We share a planet with other creatures, some of which we live peacefully with, others not so much. Unfortunately, most pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, contain chemicals that cause health complications for humans and wildlife.
The Pesticide Problem
Pesticides cause a wide range of short and long-term health hazards, such as:
- Headaches
- Skin and Eye Irritation
- Dizziness and Nausea
- Cancer
- Endocrine System Damage
- Birth Defects
Pesticides present acute dangers to other living organisms as well, sometimes having devastating environmental effects. Pesticides can pollute the air, water, and soil. They are harmful to many living species and can kill microorganisms that would be have eben beneficial for soil health.
Over one billion pounds of chemical pesticides are used every year in the United States (about 5.6 billion pounds worldwide) (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
This causes a significant health and environmental concern.
- Water and air contamination
- Killing of plants and wildlife
- Chemical over-exposure and the harmful associated health problems
Some of the common chemicals in pesticides are methoxychlor, vinclozolin, and phosphates, which have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and neurological damage. Children and infants are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides. Of course, the level of risk is dependent on the toxicity of the ingredients, how much has been used, and whether or not it is contaminating your home and water supply.
Regardless, it’s important to minimize your exposure to pesticides. Homeowners who rely on well water should avoid any chance of chemical fertilizer and pesticide runoff. More environmentally friendly pest management can keep the damaging intruders out without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Don’t Use Pesticides
As a general rule, don’t use pesticides around your home. The strong chemicals in pesticides are much more harmful to your health and the environment than to the insects themselves. Even small amounts can build up in your indoor air, water supply, and cause harm to you and other animals in the food chain.
Try Organic Biopesticides
Biopesticides, using organisms to gain biological control over pests, is a natural way to reduce destructive pests and organisms. Beneficial organisms build up the ecosystem’s natural resistance to destructive organisms.
Consider using organic soil stimulants, such as Holganix, to promote healthy plants able to resist pathogens and disease.
Pestproof Plants
One way to prevent pests in your yard and home is to choose pest-resistant plants that work well in your region.
Plug Holes and Gaps
Get rid of all the entrance points for pests by fixing broken windows, sealing small cracks, weatherstripping doors/windows, and more. If you do open your windows for ventilation or a fresh breeze, make sure you have properly installed screens. This keeps flies, cockroaches, and other critters from entering your home in the first place.
Other natural ways to prevent pests include:
- Putting away all food and using tightly sealed containers.
- Bringing in pet food and water for the night.
- Using spring-loaded trash cans.
- Fixing leaking plumbing, broken gutters, standing water, and other sources of water and moisture.
- Improving drainage and runoff.
- Periodically checking for nesting places.
- Hiring a professional for pest control and management.
Learn more ways to keep unwanted guests out of your home:
Professional Chemical-Free Pest Control
ABC Home & Commercial Services provides eco-friendly pest control to help with all of your pest problems, including ants, roaches, bed bugs, rodents, and insects. We will send a trained specialist to your home for a thorough inspection of your property and pest problem. Next, a customized pest control program will be presented to you, focusing on the safest, lowest-impact solutions to eradicate them.
Instead of merely spraying toxic chemicals all around your property, we plan a long-term, long-range, coordinated effort. This involves introducing friendly microorganisms into your ecosystem, removing food and water sources, barring means of entry, trapping intruders, and more low-impact approaches.
Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is specifically designed for your needs, implemented with the health and safety of your family and environment in mind.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive pest management with eco-friendly solutions that are safe for people, pets, property, and nature. We constantly reevaluate our products and service to promote the most effective green pest control methods.
If the situation calls for it, our technicians will use the least toxic pesticide option available, with your safety and wellbeing of prime concern.
Keep your home and family pest-free without resorting to toxic chemicals. Contact ABC for green, low-impact pest control and management.
