lower environmental impact than chemical pesticides. Biological control agents can include predatory insects and mites, fungi, viruses, bacteria, or nematodes. Most of these are targeted against specific arthropod pests.

The development and release of a successful biological control agent is a lengthy process, comparable to the amount of time it takes to synthesize, test and evaluate, then place on the market, a new chemical pesticide. The success of a biocontrol programme depends largely on the extensive preliminary studies that must be conducted to develop a comprehensive understanding of both the pest and the natural enemy complex. The ideal biological control agent should have a strong searching ability to locate the pest population, and it should also be able to reproduce faster than its prey (greater potential rates of increase per year or greater fecundity).

In addition to the above requirements, a successful biological control agent should not negatively impact any other species in the ecosystem where it will be introduced. This is important for limiting the risk of adverse ecological impacts from unintended consequences of the biological control program.

It is important to note that whereas resistance to chemical pesticides often develops in pest species, resistance to biological control agents is very rare. Moreover, unlike chemical pesticides, which are known to have negative impacts on water, soil and air quality as well as biodiversity, most invertebrate biological control agents do not. Nonetheless, re-releases of the biological control agent are frequently required, and this is especially true for classical biological control programmes.