The Environmental Impact of Pest Control – What You Need to Know

If you want to prevent pest damage on your property, whether a garden or commercial site, chemical sprays may not be your only choice for pest control. When considering any kind of pest control measures before using them – especially ones with potential environmental consequences – always remember that any such products should be evaluated thoroughly first before making your choice.

Pesticide is any natural or synthetic substance used to kill or control pests such as insects, rodents, weeds, molds or germs. There are literally thousands of chemical pesticides on the market and most can be toxic to both living things (particularly humans) as well as the environment when applied incorrectly or stored and disposed of improperly.

Pest control raises numerous environmental considerations, with chemical leaching and absorption into soil, groundwater or surface water often being the biggest of these. When this happens, waterways become polluted or fish and other organisms’ health suffer. Adsorption processes also diminish the effectiveness of pesticides when applied repeatedly over time.

Resistance to pesticides is another major threat, which occurs when harmful organisms develop tolerance to specific compounds used by pesticides. To protect yourself against this situation, only apply sufficient quantities early. Pest Control Companies in Murrieta Likewise, apply your spray in areas not frequented by people and pets alike.

Pest control’s environmental impacts also include runoff or evaporation contaminating soil and water bodies, harming plants and wildlife as well as humans. Chemicals may move between areas through volatilization, wind or rain.

Many pest problems can be addressed using physical or cultural methods instead of chemical sprays, for instance a few caterpillars may not need to be controlled if their natural enemies provide enough defenses; however, an infestation that strips leaves or damages fruit could necessitate pesticide action.

Biological controls offer the most eco-friendly means of pest management. This method utilizes beneficial insects and organisms as mutualistic protectors against harmful ones in a mutually beneficial relationship, using local native populations or purchasing and releasing organisms from elsewhere. While biological controls offer the greatest environmental benefit, they may also be the more expensive choice.

Nonchemical pest control measures may involve eliminating food and shelter sources or reducing places where pests hide. Regular cleaning in areas where they breed and live is also beneficial. Checking outdoor areas often for cracks or holes that could serve as entryways is also recommended, along with eliminating standing water, garbage disposal issues and debris that attract pests as ways to control them. These nonchemical techniques all work together within an integrated pest management plan where both chemical and nonchemical techniques are combined into an effective plan to keep the population under control.