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Pest control
From CopperWiki
Insect pests invade every home -- and avoiding pest control is not an option. Pesticides are available for most common household insect pests which need to be eradicated as they can cause several diseases and damage valuable properties.
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
There are also health hazards associated with chemicals used for pest control. They have been blamed for many illnesses and diseases, including cancer, kidney and liver damage, disorders in the nervous system and even birth defects. Furthermore, they are quite dangerous for wildlife, affecting their habitats and their young. If chemical pest control agents are not used properly, they can also affect pets.
Each form of chemical pest control is specially formulated for its specific purpose. Never use chemicals meant for one pest on another and always read the label very carefully for instructions and warnings.
[edit] How does this affect me?
The standard method of controlling or eradicating pests involves the use of hazardous chemicals, despite the unacceptably high health risk to children.
Hazardous ingredients to look out for include
- Chlorpyrifos, an internationally recognised hazardous chemical. It is used indoors as a termiticide and insecticide and outdoors to control insects on both food crops and ornamental plants.
[edit] All about pest control
Pest control chemicals are a group of chemicals used to control, repel or kill pests and prevent or control animal diseases. They include chemicals often referred to as pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, weedicides, rodenticides, biocides and repellents. Pest control chemicals are widely used in primary production, for commercial purposes and in domestic situations.
Chemical pest control is quite effective, since they are formulated to target a different variety of pests. There are also a wide variety of choices as well, since the EPA has permitted the use of more than 200 pesticides that may be used for garden and lawn care. Chemical pesticides are also convenient to use, since they come in different forms, including pellets, powders and liquid sprays.
Although efficient and easy to use, chemical pest control also has several disadvantages to their use. These chemicals often have very strong formulations in order to be more effective in killing stubborn pests.
- Insecticides - Also known as pesticides, insecticides usually contain a toxic chemical that can be sprayed or placed into the nests of certain pests or along paths they usually follow to enter your home. Pests may take the chemical back to their nests to destroy the entire colony.
- Aerosol repellants - Often containing insecticides or other chemicals and oils that deter bugs, aerosols help disperse the product evenly and in a wider path. Some aerosol repellants are safe for contact with human skin, such as bugs sprays that can be worn outdoors but should be kept away from your eyes and should never be swallowed.
- Foggers and sprays -- If you are dealing with an infestation, a fogger or spray may be the solution but must be used with utmost care. Be sure to cover or remove any food or dishes or anything else that may be put in your mouth. Keep the area clear of people and wear protective goggles, a ventilation mask and gloves while using the product. This should be a last resort before calling an exterminator.
- Roach kits - A particularly effective method of killing off a colony of cockroaches, roach kits attract the bugs with a slow-acting poison. The roach returns to the colony and dies, where it is then eaten by the others. The poison in the first cockroach is enough to kill the others who consume it. Other roach traps have a sticky surface that attracts and then traps the insects.
- Poisons - Another chemical that needs to be used with extreme caution, poisons can be used to eliminate mice and other rodents. Because the poisons are quite potent, they can be deadly to humans and pets.
- Insect inhibitors - Using chemicals that are harmless to humans but confusing to mosquitoes, insect inhibitors emit scents that block the sensory receptors of mosquitoes. With blocked receptors, mosquitoes are unable to detect the carbon dioxide that attracts them to humans. If they can’t smell you, they’ll go in search of another place to dine.
- Mosquito dunks - These chemical tablets float on top of the still water where mosquitoes breed and kill off their larvae before they can grow into adults
- Insecticide coils -- These are burnt to release fumes that repel insects. The fumes can cause irritation to the throat.
[edit] Mandatory information
All pest control chemicals have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which provides additional information to that given on the product’s label. This includes details on health and safety, and environmental effects. MSDSs are available from chemical product distributors or manufacturers. Pest control businesses should also be able to provide a MSDS on the particular pest control chemical they are using.
[edit] Pest control and environment
Chemical pest control is not environment friendly . If used in large amounts, they could seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater. If pest control is donr near a river, stream or pond, it could contaminate water bodies without knowing it. As a result, other living organisms in those areas are affected as well.
Another disadvantage to chemical pesticides is that, even with express instructions on how to use them, homeowners and gardeners often use a little more than is required.
The use of herbicides, insecticides and rodenticides is a matter of environmental concern. These pesticides have the potential to end up in drinking water and in other aquatic systems if not managed properly.
All empty pesticide containers and unwanted pesticides must be disposed of in accordance with product label instructions.
[edit] What can I do?
A good alternative to chemical pesticides are natural and biological pest control products. These are produced using all-natural ingredients, which help eliminate the side effects often associated with chemicals. Some of these ingredients include animal material, plants, minerals and even bacteria. You can also
- Eliminate the conditions that insect and rodent pests prefer, for example, clearing away food scraps that may attract flies, ants and cockroaches.
- Creating physical barriers such as flyscreens to prevent the entry of pests.
- Physically removing weeds or using mulch to prevent weed growth.
- Maintaining good hygiene standards for humans and animals.
- Consulting your local garden centre or horticulturist for advice on pest control using natural predators and intercropping, such as planting marigolds amongst tomatoes to control nematode.
When using pest control chemicals follow these steps to ensure that hazards and potential exposure are minimised.
- When purchasing a chemical seek advice from sales staff.
- Select the right chemical by first reading the chemical product label very carefully.
- Buy and prepare only the smallest amount needed for the specific task.
[edit] CopperBytes
- There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before the child's birth.
