The term “pest” originates from the Latin word pestis, meaning “plague,” and was first documented in English between 1545 and 1555. While its definition has evolved over time, the presence of pests has been a long-standing challenge for both individuals and businesses.
Historically, the word was associated with widespread disease and devastation. Over time, it became more commonly used to describe organisms that damage crops, spread illnesses, and create disturbances. . From flying and crawling insects to rodents and birds, there are thousands of pests worldwide that can cause trouble for businesses and homeowners alike.
As pests have adapted over the centuries, pest control methods have also advanced. Early techniques were often simple and limited, but modern solutions now incorporate scientific research, advanced technology, and eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact. In recognition of a century of progress in pest management, join us as we explore the evolution of pest control over the past 100 years. Read our blog on Rentokil’s journey from humble beginnings to global leader.
Early tools and chemical developments for pest control
Pest control in the early 20th century was a vastly different practice, often relying on trial and error. Let’s take a look at some of the first tools and chemicals used for pest management and assess their effectiveness.
One of the most common methods for dealing with rodents was physical trapping. Family-run pest control businesses would capture thousands of rats each night using manual traps. However, while this approach was widely used, it required significant human effort and was not always efficient. At the time, it was a cost-effective solution, as machinery and advanced tools were not yet available to automate the process.
The widespread use of physical traps
Setting, baiting, and monitoring traps demanded continuous attention, making large-scale infestations difficult to control. Additionally, traditional traps could only target individual rodents, limiting their overall impact. Another concern was the risk posed to children, pets, and non-target animals if traps were incorrectly placed. Despite being the primary method for rodent control at the time, physical trapping had clear limitations, often making pest management a labour-intensive and challenging task.
Chemical treatments
Chemical solutions for pest control were available at the time and were becoming more common, but they were nowhere near as advanced as modern pesticides. Instead, local stores offered products like Epsom salts and various powders as supposed pest remedies. Unfortunately, many of these treatments were ineffective, provided only short-term relief, or posed serious risks to those handling them.
Alongside these were so-called “miracle cures” or questionable remedies, often marketed with bold claims and promoted as foolproof pest control solutions. However, these products rarely lived up to their promises and were more about clever advertising than actual effectiveness.
Biological controls to tackle pests
By the mid-20th century, pest control methods became more scientifically driven. During World War II, biological control strategies gained traction, particularly for managing rodent populations. This involved the use of bacterial cultures designed to curb infestations. However, due to limited public understanding of microbiology at the time, these treatments were often mistakenly referred to as viruses.
Quirky and old-school pest control methods
Past generations often relied on unconventional—and sometimes risky—methods to manage pests. Here are a few notable examples.
Bed bugs were a persistent nuisance, and one common tactic involved placing a candle beneath metal bed frames to eliminate them with heat. While this may have been somewhat effective, it posed significant fire hazards and would hardly be considered a practical solution today.
Rodent control also saw its share of unusual approaches. Rat catchers would meticulously study rodent behavior, sometimes tracking moth trails to locate decomposed rats. To capture live rodents, they often used nets alongside trained terriers, driving the rats from their burrows and into the traps. This method highlights the creativity and resourcefulness people had to employ before modern pest control technologies were available.
Though rudimentary, these techniques demonstrate how individuals made the most of their limited resources to tackle pest problems.
The scientific breakthroughs that changed pest control
While traditional pest control methods demonstrated creativity, scientific advancements truly revolutionised the industry, paving the way for modern solutions. The introduction of chemical pesticides was a game-changer, with products like DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) gaining popularity in the mid-20th century for their fast-acting effectiveness. However, despite their initial success, concerns over environmental and health risks led to tighter regulations and eventual bans due to their persistence in ecosystems and accumulation within food chains.
Rodent control also saw significant improvements with the development of anticoagulant baits. Previously, pest controllers had to pre-bait rodents with non-toxic versions to encourage them to consume poisoned bait. The introduction of anticoagulants changed this by causing delayed effects—rodents wouldn’t feel unwell until they had ingested a lethal dose over several days. This innovation simplified pest management, making it accessible to a wider audience rather than requiring deep expertise in rodent behaviour.
Similarly, cockroach infestations became easier to manage with the shift from widespread chemical spraying to targeted baiting techniques. These baits provided a safer, more cost-effective solution, reducing the need for professional intervention while improving overall efficiency.
By the latter half of the 20th century, pest control had transitioned from labour-intensive practices to a science-driven industry focused on precision and effectiveness. This emphasis on research and innovation has continued into the 21st century, with companies investing in dedicated research facilities. Rentokil, for instance, established the Power Centre—an advanced research and development hub dedicated to technical consulting, product testing, and forward-thinking innovations in pest management.
Have pests themselves changed over the past century?
A discussion of the transformation of pest control over the century would be incomplete without a study of if and how pests themselves have changed, whether as a result of adaptation, resistance or any other factors.
Over time, pests like rats, mice and bed bugs have developed resistance to many traditional treatments, creating new challenges for pest control professionals. Rodents, for example, have proven to be remarkably resilient, often requiring a combination of solutions to be managed effectively.
It’s quite possible that rodents have always had the genes behind anticoagulant resistance, as similar compounds are found in nature, but they weren’t selected for until these compounds came onto the global pest control market.
Pest control today
Modern pest control has evolved significantly, placing greater emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and humane practices. A century ago, pest management primarily relied on broad-spectrum chemical treatments, often with little regard for their environmental or health consequences. Today, however, stricter regulations and growing awareness have shifted the focus toward precision, prevention, and long-term solutions.
A key development in this shift is the widespread adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which prioritises proactive strategies over mere extermination. By targeting the root causes of infestations and implementing preventative measures, IPM helps create more sustainable and effective pest control solutions.
Technological advancements have also transformed the industry, particularly with the rise of digital pest management. Traditional, non-connected methods often meant that infestations were only discovered during routine inspections, delaying response times. In contrast, connected pest control solutions, such as sensor-equipped traps and camera-based monitoring, provide real-time alerts as soon as rodent activity is detected. This enables technicians to address infestations at an earlier stage, focusing on eliminating the source rather than just the damage caused.
The latest breakthrough in pest control technology—AI-powered cameras—has further enhanced efficiency and speed. These advanced systems offer unprecedented visibility into pest activity, using artificial intelligence to detect pests and trigger automated alerts for immediate intervention. This rapid response capability helps businesses resolve pest issues more quickly and effectively, reducing disruptions and minimising the overall impact of infestations.
The future of pest control
Pest control has come a long way, evolving from simple traps to cutting-edge technology. However, innovation never stops, and the industry continues to advance. As a global leader in pest management, we are committed to leveraging the latest advancements to provide effective, reliable solutions for complete peace of mind.
Our latest innovation, myRentokil, represents the next generation of connected pest control. myRentokil is Rentokil’s innovative digital pest control portal, designed to give users real-time access to their pest management data. Whether for homes or businesses, this online platform provides a seamless way to monitor pest activity, schedule services, and track treatment progress—all from a single dashboard. With features like automated reminders, service history tracking, and downloadable reports, MyRentokil enhances transparency and efficiency in pest control. By offering a user-friendly, paperless experience, it simplifies pest management and ensures customers stay informed and in control at all times.
With a century of expertise behind us, we are dedicated to shaping the future of pest control. Ultimately, while the pests themselves haven’t necessarily changed, the tools to get rid of them and ecology certainly have.
