Pest Control

The problem of how to contain and control pests has been a persistent question as long as there have been humans. Pest control became more acute when humans began cultivating and storing food after the advent of agriculture and the domestication of animals, and with them the accompanying pests feeding off crops and livestock. Thus, means of controlling pests were developed so that crops and livestock could grow healthy until harvested and remain in storage without damage or destruction. There are different kinds of pests that harm crops (and livestock), and it is necessary to protect crops (and livestock) from various species of plants such as weeds, and from animals competing with humans, to maximize food production. This entry first discusses the background of pest ...