[Pest control in urban environments: basic criteria for a rational control program design]

The objectives of urban pest control are those of improving the welfare of urban residents, reducing contagious diseases, keeping healthy environments, creating urban infrastructures which will reduce risks, as well as reducing exposure to biological, physical and chemical contaminants and their health-related effects in the working and community environments. Given the characteristics of the urban environments in which these animal species and man almost constantly are sharing the same living space, it is absolutely essential that a rational control program be adopted to combat these pests which will make it possible to reduce or eliminate the incidence thereof. An analysis of the basic criteria for the rational design of control programs is provided in order to minimize not only the negative consequences stemming from these pests but also the risks entailed in the application of the measures for their control.