The Evolution of Pest Control Over the Last Century

The term "pest" originates from the Latin word "pestis," meaning "plague." First recorded in English between 1545 and 1555, its meaning has evolved over time. However, the problem of pests has existed for centuries, posing challenges for individuals and businesses alike.

Historically, the word "pest" was associated with widespread disease or devastation. Over time, it has come to describe organisms that harm crops, spread disease, or create a nuisance. From flying and crawling insects to rodents and birds, a vast array of pests affect homes and businesses worldwide.

As pests have evolved over the centuries, so too have pest control methods. What once relied on rudimentary techniques has now transformed into a sophisticated industry that leverages science, technology, and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.

Early Pest Control Tools and Chemical Solutions

A century ago, pest control was largely experimental, with limited understanding of effective methods. Here’s a look at how early solutions fared and how they paved the way for modern advancements.

The Widespread Use of Physical Traps

In the early 20th century, physical traps were the most common method of rodent control. Family-run pest control businesses would set thousands of traps each night. However, these methods were labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring continuous effort to set, bait, and monitor traps. Additionally, traps posed risks to non-target animals, pets, and children, making them a less-than-ideal solution.

The Rise of Chemical Treatments

Chemical pest control existed, but early products were rudimentary and often unreliable. Local stores sold items like Epsom salts and various powders as pest deterrents, though their effectiveness was questionable. Some products were outright hazardous to users, while others provided only temporary relief. In the absence of regulation, many so-called "miracle cures" promised pest-free environments but failed to deliver.

The Shift to Scientific and Biological Solutions

By the mid-20th century, pest control took a more scientific approach. During World War II, biological pest control gained traction, using bacterial cultures to target rodents. These treatments were often mischaracterised as viruses due to limited public understanding of microbiology at the time.

Unusual Pest Control Methods from the Past

The ingenuity of past generations resulted in some unconventional pest control techniques:

• Bed Bugs: One common method involved placing a candle under metal bed frames to burn away bed bugs—an approach that, while somewhat effective, came with significant fire risks.
• Rodent Control: Rat catchers would track rodent movements using moth trails to locate decomposed rats. To catch live rodents, people would use nets and trained terriers, relying on resourcefulness rather than technology.

Scientific Advancements That Revolutionized Pest Control

While traditional methods demonstrated creativity, true progress came with scientific breakthroughs. The introduction of chemical pesticides transformed the industry, with products like DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) gaining popularity in the mid-20th century for their efficiency. However, due to environmental concerns and health risks, regulations led to the eventual banning of such substances.

For rodents, anticoagulant baits revolutionised pest control. Earlier, pest control professionals had to pre-bait rodents with non-toxic versions to encourage the consumption of toxic bait. The introduction of anticoagulants allowed for a delayed lethal effect, improving effectiveness without requiring in-depth knowledge of rodent behaviour.

Cockroach infestations also saw a shift in management. Instead of widespread chemical spraying, targeted bait solutions became the preferred approach, making treatments safer and more cost-effective.

By the latter half of the 20th century, pest control had transitioned from brute-force methods to a science-driven industry focused on precision and effectiveness. Companies invested in research centers to refine solutions, such as Rentokil's Power Centre, which focuses on technical consulting, product testing, and regulatory advancements.

Have Pests Themselves Changed?

A discussion on the evolution of pest control wouldn’t be complete without considering whether pests have changed over the years. While their core biology remains largely the same, pests like rats, mice, and bed bugs have developed resistance to traditional treatments, presenting new challenges.

Rodents, for example, have adapted to anticoagulants, likely due to the presence of similar compounds in nature. Though the pests themselves haven’t drastically changed, the tools used to manage them have become more sophisticated.

Pest Control Today: A Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

Pest control has come a long way in the last century, shifting towards sustainability, advanced technology, and humane methods. With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, modern pest control strategies are designed to be safer, more effective, and less invasive.

As science and technology continue to evolve, so too will the industry—ensuring that pest control remains a critical tool for protecting homes, businesses, and public health worldwide.