The Ancient Practices Of Pest Control
The Ancient Greeks’ Method Of Pest Control
A long time ago, amulets, animal fat and myrrh were among the best practices for pest control. Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher and mathematician best known for the Pythagorean Theorem, also extended his genius to pest extermination by clearing malaria from a Sicilian town during the 6th century B.C. This he did by instructing the people to drain the marshes.
Pest Control Measures During The Dark Ages
In 1121, still the Dark Ages, St Bernhard’s pest control methodology was rooted in superstition. His prescription for driving away flies was to bury a copper plate, with a drawing of a fly, in the center of one’s house during the first half of the constellation of Taurus. But to be effective in keeping away pests, the drawing had to have been drawn during the second half of the constellation of Pisces.
Ancient Egyptian Pest Control Practices
The Ancient Egyptians also had various pest eradication methodologies. They used the fat of a woodpecker against fly stings, and they spread the fat of a cat on sacks and bundles to fight rats. Another pest control tool was deer excrement – they burned deer droppings to keep rats away from their grains. Of course, to keep their physical bodies pest-free, the architects and builders of the Great Pyramids wore amulets in the shape of these pests (example, locust amulets were worn to as a method of pest control specifically against locusts). To be an effective pest eradication tool, they recited incantations to the acacia trees they planted. Myrrh and incense were also utilized for fumigation.
Pest Control In Modern Times
While pest eradication measures of long ago was a curious combination of belief systems, knowledge of flora and fauna and understanding of the ways of animals (mostly the pests themselves), pest extermination today is a thriving practice of modern equipment, combined with time-tested natural/chemical solutions, and even the emerging green technologies. Pesticides, bug zappers and fumigation tarps may be replaced by new ways, but certain realities will remain: pests are harmful and control measures are necessary to keep damages and health risks at bay.
